Osaka has been a longtime economic hub in the Kansai region, gaining prominence throughout history thanks to the Port of Osaka, a hub for local and global commerce and trade. But a renowned food scene, rich history and culture and bountiful shopping are what draw travelers to Japan’s third largest city (behind Tokyo and Yokohama).
If you’re looking to visit for a few days, here are some great ideas for a short itinerary to take advantage of the must-see sights and bites in Osaka and beyond.
Day One
Arriving in Osaka, you’ll quickly get immersed in the hustle and bustle of one of Japan’s biggest metropolitan centers, where dozens of neighborhoods are separated by many bridges — just over 800, in fact — crossing the main Yodo River and other tributaries and canals.
Make your way to check in to Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The St. Regis Osaka. On Midosuji Avenue (considered the Champs-Élysées of Osaka), the hotel is a favorite of travelers with a distinct taste for luxury shops. As you step into the main entrance, a sense of tranquility sets in. And that feeling is only enhanced by the St. Regis butlers, whose white-glove treatment includes packing and unpacking, two pressed clothing items per day, arranging dinner reservations and any other requests you may have during your stay.
If you’re feeling peckish after your travels, pop in for a traditional afternoon tea service at The St. Regis Bar to enjoy the outdoor 12th-floor rooftop Zen garden and seasonal Japanese sake garden, or stop in at the lobby at dusk for the signature champagne sabrage (where someone will open a bottle with a saber in grand fashion) and complimentary bubbly. If you’re looking to stretch your legs, explore the shops that Midosuji offers.
For your first evening in Osaka, head to the lively Dotonbori district as the sun sets to experience the sights, sounds and bright billboards, including the famous Glico man advertisement. Embrace the commotion of the local restaurants, turning out street eats like okonomiyaki (savory pancakes made to order on a flat-top grill) at Okonomiyaki Mizuno or Namba Okonomiyaki Ajinoya Honen; crab feasts at famous spots like Kani Doraku; or Osaka-style kitsune udon noodles at Dotonbori Imai Honten.
Once you’ve had your fill, spend the rest of your night strolling Shinsaibashi, a covered shopping arcade stretching hundreds of stores, with plenty of smaller streets shooting off into smaller shops, bars and places to visit.
Day Two
Enjoy breakfast at The St. Regis Osaka, where you can select from fruit and pastries, along with a plated American-style spread of fried eggs with bacon and sausage or a traditional Japanese-style breakfast tray with soy-glazed fish, rice and other pickled vegetables and tofu side dishes.
After your meal, the next stop depends on your travel mood. For those looking to take in the city’s historic, arts or cultural scene, there are a couple of options. Osaka Castle, a reconstruction of the original with a museum-style attraction inside, is an impressive sight. Book your tickets online to skip to the front of the line, and then walk through the city’s history. Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in Japan, was founded in the third century. On its grounds, you’ll also pass over the iconic Sorihashi Bridge.
You can also catch a traditional Japanese bunraku show at the National Bunraku Theatre, an Osaka landmark founded in the 17th century that’s one of the only places in the world today to experience the art of Japanese puppeteering.
If the little ones are in tow, enjoy a day at Universal Studios theme park, where you’ll explore areas centered around Jurassic Park, the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, or spend some time with the manta rays, hammerheads and whale sharks at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
After a big day, have a quiet yet elegant evening with dinner at the St. Regis’ Teppanyaki Wajo, where you can take part in a high-end grill experience featuring fine ingredients from the Kansai and Osaka regions. Under the expert supervision of chef Ryutu Iizuka, who apprenticed under chef Joël Robuchon for many years, the restaurant cooks up seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, beef from Kobe and the even rarer Ishigaki Island, local vegetables and Japanese-grown rice. Finish with a proper matcha green tea service.
Day Three
As your time in Osaka comes to an end, spend the morning visiting Kuromon Market, dating back hundreds of years, where purveyors of fresh seafood, meat and other local produce sell their goods. Have a taste of grilled seafood and yakitori skewers, and be sure not to miss the takoyaki (round, savory-style bites usually filled with octopus), another staple in Osaka.
Other areas of the Kansai region are worth exploring, especially with the extremely efficient train network running through Japan. A train ride of under an hour can bring you to Kyoto, Nara or Kobe for an easy day trip or your next destination. Should you go with this latter option, hotels and train stations provide support for luggage delivery and storage.
Kyoto, the glorious, one-time capital of Japan and seat of the emperor, is chock-full of historic temples, shrines, old-style alleys and the Kamogawa riverside for a stroll or a scenic lunch.
Nara is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, particularly for its cultural and historical significance and the many deer roaming local sites. Visitors can pay respect to the almost 50-foot bronze statue of Buddha at Tōdai-ji or head to Horyu-ji, two of Japan’s oldest temples.
Nearby Kobe offers a day trip for foodies. Many excellent restaurants in the area serve the region’s eponymous meat, a worldwide delicacy that’s known for its fatty, delicious flavor and marbled texture.
