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Osaka Itinerary: 2 to 3 Days

Osaka is Japan's kitchen, an easygoing city built around great food and bright nightlife. Two days covers the highlights; a third opens up a day trip to Nara or Himeji. Here is a simple plan, plus good places to stay.

Suggested length2 to 3 days
Get aroundSubway and the JR loop line
Day tripsNara and Himeji

Day 1: Minami and the food scene

Start in Namba and Dotonbori for the canal, the Glico sign and street food, then graze through Kuromon Market and the retro Shinsekai district.

Day 2: castle and bay

See Osaka Castle and its park in the morning, then pick the Umeda Sky Building for views or Universal Studios Japan for the day.

Day 3: a day trip

Nara is about 45 minutes away for its great temple and deer park, and Himeji's castle is a short Shinkansen hop to the west.

Show stays for:
Where to stay
Stay 1
Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriott
Osaka
Sample 3-night stay
Sugata Hotel Osaka Shinsaibashi, Series by Marriott
★ 8.5 10347 reviews
€174.09
€58.03 / night
Book on Agoda →
Stay 2
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower
Osaka
Sample 3-night stay
APA Hotel & Resort Osaka Umeda Eki Tower
★ 8.5 33409 reviews
€157.23
€52.41 / night
Book on Agoda →
Stay 3
APA HOTEL&RESORT OSAKA NAMBA EKIMAE TOWER
Osaka
Sample 3-night stay
APA HOTEL&RESORT OSAKA NAMBA EKIMAE TOWER
★ 8.7 26165 reviews
€147.57
€49.19 / night
Book on Agoda →
Things to do

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Frequently asked questions
Is 2 days enough for Osaka?
Two days covers the food, Dotonbori and the castle. A third day is great for a trip to Nara or Himeji.
Where should I stay in Osaka?
Namba (Minami) puts you in the heart of the food and nightlife, while Umeda (Kita) is handy for transport. See the options below.

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Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.

Beta Prices and availability reflect current partner rates and can change before you book. Confirm the final price on 12Go or Agoda (linked per result) before booking.