Osaka is one of the largest cities in Japan and maybe some people think it is the only place that makes the city be famous. The cities nearby like Kyoto is famous for its beauty and cultural heritage, but this does not mean that you should miss out on Osaka or think of it as ‘another big city’. On the contrary, Osaka is said to be one of the friendliest and most accessible cities in Japan. It is also well-known for its delicious food. You can try lots of local goodies such as squid and octopus, but do not miss out on one of the best tourist attractions in the city.
- What to buy in Japan? — Top 23+ must-buy souvenirs & best things to buy in Japan
- What to buy in Osaka? — Top 21+ gifts, souvenirs & best things to buy in Osaka
- Top places to go in Osaka — 20+ top, must-see places & best places to visit in Osaka
- Tokyo itinerary 3 days — How to spend 3 days in Tokyo & what to do in Tokyo in 3 days?
- Tokyo travel blog — The fullest Tokyo travel guide for first time visiting Tokyo
So, what to do in Osaka for 3 days? There are several tourist attractions in Osaka which are worth a visit and definitely enough for 3 days 2 nights in this wonderful area of Japan. Now, let’s discover Osaka itinerary 3 days.
Osaka 3 day itinerary: Day 1
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Starting your time in Osaka at one of the city’s finest museums, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. This is an open museum which displays the models of houses and buildings from the Edo period from 1603-187. The museum gives us an interesting view of Osaka’s ancient life. This is an interactive museum where the guests can participate in the exhibition. The guests also have a chance to wear a kimono here.
Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
Address: 〒530-0041 8F 6-4-20 Tenjimbashi, Kita-Ku, Osaka city
Holiday: Tuesday, around year-end(12/29~1/2), The museum may also close temporarily.
Price: 600yen, junior high school students &under free of charge(extra charge for special exhibition)
Facilities: Barrier-free: Available
Discount for the disabled: Available
Discount for the aged: Available
Phone: 06-6242-1170
FAX: 06-6354-3002
Umeda Sky Building
Umeda Sky Building dominates the Osaka skyline, rising up to 173 meters in the city. One of the most striking features of the building is the observatory located on the 39th floor. You can not only see the whole city from here but also experience the Garden Observatory. It is also known as a floating garden, as the location of the station is floating in the air.
Umeda Sky Building
Address:〒531-0076 1-1-88 Oyodo-Naka, Kita-ku, Osaka city
Opening Hours: 9:30 Am- 10:30 pm
Price: Adult: 1000yen. High school student/Junior high school student: 700yen.Elementary school student: 500yen. Kids (4 years old or older): 200yen.Senior(65 years old or older): 800yen
Facilities: Barrier-free: Available
Parking: Parking space for 460 cars, JPY400/ 1h
Phone: 06-6440-3899 FAX : 06-6440-3876
Website: http://www.kuchu-teien.com/index.php
Dotonbori
When it is dark, you should go to the Dotonbori area of the city. This is one of the most lively areas of Osaka and you will find a lot of restaurants and pubs here. Many pubs have eaves and some even live music if you want to enjoy the evening.
Dotonbori
Address: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan
Opening Hours: 24/24.
Website: http://www.dotonbori.or.jp/index.php
Osaka 3 day itinerary: Day 2
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is located in a fascinating area stretching up to 2 km. The park is famous for the cherry blossom season because it has 600 cherry trees here. If you have the chance to come here in the spring, you will enjoy them. The castle was ruined a few times but it was reconstructed as an ancient splendor, and it is one of Japan’s most iconic structures.
Osaka Castle
Address: Japan, 〒540-0002 Osaka Prefecture, Osaka, Chuo Ward, Osakajo, 1−1
Opening Times: 09:00–17:00. (Last admission is at 4:30 p.m.)
Opening hours extended during certain periods in the spring and summer.
Phone: +81 6-6941-3044
Website: http://www.osakacastle.net/english/museum/