World Travel with MJ Family

Welcome to our guide to Osaka – a vibrant city that offers a perfect blend of travel, food, attractions, and itinerary. If you’re looking for a destination that has it all, Osaka is a perfect choice. In this post, we’ll take you on a journey through our three-night itinerary, exploring some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, trying out the local cuisine, and discovering the unique culture and history of this fascinating destination. So, fasten your seatbelts, and let’s embark on an adventure to Osaka!

If you’re a travel lover, you know that sometimes you only have a few days to explore a city. When my family and I decided to visit Osaka for just three nights in August 2014, we were worried we wouldn’t have enough time to see everything we wanted to. But with some careful planning, we managed to experience the best that Osaka has to offer. Here’s a detailed rundown of our itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival and Osaka Bay Tower

Please check our Day 1 experience here!!

We departed from Korea and arrived in Osaka early in the morning. After checking into our hotel, we headed straight to the Osaka Bay Tower. From the observation deck on the 52nd floor, we were treated to stunning views of the city and the surrounding bay. The tower is 173 meters tall, and it’s the highest point in the bay area. It’s an iconic landmark of the city, and it offers panoramic views of Osaka and the surrounding areas.

Next, we visited Tempozan, an entertainment complex that features a Ferris wheel and the famous Kaiyukan aquarium. The aquarium is one of the largest in the world, and it’s home to over 30,000 sea creatures from 620 different species. We were mesmerized by the variety of sea creatures on display, including whale sharks and manta rays. The aquarium is arranged in a circular pattern, so visitors can see all the exhibits in one go. We spent several hours there, and we were fascinated by the marine life and the exhibits.

For dinner, we tried a delicious sushi restaurant in the area recommended by our hotel. Sushi Uoshin is a small sushi restaurant near Tempozan, and it serves some of the freshest and most flavorful sushi we’ve ever tasted. We ordered a variety of sushi dishes, and we were impressed by the quality and the taste of the food. The restaurant has a cozy, intimate atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and welcoming.

Day 2: Universal Studios Japan

Please check our Day 2 experience here!

We spent the entire day at Universal Studios Japan, a theme park that’s popular with both kids and adults. The park is divided into several themed areas, including Hollywood, New York, and Jurassic Park. We rode roller coasters, watched live shows, and even got to meet some of our favorite characters from movies and TV shows. The highlight of the day was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which truly felt like stepping into the magical world created by J.K. Rowling. We walked through Hogwarts Castle, tried Butterbeer, and even got to cast spells with our wands.

Universal Studios Japan is a must-visit attraction in Osaka, especially if you’re a fan of movies and TV shows. The park has something for everyone, from thrilling rides to immersive experiences.

Day 3: Osaka Castle and Dotonbori

We started the day by visiting Osaka Castle, a historic landmark that dates back to the 16th century. The castle played a significant role in the unification of Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period. The castle’s museum was fascinating, with exhibits about the history of Osaka and Japan as a whole. The museum has several floors, and it displays a range of artifacts, weapons, and paintings. We learned about the castle’s history and significance, and we were impressed by the architecture and design of the castle.

From there, we headed to Dotonbori, a bustling shopping and dining district that’s famous for its neon lights and street food. Dotonbori is one of the most popular tourist spots in Osaka, and it’s a must-visit destination for foodies. We tried takoyaki (fried octopus balls), a local specialty that’s popular in Osaka. The small, savory balls are made of batter, diced octopus, and green onion, and they’re cooked on a griddle. They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and they’re served with a tangy sauce and mayonnaise.

After enjoying some street food, we went on a city tour and explored the other areas of Osaka. We visited some local shops and markets, and we were able to get a sense of the city’s vibrant culture and history. We also visited a few malls for some shopping. For dinner, we tried another local restaurant recommended by our hotel. Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M, a Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) restaurant, was one of the highlights of our trip. The restaurant serves premium wagyu beef, which is grilled at the table. The beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, and it was a memorable dining experience.

Day 4: Departure

On our last day, we had some free time before our flight back to Korea. We took a leisurely stroll around the city and visited a few more shops and markets. We also tried some more street food, including teriyaki (a fish-shaped cake filled with sweet red bean paste) and matcha soft-serve ice cream.

Overall, our three nights in Osaka were packed with memorable experiences and delicious food. We were able to see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions, and we were able to explore its unique culture and cuisine. If you’re planning a short trip to Osaka, we highly recommend following our itinerary and trying some of the restaurants and attractions we visited.

Recommended Restaurants:

– Sushi Uoshin: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka
– Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku M: 1-1-20 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka

Recommended Shopping Malls:

– Tempozan Marketplace: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka
– Daimaru Umeda: 3-1-1 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
– Namba Parks: 2-10-70 Nanbanaka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka

Tips for Traveling to Osaka:

– Make sure to try the local street food, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and teriyaki.
– Consider purchasing a one-day pass for the metro to save money on transportation.
– If you’re visiting Universal Studios Japan, arrive early to avoid long lines.
– Take a stroll around Dotonbori at night to see the city’s colorful neon lights and bustling atmosphere.
– Bring comfortable walking shoes, as there’s a lot of walking involved when exploring the city.
– In conclusion, Osaka is a fantastic destination for travelers who are looking for a mix of cultural experiences, delicious food, and exciting attractions. With our three-night itinerary, you can see some of the city’s most iconic landmarks and attractions while enjoying the local cuisine and culture. We hope this post has been helpful in planning your trip to Osaka, and we wish you a wonderful journey!

If you want to know about Osaka, please check this out!

If you want to check other cities, please go home and you can find many other posts.