by Japan is a dream destination for everyone, especially if you wish to experience a specific season—autumn, winter, spring, or summer. Whether your goal is to see cherry blossoms, Mount Fuji, or to taste authentic grilled takoyaki, Japan offers unmatched cultural experiences, scenery, and climate. (Osaka DIY Itinerary)
Japan features numerous cities, like Tokyo, Osaka, and Nara. Osaka, in particular, stands out as a vibrant and relaxed city, famous for its cuisine, entertainment, and nightlife. Though Osaka is just a short Shinkansen ride from Tokyo, it has a distinct character compared to the capital.
If you’re planning to visit Tokyo and want to explore more of Japan, you might consider a trip to Osaka as well, and expect to spend around PHP 4,000 to PHP 5,000 per day. If you’re curious how, keep reading this Osaka, Japan DIY itinerary and budget, perfect for a low-budget traveler like me.
Table of Contents
ABOUT OSAKA, JAPAN
Osaka is Japan’s third-largest city and is known as “The Kitchen of Japan” for its incredible, affordable street food. It’s an easygoing, modern city, famous for its neon-lit Dotonbori nightlife and laid-back culture.
Meanwhile, it’s also known for historic tourist spots, such as Osaka Castle, and modern attractions like Universal Studios Japan. Also, the locals in Osaka are considered the kindest in Japan.
Language & Currency Used
The primary language spoken in Osaka is Japanese, with a noticeable regional dialect. Since English proficiency is limited, using translation apps is advisable. For directions, you can ask staff in metro stations, malls, or convenience stores, who generally understand English.
Meanwhile, the currency in Osaka is Japanese Yen (JPY), and you can withdraw cash via 7-Eleven stores and other ATM machines that supports international withdrawal.
Best Time to Visit Osaka?
The best times to visit Osaka are spring (March-May) for cherry blossoms and pleasant weather, and autumn (October-November) for fall foliage and comfortable temperatures. Meanwhile, June and July are rainy and humid, while August brings heat and typhoons.
January is Osaka’s coldest month, with average lows around 2°C (36°F) and highs about 9°C (48°F). When it comes to snow, it is rare, and if there is, it’s usually light and does not stick long.
Likewise, if you want to save and avoid crowds, do not visit Osaka during Golden Week (late April–early May), Obon (mid-August), or New Year (late December–early January), as prices can be high and it’s crowded during these times.
How to Get to Osaka?
Option 1: Via Plane
To visit Osaka, you can book a direct flight from Manila to Kansai International Airport (KIX), which takes about 4 hours. Additionaly, There are local flights within Japan like Tokyo to Osaka if in case you are coming from Tokyo.
Option 2: Via Shinkansen Bullet train
Whether you are coming from Tokyo, Aichi, Fukuoka, or other prefectures in Japan, the Shinkansen bullet train is the fastest way to get to Osaka. The bullet train has multiple departures every day which makes it more convenient and accessible.
Where to buy discounted tickets? You can buy a ticket at the train station but it will be cheaper to book it on Klook or Agoda. You’ll get a discounted rate if you use my code JOANSFOOTPRINTSKLOOK on Klook and JOANSAGODA on Agoda app for activities.
BOOK DISCOUNTED SHINKANSEN BULLET TRAIN TICKETS HERE
Option 3: Via Willer Express Bus
If you want to save money, choose this bus. The travel time is about 8 hours, and the fare is PHP 2,600. Below are the Willer bus terminals in Tokyo:
- Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal
- Ikebukuro Sunshine Bus Terminal
- Hamamatsucho Bus Terminal
- JR Osaki Station West Gate Bus Terminal
- Tokyo Tower
- Tokyo Station Kajibashi Parking Lot
- Machida Bus Center
- Machida Terminal Plaza
Option 4: Via JR Night Bus
Another cheap option is the JR night bus. It takes 8 hours and costs around PHP 3,600. The bus leaves from the JR bus terminal outside the Yaesu South Exit in front of Tokyo Station. There is no English-language site for JR buses, so you must purchase a ticket once you’re there.
Where to Stay in Osaka?
Pro tip: book rooms via Agoda and use my code JFAGODA for discounted rates!
BOOK ROOMS AT ACRO CAPSULE HOTEL NAMBA DOTONBORI FOR PHP1400 PER NIGHT GOOD FOR 1 PAX
If you’re looking for budget accommodation, try this hotel in Dotonbori. Their rooms have air conditioning and a refrigerator. Additionally, they are near landmarks such as Shinsekai Ichiba and Namba Parks.
BOOK ROOMS AT APA HOTEL OSAKA HIGOBASH EKIMAE FOR PHP2216 PER NIGHT GOOD FOR 2 PAX
For mid-budget travelers, choose this hotel in the Umeda district. The rooms are air-conditioned and include free Wi-Fi. It’s also just over a kilometer from Grand Front Osaka and Osaka Station City.
BOOK ROOMS AT RIHGA ROYAL HOTEL OSAKA FOR PHP6748 PER NIGHT GOOD FOR 2 PAX
If you have a higher accommodation budget, this hotel in Umeda is a good choice. It offers a luxurious experience, with 20 dining options and an art-filled lobby. Each room has air conditioning, free WiFi, and optional city views. The hotel also has an indoor pool, bar, and salon. It is near Osaka Station City, Grand Front Osaka, and the Hep Five Ferris Wheel.
Where to Eat in Osaka?
Famous Areas to Eat
When you’re in Osaka, Japan, be sure to visit Dotonbori, Shinsekai, and Umeda to taste Japanese street food. Dotonbori is known for ramen and seafood, Shinsekai is popular for kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), sushi, sashimi, and ramen, and Umeda offers high-end dining alongside casual restaurants.
Must-try dishes
Make sure not to miss out on takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and yakiniku when traveling in Osaka as well.
Recommended restaurants in Dotonbori
- Itamae Yakiniku Ichigyu – If you want quality yakiniku, this is the best spot.
- Daiki Suisan – This restaurant is popular for its fresh sushi, perfect for sushi lovers!
- Ninja Experience Cafe – This cafe lets you wear ninja costumes and learn traditional weapons like blowguns, swords, and shuriken. The menu offers ninja-themed food and drink, paired with lessons on traditional Japanese weapons.
Where to Buy Cheap Souvenirs, Gadgets, Shoes, and Pasalubong in Osaka, Japan?
Traveling to Japan is not complete without buying souvenirs, pasalubong, shoes, and bags, as these are generally cheaper here, especially in tax-free shops.
For pasalubong, buy at the WEGO shop in Dotonbori, Osaka. Don Quijote is also famous for pasalubong, but WEGO is cheaper. For affordable gadgets, visit Bic Camera, which has many branches in Osaka. For shoes, shop at ABC Mart, which is available throughout Osaka.
How to Get Around in Osaka?
The most convenient way to explore Osaka, Japan, is by subway. You can buy your ticket at the station or on Klook in advance to save time and for a discounted price.
Important Note: Make sure you’re boarding the right train. Check the signage carefully, like subway names and exit numbers. Double-check that the train is going to your destination, not the other way around. Each train station has a map as well, where you can check the arrow sign indicating the direction the train is going.
If you don’t want to buy a ticket every time you ride a train, you can book the “Osaka Amazing Pass” on Klook for PHP 985/day. It’s unlimited on subways except JR Lines. It also includes access to the Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory, Osaka Castle, Osaka Zoo, Nagai Botanical Gardens, Shitennoji Temple, a trip to the Tombori River with a river cruise or a Tombori River jazz boat tour, and special offers and discounts at some shops and restaurants in Osaka.
PLACES TO VISIT IN OSAKA
Visit the Osaka Castle
Here, you can try the Gozabune boat, a traditional Japanese boat.
Explore Universal Studios Japan
Try the rides inside, visit Nintendo World and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, watch the Hogwarts light show, and shop for souvenirs. I highly recommend trying the Forbidden Forest ride, as I enjoyed it so much as a Potterhead!
Go to the Umeda Sky Building
This is where you can find the famous Floating Garden Observatory and an aesthetic escalator, so make sure not to miss it!
Stroll Around Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi Shopping Street
Walk around Dotonbori, take a ride on the Dotonbori River Cruise, or shop for pasalubong and buy yourself some affordable shoes!
Try Some Restaurants Around the Shinsekai District and the Tsutenkaku Tower
There are many food shops here, so I tried sushi, sashimi, and ramen. This is also walking distance to Don Quijote.
Stop by Don Quijote For Pasalubong
This is a well-known pasalubong shop in Japan, known for its low prices and tax-free products.
Tour Around the Osaka Aquarium
This is one of the world’s largest aquariums. It features over 30,000 creatures from 620 species, including whale sharks in a 5,400-ton central tank. It also showcases Pacific Rim habitats through a spiraling 8th-floor-down tour, with a mesmerizing jellyfish gallery and evening lighting.
TIPS FROM JOAN’S FOOTPRINTS
- Always bring your original passport for 10% tax-free purchases at stores.
- To get discounts on your accommodation, transportation, and activities, in addition to cheap rates, use my Klook discount code JOANSFOOTPRINTSKLOOK or my Agoda code JFAGODA for hotels and JOANSAGODA for activities. Maximize the Osaka Amazing Pass on Klook for unlimited subway rides around Osaka, plus top sightseeing spots, and the Universal Studios Japan Pass.
- Maximize use of subways and Google Maps. When riding a train, make sure to check first if you’re boarding the right one.
- For pasalubong, compare tax-free shops. When choosing tax-free shops, make sure they’re affordable, like Sugi Drugstore or Don Quijote, as some can be expensive.
- If you’re buying a lot of souvenirs, use luggage-forwarding services like Daikoku Locker, since some subway stations have only stairs and not escalators.
- If you’re a budget traveler and want to save on meals, you can buy breakfast in convenience stores or supermarkets, ranging from PHP 200 to PHP 300. Then splurge for lunch or dinner.
- Osaka, like the rest of Japan, primarily uses Type A electrical outlets. Type B (three-pin) outlets are available but less common.
- For a quick exploration of Osaka’s main attractions, 2-3 days are enough.
- Respect traffic rules on highways and crossroads, as the Japanese are very disciplined and well-mannered.
- Be polite and always say thank you, which is “arigato” in Japanese. To greet someone in Japanese, just say “hello.”
- Wear comfortable shoes or sneakers as there’s a lot of walking while you’re exploring Osaka.
SAMPLE 2 DAYS OSAKA DIY ITINERARY WITH BUDGET
This itinerary is assuming that you only have 2 days in Osaka and will spend the next days in Nara, Kobe, or Kyoto.
Budget pro tip: if you want to save BIG on transportation expenses and entrance fees, use OSAKA AMAZING PASS on Klook! It includes unlimited subway and entrance fees to top tourist attractions in Osaka.
Day 1: Osaka Castle, Umeda Sky Building, Dotonbori & Rivercruise
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 7AM | Breakfast | Php400/meal |
| 9AM-12NN | Explore Osaka Castle, use OSAKA AMZING PASS which includes unlimited subway and entrance fees | Php1,941 for 2 days use |
| 12NN | Lunch | Php400/meal |
| 3PM-5PM | Explore Umeda Sky Building | |
| 6PM onwards | Explore Dotonbori & Rivercruise, buy souvenirs at Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, dinner | Php400/meal |
| 11PM | Hostel accommodation: Backpackers Hotel Toyo | Php721/pax |
Day 2: Universal Studios, Tsutenkaku Tower, Don Quijote
| TIME: | ACTIVITY: | EXPENSES: |
| 6AM | Early breakfast, travel to Universal Studios (use Osaka Amazing Pass for subway) | Php400/meal |
| 8:30AM-8PM | Universal Studios | Php3,437 |
| 9PM | Dinner around Tsutenkaku Tower, visit nearby Don Quijote | Php400/meal |
| Help me improve my guide: Osaka DIY itinerary! By commenting suggestions in the comment section below, I am very open to new ideas. Contact Us for paid promotions and link insertions. For proposals: email me at joansfootprints@gmail.com |
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