Osaka, Japan | DIY Travel Guide

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We started our Japan experience in Osaka. 2nd largest metropolitan area in Japan. Renowned for its street foods, night life and shopping. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in Osaka. However this includes our late night arrival and early morning departure on the 3rd day. Technically, we only spent one full day dedicated to exploring Osaka. We visited Shinsekai, Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori.

We arrived in Japan through Kansai Airport and then proceeded to take a train to Namba Station.

Following our arrival at Namba Station, we strolled to Dotonburi and checked in at the Hotel Forza Osaka Namba Dotonbori.

After check in, our initial dinner plan at Gyu Katsu Motomura in Namba had to be changed due to our late arrival. Thus, we decided to randomly select a restaurant and ended up trying DEARBROS. This is a small eatery in Dotonbori specializes in teriyaki omelet rice.

Following dinner, we took a short walk to explore Dotonbori Street a little bit more before concluding our Day 1.

On our second day, we did a DIY tour of Osaka. Beginning at Hotel Forza in Dotonbori, we walked to Namba Station. Dropped by JR Ticketing office and exchanged our voucher for the actual JR Pass ticket. We also secured advance reservations for our Shinkansen Bullet Train ride to Tokyo before proceeding into our Osaka tour.

Our first stop was Shinsekai, which translates to “New World”. Shinsekai is the retro downtown area of Osaka. Located in the southern part of the city.

Coming from main road near the train station, we walked towards an alley where there’s shops and restaurants lined on both sides.

We’ve also passed through several shops that maintained a traditional Japanese house setting.

Then, a sudden transition into a lively and vibrant area of Shinsekai. Filled with 3D signages, banners and mascots exhibited at each shops.

At the middle you have a view of the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, which is a landmark in this area.

While exploring Shinsekai, we stumbled upon the main branch of a famous restaurant in a small alley, Kushikatsu Daruma. Since there were only a few people in line, we decided to eat lunch here.

After lunch, we’ve searched for a coffee shop on our route back to Dobutsuen-Mae Station. Just across the street, Café Causerie 1947 caught our attention because of its red brick structure. We had some coffee and dessert.

Our next destination was Shinsaibashi, the bustling shopping area of Osaka. Shinsaibashi-suji or the main shopping street, is a 600 meters long and is a covered shopping arcade.

We did a little shopping and tried Matcha Ice Cream of Ujikoen.

At the end of Shinsaibashi-suji is the Ebisubashi Bridge. This place was packed!

Here’s the iconic running man sign called Glico.

Captured a glimpse of the river before we crossed Ebisubashi Bridge.

View from Ebisubashi Bridge in Osaka, Japan

Just past Ebisubashi Bridge lies Dotonbori Street. Much like Shinasaibashi-suji and Ebisubashi Bridge, Dotonbori Street was also teeming with people.

We enjoyed in the lively vibe of Dotonbori Street with its vibrant lights and aroma of Japanese cuisine. While walking, we can’t help but try a random Takoyaki stall. Opting for the one located beside our hotel, Honke Ootako.

Honke Otako Takoyaki stall in Dotonbori Street

For dinner, we booked a table at Matsusakagyu Yakiniku M in Namba. A high end restaurant that specializes in Matsusaka Beef.

Then, we went to a Family Mart to try some Japanese snacks and drinks before ending our day 2 in Osaka, Japan.

Hope you enjoy our day tour of Osaka, Japan. Next stop Tokyo.

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WATCH THE OSAKA TO TOKYO VLOG HERE

NOTE: Ongoing update of this guide. Thank you for your patience :D

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT OSAKA, JAPAN

The best time to visit Osaka, Japan is March to May during spring. Do note that cherry blossom season is also a peak season in Japan.

WHAT ARE THE THINGS TO PACK TO JAPAN - WINTER EDITION

Clothes for cold weather
Jacket
Comfortable shoes/ sneakers/ boots
Backpack
Camera / gear
Powerbank
Toiletries
Universal Adaptor
Tumbler

HOW TO GET TO OSAKA, JAPAN FROM MANILA

The most convenient way to get to Japan from Manila is via direct flight. There are several entry points to choose from: Kansai, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Haneda, Narita.

For the common Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto tour, best option is Kansai Airport.

HOW TO GET TO NAMBA FROM KANSAI AIRPORT

To get to Namba from Kansai Airport, there are several options: train, bus or taxi. For this experience, we took a train to Namba.

There are several train options to choose from but during our visit, we decided to take the nearest schedule and fastest train available. We took the Limited Express Rapi:t to Namba. It has reserved seats, overhead compartments and luggage space.

You can buy a Nankai line ticket from Kansai Airport to Namba Station in advance here

HOW TO GET TO SHINSEKAI FROM NAMBA STATION

To get to Shinsekai from Namba Station, take the Midosuji Line. Alight at Dobutsuen-Mae Station and walked a few minutes to Shinsekai.

HOW TO GET TO SHINSAIBASHI FROM SHINSEKAI

To get to Shinsaibashi from Shinsekai, go to Dobutsuen-Mae Station, take the Midosuji Line train to Shinsaibashi Station.

OSAKA, JAPAN BUDGET AND ITINERARY

coming soon…

IMPORTANT THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN VISITING OSAKA, JAPAN

No Tipping.
Be on time.
Cash is king.
Avoid speaking loudly in public areas, particularly in enclosed spaces such as buses, trains, elevators, and similar environments.
While exploring Japan, consistently stay on the left side, whether it's on escalators, sidewalks, or streets. Except in Osaka.
People from Japan, form queues in bus lines, restaurants and elevators.
While there are numerous food stalls lining in the streets of streets of Japan, you should refrain from eating while walking.
Finding trash cans or sorting bins can be challenging when exploring Japan destinations. Usually, it is placed near vending machine, train stations and convenience stores.
Table napkin in most restaurants and coffee shops in Japan is waxed. I think it is not effective in wiping grease and oil.
When using public toilets in Japan, used toilet paper should be flushed down the toilet. Toilet paper in Japan easily dissolves in water unlike in other countries. NOTE: Only toilet paper. Properly dispose wet wipes, napkins and other similar items.

OSAKA, JAPAN TRAVEL TIPS

Secure your passport
Be sure to have a credit card for emergency
Download the following Google Apps: Google Maps for Navigating and Google Translate for basic translation.
Rent a pocket Wi-Fi or eSim in advance. This way you’ll have data as soon as you land in Japan. I’ve tried pocket Wi-Fi during our vacation and encountered no issues on connections or signal.
If you are travelling around Japan, buy the Japan Rail Pass or JR Pass in advance. For convenience, best to avail the Green Car option. For Green Car holders, best to reserve your seat in advance as well. You can buy the JR Pass here.
Since trash cans or sorting bins are not common in public places or streets of Japan, best to have a small plastic/paper bag for your garbage.
Travelling with luggage in Japan across multiple cities in Japan can be challenging. For a convenient experience, try Yamato Transport service.
Exploring Japan often involves a significant amount of walking, so it's important to wear comfortable shoes.
Instead of buying bottled water, bring your own tumbler.