Osaka is the second largest city in Japan next to Tokyo, and also a popular place to visit for tourist! People travel to Osaka for delicious foods, traditional buildings like temples and castles, and uniqueness of its culture. Here is 1 day itinerary in Osaka enjoying foods, buildings, and cultures!
Osaka Castle Park
I strongly recommend you to go to Osaka Castle Park in the morning since there are less people and you can take time to enjoy it either you go inside or not. If you go inside, don’t forget to wear something comfy. You need to use stairs some times inside of castle. Go read an article below for details!
Shitennouji Temple
This is one of the OLDEST Buddhist temple in Japan. It was built in year of 593 by the order by Shotoku Taishi. For 1400 years, It has gone through so many things like typhoon, fire, bomb, etc. but always been a place for people to pray.
Osaka Shin Sekai
This is one of typical touristic places in Osaka! There are a lot of restaurants and shops in this area. Shin Sekai literally means new world (Shin=New + Sekai=World). It is very shiny with lightening of signs and boards of stores at night.
Although, to be honest with you, I wouldn’t say this place is peaceful and safe since there are people who are drunk, smoking and walking, homeless, too. That’s my reason to go there at lunch time.
Kushikatsu & Doteni (Doteyaki) : Famous Food in Osaka
One of famous foods in Osaka is Kushikatsu: fried food in a skewer, and dip it into the special sauce. There are vegitables, meats, seafoods, etc. It’s usually 100 to 300 yen per stick (of course, it depends on what is sticked though). You’d like it if you like fried food.
Doteni / Doteyaki is also famous, beef tendon and veggies like daikon radish and carrot simmered with miso. Surprisingly for me, my husband (American) loves it!
Kuromon Ichiba (Market)
Kuromon Ichiba is a market that has 150 to 160 shops are lining up for 580 meters. It is said that people started selling fresh fishes around this area in 1818-1831, it was called “Enmyouji Market” at that time.
Ichigo Daifuku : Wagashi (Japanese Sweet)
Ichigo Daifuku (strawberry mochi) is my favorite, and my American husband loves it too. It is so soft, chewy and gooey.. difficult to explain though, I just love it!
Namba
You can walk up to Namba from Kuromon Market. Namba is one of big stations in Osaka where you can find many shops and restaurants.
Butaman (Pork Bun) : 551 HORAI
If you have time and room for your stomach, I highly recommend you to try Butaman (pork bun) at shop named 551 HORAI.
*you can also find 551 HORAI at other locations too like JR Osaka station.
Doutonbori
As you might already know, Doutonbori is one of most famous spots in Osaka. It also is known for Kuidaore that means “eat til fall”
Takoyaki : Osaka’s Speciality
Takoyaki is also one of Osaka’s speciality that i LOVE!! There are many Takoyaki shops around Doutonbori area, and it costs 500 to 800 yen. It’s super hot inside, just be noted.
Those are my recommendation for you! Let me know if you tried 😉
