A half-day Osaka sightseeing itinerary! From Dotonbori to Osaka Castle and Abeno Harukas

Another advantage of Osaka is that it is easy to access nearby tourist destinations such as Kyoto and Kobe. For example, you can plan to spend half a day in Osaka and the other half in another city.
In this article, we will propose three model itineraries by theme for those who want to "enjoy Osaka in half a day." They are perfect for first-time visitors to Osaka, as well as for repeat visitors looking for a quick getaway.

*Prices include tax.

Gourmet course: Eat to your heart's content!

Osaka is known for its "eat to your heart's content." In this gourmet course, we will introduce a route in the Minami area where you can enjoy Osaka's unique flavors to the fullest, focusing on the classic delicacies of takoyaki and kushikatsu. In half a day, you can fully enjoy all the delicious things Osaka has to offer.

11:00 [Namba] Enjoy the "crispy outside, gooey inside" flavor at Osaka's classic "Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka"

If you want to try the classic Osaka gourmet food, the first place you should visit is "Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka." Since its establishment, it has been a popular restaurant loved by locals and tourists alike. It is a 2-minute walk from "Namba" station on the Midosuji subway line.

"Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside." The perfect combination of savory flavor and softness creates a unique texture. You can choose from sauce, dashi soy sauce, spicy sauce, ponzu sauce, and more. Each sauce is carefully selected to bring out the flavor of the ingredients, so you can enjoy comparing them.

Some stores also serve okonomiyaki, allowing you to fully enjoy the profound world of flour-based foods. Why not enjoy a stroll around the Namba area, dotted with gourmet spots, and take the time to sample some local foods?

Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka Namba store

Approximately 13 minutes on foot

12:00 [Shinsaibashi] Plenty of meat and onions! "Udonchiri Honke Nishiya Main Branch"'s famous meat udon

At lunchtime, we went to the much talked about udon specialty restaurant "Udon Chiri Honke Nishiya Main Branch" in Shinsaibashi. It is a long-established restaurant founded in 1957, located a 2-minute walk from "Shinsaibashi" Station on the Midosuji subway line.

Among the dishes on the menu is the signature "Niku Tsuke Udon", a dish of smooth, thin noodles dipped in a dipping sauce with plenty of meat and onions. The aroma of the dipping sauce, full of flavor, will whet your appetite.

The regular size is quite filling and will definitely fill you up. It has been gaining attention in recent years, with many celebrity fans, and is a hot topic on social media.

Another attraction is its easy-to-access location in Shinsaibashi. Nearby, there is a sister restaurant called "Soba Shabu Souhonke Naniwa Soba" where you can enjoy carefully made homemade soba and authentic soba shabu-shabu hotpot, which is also recommended for soba lovers. Be sure to check it out as a lunch option when you visit the Shinsaibashi area.

Udon Chiri Honke Nishiya Main Branch

Approximately 10 minutes on foot

13:00 [Shinsaibashi] Customize your own Japanese tea at "Mizutekiteki" produced by a Japanese tea appraiser!

If you want to take a break from walking around Shinsaibashi, head to Mizutekiteki, a custom tea cafe where you can casually enjoy the profound depths of Japanese tea. This shop is run by one of two female Japanese tea appraisers and offers a modern take on Japanese tea.

Their specialty is the "Custom Tea" which you can customize to your liking. You can enjoy your own cup of tea by combining your favorite toppings with a base tea such as Yame tea or Uji tea.

For dessert, we also recommend the crepes, which come in three different flavors (plain, matcha, and roasted green tea). The chewy crepe and gentle sweetness go perfectly with Japanese tea.

This lovely cafe is a 5-minute walk from Shinsaibashi Station. Why not stop by during a break from sightseeing and enjoy a little Japanese tea time to reset your mind?

Mizutekiteki

Approximately 10 minutes on foot

14:00 [Namba] Just like Howl's Moving Castle! Relax with a cup of coffee at "TASOGARE COFFEE"

TASOGARE COFFEE is a popular cafe located an 11-minute walk from Namba Station. Since opening at the end of August 2024, the fantastical interior of this "otherworldly cafe" has been a hot topic on social media, with many saying it looks like "Howl's Moving Castle!"

The interior of the store is designed with attention to detail, and the moment you open the door, you will feel as if you have entered another world. Even though it is located in the lively area of Namba, you can spend a relaxing time here.

Popular menu items include the affogato, which is drenched in a gorgeous berry sauce, and the tuna melt toast, which is irresistible with its melted cheese. Both are not only delicious, but also beautiful to look at.

Take a break with some tea and recharge your energy for the next spot. Why not stop by on a walk around the Minami area?

TASOGARE COFFEE

Approximately 4 minutes by train from Namba Station to Dobutsuen-mae Station

15:30 [Namba] Piping hot! Yaekatsu's delicious kushikatsu highly recommended by locals

To finish off your meal, head to Yaekatsu, a famous kushikatsu restaurant highly recommended by locals. Located just a two-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station on the Midosuji subway line, this popular restaurant always has a line no matter when you visit. It gets especially busy in the evening, so we recommend visiting a little earlier.

The kushikatsu skewers fried right in front of you at the counter are all piping hot and crispy. There is a wide selection of skewers available, from classic skewers to seasonal ingredients, so you can have fun choosing.

Another dish loved by local regulars is "Doteyaki." The beef tendon is simmered in sweet white miso until tender, and is a great dish to have before eating kushikatsu, or to accompany a drink.

Tsutenkaku Tower and Tennoji Zoo are located nearby, so you can enjoy sightseeing and food together. You can also get a real taste of Osaka.

Yaekatsu Main Store

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14 recommended places to eat while walking around Namba and Dotonbori! Eat your fill with classic and latest gourmet foods

Namba and Shinsaibashi are the downtown areas of Osaka's Minami district. This unique area, where Osaka's most famous tourist spots such as Dotonbori and Amemura are gathered, is a gourmet battleground filled with Osaka specialties and the latest sweets. We will introduce 14 recommended spots that have been carefully selected from the many famous restaurants.

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Lots of power spots! A course to experience Osaka's history and culture

Osaka may have a strong image of gourmet food and entertainment, but it is actually a city with many spots where you can experience history and culture. Many of these places are known as power spots, and are perfect for when you want to calm your mind while traveling. From here, we will introduce a model course that will allow you to experience the "quiet charm" of Osaka.

Also, if you plan on visiting early in the morning, we recommend breakfast. Please also check out the related articles below.

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If you wish to enjoy a stylish morning meal in Umeda, Osaka, this is the place to go!

Umeda is the starting point of a trip to Osaka. If you arrive early in the morning or want to be active in the morning, why not include breakfast in your itinerary? Umeda is home to a variety of restaurants and hotels where you can enjoy a wide variety of breakfasts in a variety of genres and styles, from sandwiches and rice balls to udon and buffets.

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10:00 [Namba] Drive away evil spirits with the lion's big mouth! Morning visit to Namba Yasaka Shrine

Namba Yasaka Shrine is located just a 6-minute walk from Namba Station, but it has a presence that makes you feel as if you have wandered into another world. The deity worshipped here is Susanoo-no-Mikoto, who is known for his divine virtues of warding off evil and epidemics.

What catches the eye of all visitors is the gigantic lion hall that towers over the shrine grounds. Its huge mouth, about 12 meters high and 11 meters wide, is said to swallow evil spirits and bring good fortune. You will surely be overwhelmed by its power.

Visiting the shrine in the silence of the morning is said to give you positive energy to start your day. Try stopping by for a morning visit before sightseeing or eating your way around the shrine.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

Approximately 10 minutes on foot

11:30 [Shinsaibashi] The birthplace of omurice! Enjoy the omurice at "Hokkyokusei"

"When you think of omurice, this is the place to go!" That's what many Osakans say about Osaka's long-established Western restaurant, "Hokkyokusei," a famous restaurant known as the birthplace of omurice. Founded in 1922 (Taisho 11), it is a historic restaurant that has been loved for over 100 years. It is about a 5-minute walk from "Namba" Station.

Originally, this dish was served to regular customers with stomach problems. The ketchup rice is wrapped in a soft, thin omelet and eaten with a spoon, giving it a gentle flavor that exudes the dignity and nostalgia that only the "original" can offer.

The main store is attractive for its tasteful Japanese-style building and relaxed atmosphere, and is popular because it is a place where you can relax and unwind in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. It gets particularly busy during lunch time, so we recommend coming a little early.

Hokkyokusei Shinsaibashi Main Store

3 minutes by train from Namba Station to Honmachi Station

4 minutes by train from Honmachi Station to Tanimachi 4-Chome Station

Approximately 19 minutes on foot from Tanimachi 4-Chome Station

13:00 [Osaka Castle] Enjoy the panoramic view from the castle tower! Enjoy the seasonal nature at Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle is a famous spot where you can feel the richness of history and nature while being located in the center of Osaka. There are several nearby stations, including Tanimachi 4-Chome Station and Morinomiya Station, and it takes about 20 minutes on foot from either station.

Its presence, once a symbol of national unification, remains overwhelming even today. From the castle tower protected by thick stone walls, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Osaka cityscape.

The natural beauty of each season is one of the highlights, with cherry blossoms in spring, deep green in summer, autumn leaves, and the clear air of winter. Depending on the season, you can also enjoy the fantastic nighttime illuminations.

This is a must-visit spot for history buffs, and also a great place to experience the "past" and "present" of Osaka all at once.

Osaka Castle

7 minutes by train from Tanimachi 4-Chome Station to Tennoji Station

15 minutes by train from Tennoji Station to Sumiyoshi Station

15:00 [Sumiyoshi] 2 million people visit for the first shrine visit of the year!? Osaka's most powerful power spot "Sumiyoshi Taisha"

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, located a 3-minute walk from Sumiyoshi-taisha Station on the Nankai Main Line, is known as the head shrine of the approximately 2,300 Sumiyoshi shrines across the country, and is one of Osaka's most powerful spots, attracting over 2 million visitors during the New Year's visit season.

The shrine is said to offer a wide range of benefits, including protection from misfortune, safe childbirth, business prosperity, matchmaking, and fertility, so it's easy to see why it attracts so many people of all ages. The beautiful vermilion-painted main hall and the arched bridge also draw the hearts of visitors.

If you want to calm your nerves a bit during your trip, or if you want to entrust your wishes, try stopping by this place to get a gentle nudge.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

Approximately 10 minutes by train from Sumiyoshi-Taisha Station to Namba Station

17:00 [Dotonbori] Enjoy delicious sukiyaki at "Hariju Dotonbori Main Branch," a Japanese Black Beef Specialty Store founded in 1919!

At the end of your trip, you'll want to choose a restaurant with an authentic taste that has been loved for many years. "Hariju Dotonbori Main Branch" is a long-established restaurant specializing in Japanese Black Beef that was founded over 100 years ago.

The signature dish is sukiyaki, made with high-quality domestic black beef. The umami of the beef and the sweet and spicy sauce are perfectly intertwined, leaving you feeling satisfied with every bite. In a relaxing Japanese atmosphere, you can leisurely savor the food that is carefully brought to you, making it the perfect way to end your trip.

Located in the bustling Dotonbori, this place gives off a somewhat extraordinary feeling, so why not take the time to enjoy the "traditional flavors" of Osaka?

Hariju Dotonbori Main Branch

A course to fully enjoy Osaka, the city of entertainment

Osaka has a lot of entertainment to tickle your playful side, from theme parks and museums to experience-based spots! From here, we will introduce a model course focusing on the fun spots in Osaka. Recommended for both families and outings with friends. We will suggest a course where you can laugh and have fun to your heart's content, even in the afternoon.

13:00 [Suita City] A living museum!? Enjoy art and creatures at "Nifrel"

"Nifrel," which has the concept of "touching your senses," is a somewhat unique museum of living creatures planned and produced by the famous aquarium, Kaiyukan. It is a facility that combines an aquarium, a zoo, and an art museum, located inside EXPOCITY, about 43 minutes by train from "Osaka" Station.

The museum focuses on the individuality of aquatic creatures and animals. You can see creatures up close in zoned spaces based on characteristics such as "color" and "movement." The exhibition space, where lighting, sound, and spatial direction have been carefully considered, is so beautiful that you will want to take pictures.

It is also adjacent to a shopping facility, making it convenient for finding souvenirs. At the attached cafe, you can enjoy gourmet food such as juicy hamburgers while watching the mini hippos and white tigers, so you can sharpen your senses while taking a break.

A "living museum" where you can enjoy creatures, art, and gourmet food. It's the perfect spot to start your trip, providing stimulation and relaxation.

Nifrel

Approximately 6 minutes by train from Bampaku Kinen Koen Station to Minamiibaraki Station

Approximately 25 minutes by train from Minamiibaraki Station to Minamimorimachi Station

15:30 [Tenjinbashi] The only place in Japan! Make your own record clock at "BUTTER RECORD"

For those who want to enjoy a hands-on crafting experience, we recommend "BUTTER RECORD", located a four-minute walk from Minami-Morimachi Station. This is a unique shop that holds the only workshop in Japan that specializes in "record clocks".

The store has a selection of over 500 records that are no longer in use. Choose your favorite record and create your own original clock from three different designs, including a wall clock or a table clock.

The vintage feel and jacket designs of the pieces make them perfect interior decorations. This is a special Osaka experience that allows you to keep a tangible memory of your trip.

BUTTER RECORD

Approximately 12 minutes by train from Minamimorimachi Station to Tennoji Station

18:00 [Tennoji] This is Osaka! Enjoy the most spectacular view of Osaka at "Abeno Harukas"

Abeno Harukas is known as a spot with a spectacular view of the city of Osaka. It is a 300m-tall skyscraper complex, and from its observation deck, Harukas 300, you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of not only the Osaka cityscape, but also the Akashi Strait and Awaji Island on a clear day.

The daytime view is also attractive, but we especially recommend visiting from dusk until night. As the orange sky slowly darkens and the city lights come on, a fantastic night view emerges that combines the lively and romantic atmosphere typical of Osaka.

There are also department stores, art museums, and hotels on the premises, so there are many other ways to enjoy the view. How about spending some time relaxing at the end of your trip and experiencing the scale of Osaka?

Harukas 300 (observation deck)

Approximately 17 minutes by train from Tennoji Station to Umeda Station

19:30 [Umeda] Grill and eat it yourself! Enjoy a takoyaki party at "Takonotetsu"

When it comes to Osaka cuisine, takoyaki is a must-try. If you want to have a unique experience, you can't miss Takonotetsu, a 5-minute walk from Umeda Station. Since its establishment in 1979, this restaurant has been known for its "your own takoyaki" style.

A hot plate is set up at your seat, and once the batter and ingredients are served, the "tako party" can finally begin. The process of turning the takoyaki over and over while cooking them is surprisingly addictive even for first timers! The appeal is not only the taste, but also the fact that everyone can have fun together.

Crispy on the outside, soft and gooey on the inside. Cooking it yourself makes it even tastier. Be sure to try this special takoyaki experience.

Takonotetsu Kakuda store

The charm of Osaka is condensed into one place. You can enjoy it even in half a day!

From city walks to gourmet food, history, art, and stunning views! The charm of Osaka is that you can enjoy so much that it's hard to believe it can be enjoyed in just half a day. The courses we have introduced here are all designed to give you a real feel for Osaka, even in a limited amount of time.

This route can be easily covered from morning to evening, making it perfect for a short trip between sightseeing or on a business trip. Why not try spending some casual, fun time on this model course that is packed with the essence of Osaka?

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19 Special Souvenirs You Can Only Buy in Osaka! A selection of gems available in department store basements and long-established stores

Osaka is full of words that symbolize its rich and high-quality food, such as "eat to your heart's content," "food capital," and "the kitchen of the world." Souvenirs are also evolving day by day. In this article, we have carefully selected "exceptional products that can only be purchased in Osaka," such as products that are only available in department store basements and sweets that have been loved in Osaka for a long time.

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