OSAKA, JAPAN ITINERARY: Tourist Spots to Visit and Top Things to Do in Osaka

Planning a trip to Osaka, Japan? Here are the top things to do in Osaka, tourist spots and attractions that should be included in your Osaka itinerary!

A trip to Japan will never be complete without visiting Osaka, the second-largest metropolitan area in the Land of the Rising Sun. It has a good balance of traditional culture and futuristic modernity which is perfect for anyone looking for a worthwhile getaway spot. Tourists can also visit its neighboring cities Nara, Kyoto, and Hiroshima which also have a good number of scenic attractions. Known as Japan’s culinary mecca, it transformed from a humble rice trading hub to become a popular food destination with countless offerings of Michelin Star restaurants and local eateries.

VISIT OSAKA: Universal Studios Japan + Awesome Things to Do in OSAKA, JAPAN

Planning your trip to Osaka and don't know where to start? Here are some travel tips on the things you should not miss and best tourist spots to include in your itinerary when traveling to Osaka, Japan!

Osaka, Japan’s vibrant food capital, is one of the best travel destinations in Japan, offering an exciting mix of modern attractions, historic landmarks, and unforgettable street food expperience. From the thrilling rides and themed worlds of Universal Studios Japan (USJ) to iconic cultural sites like Osaka Castle, bustling shopping streets in Dotonbori, and panoramic views from the Umeda Sky Building, there are countless top things to do in Osaka for tourists to enjoy. Whether you're planning a family vacation, a couple’s getaway, or a solo adventure, this Osaka travel guide highlights the best Osaka tourist spots, must-see attractions, and unique experiences that make the city a favorite among international travelers.

Traveling to Osaka, Japan is certainly an exciting and memorable experience. This bustling and vibrant city in the Kansai Region is known for its many thrilling activities, interesting tourist spots, mouth-watering street food, historic landmarks, modern architecture, and so much more. Due to its strategic location, it's a popular tourist destination which allows travelers to make day trips to nearby fascinating cities, like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and even Hiroshima.

We traveled to Osaka and had an amazing adventure at Universal Studios Japan and other interesting tourist spots within the city. If you're planning a trip to Osaka, here's my suggested things to do and tourist spots to visit that you should include in your Osaka itinerary to make the most of your trip.

SHINKANSEN OR BUS? How to Travel by Bus or Bullet Train from OSAKA to HIROSHIMA?

How to get to Hiroshima from Osaka by train or bus?

Hiroshima is a major city in Hiroshima Prefecture. It is best known for its two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Hiroshima Peace Memorial (Genbaku Dome) and Itsukushima Shrine. Approximately 330 kilometers from Osaka, it is filled with many old shrines and temples, historical landmarks and tourist spots that you could visit and enjoy. With Japan's modern transportation system you can easily travel from Osaka to Hiroshima by Shinkansen bullet train or by bus.

In this Hiroshima travel guide blog, I will help you in your travel by providing you with useful information on how to get to Hiroshima from Osaka by train or bus.

USJ TRAVEL TIPS: How to Maximize your UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN Experience + How to Get There?

When visiting Japan, Universal Studios Japan should definitely be one of the items to be included on top of your list of best things to do in Osaka.

For families, group of friends, and the adventure-seekers, a trip to Osaka will never be complete without visiting Universal Studios Japan (or simply, USJ). It is one of the many attractions to see and to experience when traveling to Osaka. Opened in March 2001 in the Osaka Bay area, Universal Studios Japan offers a wide array of fun attractions and thrilling rides that will surely be a delight for kids and adults alike. It sits on 39 hectares property and is considered as the most visited amusement park in Japan after Tokyo Disney Resort.

OSAKA AMAZING PASS: Cheap and Easy Way to Get the Best Out of Osaka, Japan!

As Japan’s biggest western city, Osaka has so much to offer and provides convenient access to its tourist attractions with the city’s well-developed transportation network. That is why, Osaka is one of the top tourist destinations in Japan and a favorite among Filipinos!

When we were planning our recent trip to Osaka, we opted to purchase an Osaka Amazing Pass from Klook - which we planned to use on our 4th and final full day in Osaka. Issued by the Osaka Convention and Tourism Bureau, it is the perfect access ticket for anyone wanting to enjoy the best attractions in Osaka without hurting the budget. It is an access pass that lets you visit or get free access to 40+ of the best tourist destinations and activities in Osaka, such as the Osaka Castle Park, Tsūtenkaku Tower, Umeda Sky Building Floating Garden Observatory, Osaka Science Museum, HEP FIVE Ferries Wheel, Tonbori River Cruise, and a lot more!

Updated! JAPAN VISA REQUIREMENTS AND APPLICATION PROCESS IN THE PHILIPPINES FOR TOURISTS

Planning a trip to Japan? What are the Japan visa requirements in applying for a tourist visa? Want to know the steps how to get a Japan tourist visa in the Philippines? It's so easy, fast, and best of convenient! Just follow these simple steps below.

As a Filipino, it's hard to travel abroad in countries that require a Visa. Japan for example, you need a visa to enter their country. But the good news is, it's now so easy to get a visa to Japan. It is now opening its country to attract more tourists. And I am so lucky because on my first try to get a Japan Tourist Visa in 2015, I got approved for a single entry. And on my 2nd try the following year, I got 5 years multiple entry Japan Tourist Visa! Yey!

Now, let me share to you the Japan Visa Requirements and how to apply for a Japan Tourist Visa in the Philippines (with tips, reminders and steps in application). This Japan Visa Blog is intended for Japan Tourist Visa application for Filipinos or Philippine passport holders.

Tasting OMI BEEF, "One of Japan's Famous Wagyu Beef"

The Kansai Region in Japan is well-known for its cuisine. Shiga in particular (a prefecture in Japan) which forms part of the Kansai region in the western part of Honshu island is famous for its mouthwatering Omi Beef. It is one of Japan's beef products that have become famous brands themselves.

REVIEW: Exloring Kyoto Japan using ASUS Zenfone 3 Max (with Specs, Price and Sample Photos)

I've already reviewed other ASUS Zenfones in the past - such as the Zenfone Zoom, Zenfone 2 Laser, Zenfone 2 Laser 6 and the Zenfone 2 ZE551ML. I must say, they are really good and a perfect companion for any type of traveler. That is why, I am so happy that I was able to test another ASUS Zenfone on my recent trip to Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures in Japan during our Osaka Japan Familiarization Tour organized by Cebu Pacific Air.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS: Flytpack Travel WiFi Router

When traveling abroad, internet connection is one of the most important things I consider when planning my trip. Connecting to the internet while traveling to other countries is a bit tricky as well as pricey. Of course, you have to deal with expensive roaming charges, unlocking your phone to make it compatible with other networks, having to buy a new SIM Card and purchase prepaid credits are just some of the many problems we may face just to be able to connect to the internet when abroad. So much hassle right?!

What's the Big Deal about PABLO Cheesecake and Tarts?

I was in Osaka Japan when I heard about this newest "cheesecake craze" in a dessert store that recently opened in Manila. So, I really got curious and wanted to know what the "craze" is all about Pablo Cheesecakes and Tarts. Why so many people are lining up just to have a taste of this famous cheesecake and cheese tarts in Robinsons Place Manila? Is it really worth lining for?

THINGS TO DO IN OSAKA: Experience Thrill and Excitement at Universal Studios Japan

A trip to Osaka Japan will never be complete without a visit at Universal Studios Japan. So, on our 2nd day in Osaka, we spent the whole day at Universal Studios Japan or simply referred to as "USJ." The moment we stepped in inside USJ, I knew it would be so much fun! I hurriedly ran to the Universal Studios globe and snapped a few photos while I enjoy watching other people - foreign and local tourists - also having their selfies at the USJ Globe.

TRAVEL TIP: Osaka and Kyoto Japan 4D/3N Tour Itinerary

Yay! I'm going back to Japan! If last year Cebu Pacific Air brought us to Nagoya and visited some of its nearby tourist spots and attractions in Aichi and Gifu Prefectures, this time we'll be exploring Osaka, Kyoto and Shiga Prefectures. Yey!