Osaka Itinerary: How to Spend 3 Days in Osaka

Day 1 in Osaka

Castle of Osaka

Your 3 days in Osaka itinerary starts with the Castle of Osaka which is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Osaka and all of Japan. Regardless, if you are planning to visit the castle itself, you need to see this architectural gem of Osaka.

It was originally built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in 1583 as a symbol of his power and influence during the Azuchi-Momoyama period of Japanese history. The castle has been destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, so you won’t find many original pieces inside.

The castle is surrounded by a beautiful park, where you can wander around for hours and look for the best views over the castle. Make sure you visit the Japanese Garden for some epic photos. Also, if you are visiting Osaka during cherry blossom season, head to Nishinomaru Garden.

Pulala Tenma and Nakazakicho

Take the train from Osaka Castle to explore the Pulala Tenma area, where you can find one of the most lively markets in Osaka. Explore Tenma ichiba to find some fresh goodies and find the “thousand lamps” street to snap an iconic photo of the place.

From Pulala Tenma you can walk to Nakazakicho. This is a unique bohemian neighborhood, and it certainly deserves a visit during your 3 day Osaka itinerary. It is a charming and vibrant neighborhood with a lot of character, history, and personality.

Pulala Tenma and Nakazakicho feature many small cafes, art galleries, vintage clothing stores, and independent boutiques. The streets are lined with charming old buildings that have been converted into shops and restaurants.

Lunch

This is a perfect place to find your lunch spot or sit down for a coffee. If you want a quick break, you might want to visit Picco Latte, La Granda Familio Nakazakicho, 89 Cafe, or Utena Cafe.

Meat lovers will go crazy for Temma Nikuyakiya, where you can try the freshest regional specialties in a traditional Japanese environment.

If you prefer something more casual but with a great character head to Salon de AManTo. This art cafe is a unique place you need to visit during your Osaka vacation. It offers simple and affordable dishes in a very vintage Japanese style.

Umeda Sky Building

Umeda Sky Building is one of the must-add to your 3-day Osaka tour itinerary. This is one of the most iconic places in the city and one of the most popular spots in Osaka for first-time visitors.

The Umeda Sky Building consists of two towers connected by a circular observatory, which is suspended between the two towers at a height of 170 meters above the ground. I believe you are daydreaming about views over Osaka already.

Apart from the views, you need to take a ride in the building’s glass-walled escalators, which is, hands down, one of the most iconic places in Osaka. If you travel to Osaka for the architecture and urban landscapes, Umeda Sky Building has to be added to your 3-day Osaka itinerary.

🎟 Get your entrance ticket here.

Dotonbori

The first evening of your 72 hours in Osaka ends in the iconic Dotonbori. This district is a bustling entertainment district that attracts both locals and tourists, so be prepared for crowds and queues.

The main attraction of Dotonbori is the canal that runs through the district, which is lined with shops, restaurants, and bars. You can take a leisurely stroll along the canal and enjoy the lively atmosphere, or hop on a boat to get a different perspective.

One of the most iconic sights in Dotonbori is the Glico Man – a giant neon sign featuring a running athlete that has become a symbol of the district. Other popular landmarks in the area include the Kani Doraku crab sign and the Don Quijote discount store. It is known for its wide selection of souvenirs and quirky items.

A perfect 3 days in Osaka itinerary for first-timers includes trying the iconic 10 Yen pancakes stuffed with cheese. You can find the 10 Yen pancakes in two locations in Dotonbori, so pick the one with the shorter queue.

Dinner

Some of the best restaurants in Osaka are located in Dotonbori and you might have to wait a while before taking a seat. I recommend getting to the Katsudon Chiyomatsu as early as possible to avoid the rush hour.

Katsudon Chiyomatsu is the place to be to try one of the best Tonkatsu in all of Japan. Of course, it comes with a price and you will find a long queue even before the opening time. I arrived at 5.30 pm and got a seat only at 7 pm. There are only 13 seats, so the queue is very slow.

Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish that consists of a breaded and deep-fried pork cutlet. This Youtube famous restaurant caught my attention even though I am not someone who would order a pork dish and I am glad it did.

The taste is so flavorful and pork is so tender it just melts in your mouth. If I was eating with my eyes closed, I would never say that it was deep-fried pork. That’s how special it is. 

The meat is served on a delicious base of rice with eggs and onion and you can find different sizes of the Tonkatsu, starting from 200 grams to 400 grams. Portions are massive and you have to order at least one dish per person, but the bigger the meat, the better it gets.

Day 2 in Osaka

Katsuo-ji Temple

A complete Osaka itinerary for 3 days must include Katsuo-ji Temple, which is situated on top of a mountain and offers beautiful views of the surrounding area.

One of the unique features of Katsuo-ji Temple is its Daruma dolls which can be found all over the complex. These dolls are traditionally used in Japan as a symbol of perseverance and good luck.

The complex features a large Sanmon, a temple, a pagoda, and a massive garden which is particularly stunning during spring and fall. Due to the peculiarity of the place this has become a very popular attraction among locals, but a true gem for tourists.

It is in the North of Osaka and it takes a while to arrive, but it is one of the most underrated places in Osaka and it is worth the ride.

Shitennoji

After visiting Katsuo-Ji Temple, head back to the central area to discover another highlight of your Osaka vacation. Shitennoji is an ancient Buddhist temple located in the Tennoji district of Osaka, Japan.

The temple grounds feature a variety of historic buildings, including a five-story pagoda, a main hall, a lecture hall, and a garden. The main hall, known as the Kondo, is the oldest wooden building in Japan.

The five-story pagoda is one of the best places to visit in Osaka to appreciate classic Japanese architecture. On the 21st of each month, there is a flea market around the temple, so if you happen to be here, you can’t miss it.

It is free to visit Shitennoji, however, there is a fee for visiting Chushin Garan and Treasure House. If you have limited time in Osaka, I advise you to visit only the main part of Shitennoji. The temple is open from 8 am to 4 pm and while it gets crowded, it is very peaceful and zen.

Lunch

After exploring the temple and soaking up some of its history and atmosphere, it’s time to stop for lunch. There are several restaurants in the surrounding area, but I have a recommendation if you’re looking for something special.

Shitennoji Hayauch is a lovely choice for a cozy yet refined Japanese dining experience. The food is excellent, and just as much attention goes into the presentation as the flavors.

I particularly recommend their tempura and soba. If you’re interested in learning more about Japanese cuisine, the restaurant also offers cooking classes, but you’ll need to book in advance.

Ooe Shrine, Aizendo Shoman-in, Isshin-ji

Since you have 3 days in Osaka, I’d also leave some time to explore places beyond the main tourist attractions. I found a few lovely hidden gems around Shitennoji Temple that are worth a little detour.

Just a 10-minute walk from Shitennoji, you’ll find Ooe Shrine. It’s a small, peaceful shrine surrounded by greenery and a nice place to take a break from the busy streets.

Around the corner from Ooe Shrine is Aizendo Shoman-in. Another quiet spot that seems to fly under the radar, this temple is known for its healing powers. It’s worth a visit if you’re interested in discovering some of Osaka’s lesser-known temples and their traditions.

Last but not least, there is Isshin-ji, an ancient temple dating back to 1185. What caught my attention was its entrance, which features a rather unusual modern steel design.

Shinsekai

No 3-day Osaka itinerary would be complete without a visit to Shinsekai, especially since it’s just a short walk from Isshin-ji. Developed in the early 20th century as an entertainment district, Shinsekai literally means “New World” in Japanese, and it still has a character of its own.

The neighborhood is known for its retro atmosphere, colorful signs, and iconic landmarks. Make sure to stop by Tsutenkaku Tower and walk along Janjan Yokocho Alley, two of the most recognizable spots in this part of Osaka.

You’ll also find plenty of restaurants and small shops here, so this is a good place to try some local food. After all, Osaka is famous for the saying “Eat until you are broke”!

For a quick bite, I recommend Yamatoya, Usagiya for okonomiyaki, or one of the well-known Kushikatsu Daruma restaurants. Just a little tip: some restaurants in this area have mixed reviews, so check them before choosing where to eat.

I also love Shinsekai in the evening, when all the colorful signs light up and the whole neighborhood takes on a different atmosphere. It’s a fun place to wander around and end your day in Osaka.

Day 3 in Osaka

Namba Yasaka Jinja

The last day of your Osaka itinerary for 3 days starts with one of the most unique temples in the city.

Namba Yasaka Shrine, also known as Yasaka Shrine or Namba Shrine, is a Shinto shrine located in the Namba district of Osaka, Japan. One of the most unique features of Namba Yasaka Shrine is its large lion head structure, which stands at the entrance of the shrine.

Due to its unique design, this is one of the most photographed and most visited places in Osaka. I recommend you to get there early to enjoy the peace of the place and make your wish for good luck.

Rikuru cheesecake or Cafe Mog Namba (or both!)

After all that sightseeing, it’s time for something sweet! Head to Rikuro’s Cheesecake, one of the most famous dessert spots in Osaka.

Their fluffy cheesecake has become something of a local food icon, and you’ll find it recommended in almost every Osaka travel guide. You can buy a whole cake to take away or head upstairs to their cafe and enjoy a slice while taking a little break.

Just a couple of minutes away, you’ll find another spot worth saving for your sweet tooth: Cafe Mog Namba. This place is known for its fluffy pancakes, which come in both sweet and savory options. I tried the matcha pancakes and absolutely loved them!

Sumiyoshi Taisha

Next, take the Nankai Line south to Sumiyoshi Taisha, one of the most beautiful and historically significant shrines in Osaka. Dating back almost 2,000 years, this ancient Shinto shrine has played an important role in Japanese history and is well worth adding to your itinerary.

Sumiyoshi Taisha is dedicated to four gods associated with the sea and maritime voyages. As Osaka has always had a strong connection to the sea, the shrine was an important place for people seeking protection during their journeys.

I would set aside at least an hour to explore the complex. Take your time walking around, admire the architecture, and don’t rush through the different areas.

Kumata Shrine

Next, head east to Kumata Shrine, another hidden gem in Osaka that is easy to overlook. After spending time in busy areas like Dotonbori and Umeda, this is a lovely place to slow down and enjoy a much quieter side of the city.

To be honest, when I first saw photos of Kumata Shrine, I wasn’t particularly impressed. But after visiting, I ended up loving it!

The shrine is beautifully designed, with a lovely garden and a peaceful atmosphere. Even though there is plenty to admire, you won’t find many tourists here, which makes the visit even more enjoyable.

Senkoji

And just like the previous place, Senko-ji is one of the lesser-known Osaka temples. You can reach Senkoji simply by walking from Kumata Shrine. This will give you the chance to see a lively neighborhood with markets and wooden houses.

This unique temple offers a cool experience and has a heaven and hell theme. At the entrance, you will get a route to discover curiosities about the Buddhist idea of heaven and hell.

I suggest you enter the temple from the shopping arcade and follow the map. As you go, you will find pretty gardens, unique sculptures, and even an exhibition of post-war life in Japan

Dinner

After a full day of exploring, I have something special in mind for your last evening in Osaka. I recommend joining an evening walking tour with Deep Backstreet, which was one of my favorite experiences in the city.

We spent the evening wandering through some of Osaka’s historic neighborhoods, discovering little backstreets, and trying local street food along the way. It was a lovely way to see a different side of Osaka and experience the city beyond the usual tourist spots.

Bar Call me Tell me

Since you’ve spent the day discovering some of Osaka’s hidden gems, why not end your 3-day itinerary with one more secret spot?

Bar Call Me Tell Me is a hidden cocktail bar that you could easily walk past without noticing. From the outside, it looks like a traditional British phone box, so you might not even realize there is a bar inside!

Once you step inside, you’ll find a relaxed atmosphere, great music, and an impressive drinks menu. The cocktails are carefully prepared, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, and there is also a great selection of whiskies, including Japanese labels.

They also serve a few snacks, so you can settle in, enjoy a drink, and take your time. It’s a fun little place to end your evening and wrap up your 72 hours in Osaka.