Best Itinerary for 2-3 Days in Osaka
Whether you have 2 days in Osaka or you’re looking for a 3 day Osaka itinerary, I’ve got you covered.
I’ve been to Osaka three times now, so I’ve got a good idea of what you should include in your 2/3 day Osaka trip.
Last time I went to Osaka for three days, I flew in to Kansai Airport from Heathrow on the Finnair flight arriving at 10am. My Osaka itinerary started from there.
This might seem pretty hectic, but if you’re only in a Japan for a week, like I was, you need to be brutal and get on Japan time ASAP.
Day one in Osaka and you’re not allowed to go to bed until earliest 10pm, ok?
If you only have one day in Osaka then I have a 24-hour Osaka itinerary here, but if you can spare bit more time (which I’d totally recommend) then here’s what to do with 2 days in Osaka. I’ve added a third to check out some of the many day trips from Osaka to enjoy.
Day one in Osaka
If you can, go and drop your luggage off at your accommodation and freshen up. If that’s too inconvenient many of the train and underground stations in Osaka will have lockers to let you keep your stuff safe for as long as you like. It’s so convenient.
Ready?
Morning in Osaka
Hot off the plane and I’d recommend your first port of call to be the Abeno Harukas Tower. This is the tallest skyscraper in all of Japan, and here it is, in Osaka.
Visiting the Abeno Harukas Tower first thing in your 2-day Osaka itinerary is a great way to get some perspective on Osaka, and just how sprawling it is. You’ll see how Osaka stretches all the way out to the water and mountains, and really, there’s no more room. The only way is up!
Reach the top and you’ll be 300 metres from the ground, and 60 stories high.
One of the best things to do up the Abeno Harukas Tower is to visit the toilet. The ones by the restaurant and a gift shop – the mirror above the sinks is super trippy. I’m told it’s like this in the guys’ toilet too.
Gotta get a selfie here. Rude not to.
Also, this popular-in-Japan ice cream was the perfect refreshing antidote to my cotton mouth for being awake for an indecent amount of time after flying from England. It’s pineapple flavoured, and has popping candy on it. Amazing.
You can enjoy a snack in the Garden Terrace on the 16th floor, or there’s a full on restaurant inside if you prefer.
I was in Osaka on a press trip and so managed to get up on the helipad floor, right on the top of the skyscraper. I enjoyed windy impressive 360 views over Osaka, which on the beautiful day I was there, was just incredible. To be honest though, the views inside are enough.
If you don’t want to have lunch up the Abeno Harukas Tower, then get the lift down and take a look round Tennoji Park. Here you’ll find a few bars and pubs to enjoy a drink in, and to relax and admire the Abeno Harukas Tower from the ground.
Also, there’s a little doggy park if you want to see some cute Japanese dogs running around, and there’s the Osaka sign too.
Perfect photo opportunity!
READ MORE: For the best Osaka 1 day itinerary, click here!
Afternoon in Osaka
Next up on your 2-day Osaka itinerary, it’s time to head to the American Village. This is a really cool part of Osaka that I accidentally stumbled on the second time I visited Osaka. It wasn’t until the third time that I realised it had a name, and was a ‘thing’.
If you like shopping, or cool street art and design, then this is the area for you.
Visit the American Village and you’ll find lots of hipsters buying ‘second hand’ clothes and drinking coffee. Make sure you look up and take in the wonderful street lights – never seen a street light like them.
From here it’s easy walking distance to get to the Shinsaibashi / Dotonbori area. This is where most people will think of when they think of ‘Osaka’. It’s where you’ll find the cool street stands, the crazy restaurants and the quirky decorations.
Spend some time just mooching about here as there’s a lot to see.