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Osaka is a city that has something to offer for everyone, from history and culture to food and shopping. However, if you only have one day to explore this vibrant city, you might be wondering what to see and do. This article is especially dedicated to those that have a stopover and want to leverage that for their trip! Of course, you can change it up but this is assuming you have time in the morning all the way to dinner.
In this article, we’ll present three different itineraries to help you make the most of your limited time in Osaka.
Itinerary 1: The Historical Tour
For those interested in history and culture, this itinerary is perfect for you.
- 9:00 AM: Start your day by visiting the Osaka Castle, a 16th-century castle that is now a museum and park. Explore the castle’s many exhibits, including the history of the castle and the life of its former residents.
- 11:00 AM: Take a break from your historical tour and grab a bite to eat at one of the many food stalls near the castle.
- 12:00 PM: After lunch, head to the Hozen-ji Temple, a small temple located in the busy Dotonbori area. The temple is known for its moss-covered grounds and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
- 1:00 PM: Continue your historical tour by visiting the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of the oldest and most important shrines in Japan. This shrine is dedicated to the gods of navigation and is a popular destination for sailors and fishermen.
- 2:00 PM: Finish your historical tour by visiting the Shitennoji Temple, Osaka’s oldest temple and one of the oldest temples in Japan. This temple is known for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens, making it a great place to end your day.
Itinerary 2: The Foodie Tour
For food lovers, this itinerary is a must.
- 9:00 AM: Start your day by visiting the Kuromon Ichiba Market, a bustling food market known for its fresh seafood, meats, and vegetables. Try some of the local specialties, such as Takoyaki, a ball-shaped snack filled with diced octopus, or Okonomiyaki, a savory pancake.
- 11:00 AM: After exploring the market, take a break and enjoy a cup of tea at one of the local tea shops.
- 12:00 PM: After tea, head to the Umeda Sky Building, a floating garden and observation deck located in the heart of the city. Enjoy a panoramic view of Osaka while savoring a light lunch.
- 2:00 PM: After lunch, visit the Shinsekai district, known for its street food stalls and traditional eateries. Try some of the local specialties, such as Kushi-katsu, deep-fried skewered meats and vegetables, or Kushikatsu Daruma, a popular street food stand.
- 4:00 PM: Finish your foodie tour with a visit to the Dotonbori area, known for its vibrant dining and entertainment options. Try some of the local dishes, such as Ramen or Sushi, and experience the energy of this bustling area.
Itinerary 3: The Shopping Tour
For those who love to shop, this itinerary is perfect for you.
- 9:00 AM: Start your day by visiting the Shinsaibashi area, known for its high-end boutiques, department stores, and street vendors. Explore the many shopping options and find unique and stylish souvenirs to take home with you.
- 11:00 AM: After shopping, take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the local coffee shops
- 12:00 PM: After coffee, head to the Namba Parks, an indoor shopping mall and park located in the Namba area. This mall features a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, making it a great place to spend the afternoon.
- 2:00 PM: After shopping at Namba Parks, visit the Amerikamura area, known for its eclectic mix of vintage clothing stores, retro shops, and trendy boutiques. Explore the many shopping options and find unique and fashionable items to add to your wardrobe.
- 4:00 PM: Finish your shopping tour by visiting the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan. This street is lined with traditional shops, restaurants, and street vendors, offering a wide variety of shopping options for everyone.
Conclusion
Osaka is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or shopping. With these three itineraries, you can make the most of your one day in Osaka, no matter what your interests are. Whether you choose to visit historical sites, sample delicious food, or go shopping, Osaka has something to offer for everyone. So don’t hesitate, book your trip to Osaka today and experience all that this amazing city has to offer.