Give me five days, and I’ll plan a free and easy trip to Osaka~~~ Here’s an ultra-simple guide tailored for a relaxed travel vibe~
Firstlet’s talk abouttheessentials of travel—[accommodation]!
For accommodation, I highly recommend staying near [Shinsaibashi], as it’s a must-visit spot! Whether you’re dining out or shopping, everything is super convenient. Of course, the type of hotel you choose depends on your budget. But personally, I think in Japan, opting for a [hotel] is better than a homestay. Whether it’s budget or luxury. Since we usually shop a lot and end up with plenty of trash from packing, hotels make disposal much easier.
Day1
I suggest heading to the Umeda Sky Building on your first day. Watching the night view there in the evening is absolutely fantastic! If you’re hungry, you can grab dinner first before heading to the Sky Building.
[Umeda Sky Building]1-1, Daikokucho, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Official website of Umeda Sky Building: http://www.kuchu-teien.com/index.php
[Image courtesy of the official website]
It’s truly stunning! Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or going solo, this spot is highly recommended!
For dinner, I’d suggest trying some of Osaka’s famous local specialties! How can you visit Osaka without trying them~~
[Takoyaki (Octopus Balls)]Little Ball (Chibi)Generally speaking, there aren’t any particularly bad ones—it depends on your taste. There are plenty around Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori. Recommended: [Juhachiban], [Akakichi Takoyaki (Dotonbori Branch)], [Aizu-ya Umeda Branch
], and [Juhachiban (Dotonbori Branch)
[Takoyaki Ichigou (Dotonbori Branch)]1-2-3 Namba, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
[Okonomiyaki]]In a nutshell: it’s a savory pancake loaded with lots of ingredients. With its caramelized aroma and savory sauce, it’s a delicious, filling, and affordable local favorite.
Recommended: [Mitsu no], [Tsuruhashi Fūgetsu](which has many branches), or the okonomiyaki on the B1 floor of Hep Five — you can knock them all out in one go with Hep Five.
[Mitsu no]is quite popular among locals — just take a look at the line outside the door!!!
[Mitsu no]1-4-15 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
[Tsuruhashi Fūgetsu Main Store]2-18 Shimamiyahoncho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Day2
Morning: Osaka Castle Park → Afternoon: Dotonbori Food Street, Shinsaibashi, Hozenji Yokocho → Evening: Shopping in Shinsaibashi
[Osaka Castle]An iconic landmark in Osaka and a must-visit for many tourists. Including the park and a bit of walking, you’ll probably want to set aside about two hours.
Then head to Dotonbori for some food, stroll through Shinsaibashi and Hozenji, and in the evening, check out the drugstores or Don Quijote. After shopping, grab a bite nearby before heading back to your hotel to drop off your loot.
[Ramen]When in Japan, ramen is an absolute must. I won’t go over Ichiran.
Recommended:[HakataFūryū]Dragon]http://fu-ryu.net/cn
Hakata is famous for its tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen. I’ve eaten at this [Hakata Fūryū] in Tokyo before — it didn’t seem overrun by tourists, but it’s very popular with locals. The tonkotsu ramen is a hit with students and office workers, and it’s also a regular spot for visitors.
On October 26th, two new branches opened in Osaka, and I happened to visit one of them[Ame-mura Branch], near Shinsaibashi Station. I got lucky and caught their grand opening promotion — half price!!! What great luck~ The tonkotsu ramen here tastes authentic and the prices are reasonable. I also found out there’s another newly opened branch[ChThe store is located right in front of the shop.].I like the classic pork bone broth flavor the most. The best part is you can add noodles twice, which is really great value and basically satisfies all kinds of appetites.
[Hakata Hooron Sentannichi Store] 1-8-14, Sentannichi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
[Hakata Hooron Amerikamura Store] 1-16-16, Nishi-Shinsaibashi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
And there are also Japanese language mini-lessons, haha!! Isn’t that super thoughtful? Adding noodles twice is free—go learn it~~
Day3
You can also go shopping around the hotel. The next day, head to USJ (Universal Studios Japan)! Besides buying tickets, make sure to purchase the express pass as well.
[USJJapanUniversal Studios] 2-chome, 1-1-33, Sakurajima, Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Official website of Universal Studios Japan: http://www.usj.co.jp/cn/
Tickets and express passes are purchased separately. Be sure to confirm the date and items you’re buying—don’t get them wrong~~
There are many different combinations of express pass options. If you want to hit lots of rides in one day, it’s highly recommended to buy theexpress pass!
You can purchase it in advance on Chinese travel agency platforms and just scan the QR code when entering.
Harry Potter is an extremely popular attraction in the park. It’s recommended to get the express pass for it.
Then have a glass of [ButterBeer], which is actually non-alcoholic. You’ll know once you try it~~
The Minion area is also a must-visit for many fans, and getting a popcorn bucket seems to be an essential part of the experience.
I won’t go into too much detail here~~ If you want to have a great time,just get the express pass~~
Day4
Morning + Afternoon:hep fiveShopping + Ferris wheel → Evening: Eat, drink, and relax
You can shop, eat, and ride the Ferris wheel—all within it for the whole day.
[Hep Five]5 Kakudamachi, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture"15
Hep Five official website: http://www.hepfive.jp/
Depending on your schedule, you can do some more shopping at a drugstore, packing might also take a while, and you can check out a must-visit spot for tourists.[Kani Doraku (Crab Restaurant)](There are many branches) https://douraku.co.jp/ — remember to make a reservation, especially for the Dotonbori location. Walk-ins may not be accepted, so it’s safer to book in advance.
[Kani DorakuDotonbori Main Store]1-6-18 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
Day5
It’s recommended to head to the airport early. Kansai Airport (KIX) is great for strolling, eating, and shopping. There are plenty of small restaurants at the airport, and prices are reasonable. Booking at duty-free shops through their official websites also offers discounts.
[KansaiAirport]http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp/cn/index.asp
A carefree and joyful independent trip is what we’re all after—wish everyone a wonderful time eating and having fun.