Osaka 5-Day Travel Guide
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka (Stay in Nishikujo)
• Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), complete immigration procedures → Take the airport transfer service booked via Trip.
• Check into the Nishikujo accommodation booked via Trip.
• If time permits, explore nearby "Kujo Shopping Street" or "Osaka Central Market" and have dinner nearby.
• Dinner recommendations: Izakayas or sushi restaurants near Nishikujo Station.
• For a more casual option, grab a supermarket bento or convenience store meal (7-11, FamilyMart).
Day 2: Tenma Street, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
• Suggested itinerary:
1. After breakfast, depart from Nishikujo → Take the JR line to Tenma Station.
2. Explore [Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street] (Japan's longest shopping street, stretching 2.6 km, a paradise for shopping and street food).
3. Visit [Osaka Museum of Housing and Living] (located at Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station, recreating Osaka's streets during the Edo period).
4. For dinner, enjoy takoyaki, kushikatsu, or sushi within the shopping street.
• Osaka Museum of Housing and Living: Directly accessible from the "Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station" (via Hankyu or Osaka Metro).
• Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street: Try takoyaki from "Wanaka," okonomiyaki, or tempura set meals.
• For dessert lovers: Try "taiyaki" or handmade wagashi shops.
Day 3: Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Full-Day Visit
• Recommended to leave around 7:30 AM to avoid crowds.
• Purchase tickets online in advance; consider buying Express Pass to reduce waiting times.
• Must-visit areas: Harry Potter World, Super Nintendo World, Jurassic Park, Hollywood Dream Ride, Spider-Man 4D.
• Gradually leave the park around 5:00 PM to avoid the evening rush.
• Transportation: Nishikujo → JR Sakurajima Line to "Universal City Station" (about 10–15 minutes).
• Bring light snacks and water.
• Wear comfortable shoes and carry a power bank.
• Download the USJ official app to check maps and queue times.
• Dining suggestions: "Three Broomsticks Ramen," "Mel’s Drive-In Burgers" inside the park, or dine at CityWalk outside (e.g., Hard Rock Cafe).
Day 4: Tsutenkaku, Dotonbori, and Relaxing at an Onsen
• Itinerary:
1. After breakfast, head to [Tsutenkaku] and [Shinsekai] (climb the tower for a view of Osaka and experience the retro Showa-era vibe).
2. For lunch, try [Kushikatsu Daruma], the original kushikatsu.
3. In the afternoon, visit [Dotonbori] to see the "Glico Man Sign" and enjoy takoyaki.
4. In the evening, relax at [Solaniwa Onsen] or "Spa World" (recommended to try wearing a yukata).
• Transportation:
• Nishikujo → Shin-Imamiya Station (via JR or Nankai Electric Railway).
• Dotonbori: Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to "Namba Station."
• Solaniwa Onsen: Get off at JR Bentencho Station (one stop from Nishikujo).
• Dotonbori's Don Quijote (open 24 hours) is great for shopping! Don’t forget your passport.
Day 5: Sukiya Breakfast and Kansai Airport Duty-Free Shopping
1. Start the day with a local breakfast at [Sukiya].
2. Take the train to Kansai Airport.
3. Upon arrival, explore the airport's duty-free area (Kansai Airport Terminal 1 is quite large, with many brands and souvenirs).
• Recommendations: Shiroi Koibito, ROYCE chocolates, Yatsuhashi, high-end cosmetics (Shiseido, SK-II, etc.).
• Transportation: Trip-arranged airport transfer.
• Tips:
• Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight to complete check-in procedures.
• Check the duty-free store catalog in advance to avoid missing out on desired items.
Additional Suggestions:
• Osaka Amazing Pass (1-day/2-day pass): Ideal for visiting attractions like the Museum of Housing and Living, Tsutenkaku, etc., saving on transportation and admission fees.
• ICOCA Card: Convenient for riding subways and JR lines, can be recharged.
• Shopping Recommendations:
• Umeda LOFT, Daimaru Department Store, Dotonbori Don Quijote, Bic Camera Shinsaibashi Store.