How to Spend 3 days in Osaka: The Ultimate Itinerary & Things to Do

Osaka wastes no time winning you over. From the moment you arrive, the city pulses with energy— bright lights, sizzling street food, and a gritty charm that sets it apart from Tokyo and Kyoto. In our 3 days Osaka itinerary, we dived deep into its heart: slurping down pork rib ramen in Namba, comparing panoramic viewpoints of Umeda and Abeno Harukas, and taking a day trip to Kobe for melt-in-your-mouth wagyu. Between historic castles and late-night bites, Osaka reveals itself as a city that doesn’t sleep, but always feeds you well. We stayed near Dotonbori as we wanted to be able to walk off dinner each night. Whether it’s your first visit or your third, this is a city that insists on being felt, and eaten.

Sweeping aerial view from Umeda Sky Building’s rooftop deck, showing Osaka’s dense urban sprawl, winding rivers, and mountains fading into the distance. — Sweeping aerial view from Umeda Sky Building’s rooftop deck

Table Of Contents

Day 1: From the Sky High Views of Abeno Harukas to the Neon-Lit Entertainment Hub and Street Food of Dotonbori
Day 2: Explore the History and Gardens of Osaka Castle before Panoramic Views of Umeda Sky Building
Day 3: Day trip to Himeji and Kobe

Day 1: From the Sky High Views of Abeno Harukas to the Neon-Lit Entertainment Hub and Street Food of Dotonbori

Abeno Harukas

Landing in Kansai International Airport in the afternoon, we took the Nankai Limited Express train to Namba Station and made our way to our Airbnb right off Dotonbori. After checking in, we immediately started sightseeing and headed for Abeno Harukas. Soaring 300 meters into the sky, Abeno Harukas isn’t just Japan’s second tallest skyscraper — it’s a multi-sensory experience that captures the best of Osaka from above.

Expansive daytime view from Abeno Harukas, showing Osaka’s urban sprawl, coastline, and distant mountains — Views from Abeno Harukas, the tallest building in Osaka

The crown jewel of the building is the Harukas 300 observation deck, where floor-to-ceiling windows reveal jaw-dropping panoramic views. What truly sets it apart is the open-air atrium on the 58th floor. Here, you can step outside and feel the wind rush past as you gaze over the cityscape in the open sky — a rare and exhilarating moment in such a towering structure. With sleek architecture, interactive displays, and even a café/bar to enjoy the views a little longer, Abeno Harukas, especially at sunset, is a must for any Osaka itinerary.

Dotonbori

Afterwards, we set for Dotonbori, where Osaka’s heartbeat truly pulses. Especially at night, it is a riot of colour, flavour, and sound that begs to be explored. Famous for its bright neon signs and canalside energy, this lively district is a street food paradise. Eat your way through sizzling takoyaki stalls, flame grilled yakitori vendors, and top it off with a serving of melon pan, a slab of ice cream in a warm crusty bun. As a result, no visit to Osaka is complete without immersing yourself in the sensory overload that is Dotonbori.

Day 2: Explore the History and Gardens of Osaka Castle before Panoramic Views of Umeda Sky Building

Osaka Castle

Start your day off by visiting 7Eleven. It isn’t extravagant, but this convenience store has many options that will leave you full and not break the bank. I love how the sushi and onigiri rolls are wrapped – pulling one open is like opening a present. They are wrapped so that the nori remains fresh and not affected by the moisture of the rice.

A visit to Osaka Castle is a journey through Japan’s rich samurai history, set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Originally built in the 16th century, the castle has been beautifully restored. Its towering white walls, golden accents, and green-tiled roof gleaming proudly over the city skyline. Inside, the museum showcases fascinating exhibits on the Azuchi-Momoyama period and the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the legendary unifier of Japan.

Osaka Castle rising above the surrounding park, with people exploring its historic grounds. — The grand Osaka Castle rising above the surrounding park

A view of Osaka Castle in spring, with pink cherry blossoms framing the historic fortress and crowds gathering below. — The grand Osaka Castle rising above the surrounding park

Umeda Sky Building

Next stop: Umeda. Whilst making our way to Umeda Sky Building, we dropped by Takimi Koji, a nearby retro-styled underground alleyway designed to mimic a Taisho-era village. Lined with traditional restaurants, it’s an atmospheric place to stop for a bite. After lunch, and if you can stomach the glass elevators, we visited Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views. Compared to Abeno Harukas, this viewpoint was open and you can feel the wind in your hair. The architecture of the building feels futuristic and the 360° open-air views are unbeatable. If you only have time for one, our recommendation is Umeda Sky Building.

The iconic Umeda Sky Building, with twin towers linked by a futuristic sky bridge and rooftop garden, standing against the Osaka skyline. — Futuristic views and interesting architecture of Umeda Sky Building

On your way back to Umeda Station, make sure to duck into the Daimaru Umeda Department Store for a treasure trove of nostalgia. The upper floors house the Nintendo Store, Pokémon Center, and the One Piece Store — a trifecta of childhood dreams. Up on the 13th floor, you’ll find a whirlwind of fans, surrounded by shelves bursting with plushies and figurines. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan, the energy alone is infectious.

The Nintendo Store in Osaka, with life-sized character statues, vibrant wall art, and crowds of shoppers taking photos. — Walls of nostalgia at Nintendo Store

Osaka’s Nintendo Store featuring a bright red sign, character displays, and shelves filled with game merchandise. — Walls of nostalgia at Nintendo Store

Tucked away in the alleys of Dotonbori, Hanamaruken Hozenji serves what might be the most unforgettable ramen in Osaka. Their signature Pork Rib Ramen is pure indulgence — a slow-braised, fall-off-the-bone pork rib rests atop rich, savoury broth and perfectly ramen noodles.

People seated at Hanamaruken Hozenji, savoring steaming bowls of pork rib ramen and pan-fried gyoza. — Hanamaruken Hozenji’s signature pork rib ramen, with slow-cooked ribs in rich broth

A hearty bowl of pork rib ramen at Hanamaruken Hozenji, with tender ribs resting on springy noodles in savory broth, garnished with green onions and bamboo shoots. — Hanamaruken Hozenji’s signature pork rib ramen, with slow-cooked ribs in rich broth

The meat is tender enough to eat with chopsticks, melting into each bite with deep umami flavour. Balanced with green onions and a subtle garlic kick, it’s hearty without being heavy. Pair it with some gyoza and a pint of beer, and you’ve got the perfect meal. The best part, they’re open 24 hours so you can fit this in as your third dinner!

Day 3: Day trip to Himeji and Kobe

Himeji Castle

First things first — why not start the day with a bowl of warm udon? We quickly grew accustomed to having udon for breakfast, and Udon Kyutaro truly delivered! It’s a small shop with only a standing option, and slurping udon in true local style is an experience like no other!

Begin your journey at Osaka Station, and hop aboard the Tokaido-Sanyo Line — your direct route to history. This local train takes just 60 minutes to reach Himeji Station, at a fraction of the Shinkansen’s cost. If you’re traveling without a JR Pass, this is the smart and scenic choice. However, aim to arrive early. From Himeji Station, it’s a leisurely 16-minute walk to the castle gates.

Himeji Castle, the ‘White Heron’ fortress, gleaming in sunlight with layered roofs, stone walls, and green gardens around it. — Himeji Castle, the ‘White Heron’ fortress, gleaming in sunlight with green gardens

A peaceful garden near Himeji Castle, featuring reflective ponds, moss-covered stones, and seasonal flowers. — Himeji Castle, the ‘White Heron’ fortress, gleaming in sunlight with green gardens

Wander the iconic Himeji Castle, Japan’s most majestic feudal fortress — a breathtaking sight with its white walls and storied past. Afterwards, slow down in Koko-en Gardens, where Edo-style landscapes and koi-filled ponds invite peaceful moments of reflection and quiet beauty.

Kobe

By lunchtime, hop on a 40 minute train to Kobe, where culinary dreams come true. From sizzling teppanyaki experiences with world-famous Kobe beef at Kobe Beef Steak Sakura to chic coffee spots and a stroll through lively shopping arcades and Chinatown, the city offers a delicious mix of flavour and fun. Wrap up your afternoon posing in front Be Kobe sign on the waterfront as the sea breeze carries the day’s stories.

Diners enjoying beautifully arranged sushi at Sushi Katsuya, with wooden serving boards and fresh ingredients on display. — Beautifully arranged and melt in your mouth sushi at Sushi Katsuya

A vibrant sushi platter at Sushi Katsuya in Osaka, featuring expertly sliced fish, colorful rolls, and garnishes of pickled ginger and wasabi. — Beautifully arranged and melt in your mouth sushi at Sushi Katsuya

Finally, back in Osaka, cap it all off with exquisite sushi dinner at the serene intimacy of Sushi Katsuya or a second round of takoyaki, and you’ve got a day that’s rich in culture, flavour, and unforgettable moments.

👉 Want the full step-by-step guide to this day trip? Check out the complete day trip itinerary to Himeji and Kobe for tips, timings, routes, and all our favourite local spots!

Three days in Osaka strike the perfect balance between cultural discovery, iconic landmarks, and indulgent street food adventures. From the historic charm of Osaka Castle to the neon glow of Dotonbori, every corner offers something unforgettable — whether it’s savouring piping-hot takoyaki, marvelling at the city from Abeno Harukas, or getting lost in the bustling energy of Umeda. As Japan’s kitchen, Osaka feeds both the appetite and the soul, leaving you with memories as vibrant as its city lights and flavours that linger long after you’ve left.