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Let me introduce a 3-night, 4-day plan where you can fully enjoy Osaka♪
I’ve listed some recommended spots, so feel free to use them as a reference when planning your trip with family, friends, or your partner♪
It’s not just about Universal Studios Japan! Stay at It’ ta de JPN for great access to Osaka’s famous sightseeing spots, and make the most of your trip!
A 3-night, 4-day Osaka fun-packed plan♪
It’ ta de JPN offers easy access to top destinations!
Contents
Day 1: Arrival in Osaka♪
Start your day and play until night at Universal Studios Japan (USJ, commonly known as “Uniba”)
It’ ta de JPN is an 8-minute walk from JR Ajikawaguchi Station,
just one stop (1 minute) from Universal City Station!
When you think of Osaka, Universal Studios Japan (USJ, commonly known as “Uniba”) comes to mind! It’s a theme park where you can enjoy yourself from morning till night.
As one of the world’s most famous theme parks, it attracts numerous guests from both inside and outside Japan daily, making it one of Osaka’s must-visit spots. With a variety of attractions that immerse you in movie worlds, it’s a place where both kids and adults can enjoy a full day of fun.
Throughout the year, the park offers a variety of seasonal events, so you’ll always find something exciting whenever you visit. Recently, with the opening of Super Nintendo World, the park has become even more popular! The area features attractions based on the iconic Super Mario, making it a hit not only with children but also with adults. Additionally, a new Donkey Kong area is set to open in late 2024, further enhancing the park’s appeal.
For seasonal events, in spring, there are Easter celebrations and anime collaborations. In summer, there’s a limited-time parade featuring popular characters, and in 2024, a night event with music from global artists made for singing and dancing was a huge hit.
In autumn, the annual Halloween event draws large crowds! During the day, there’s a Halloween show featuring Pokémon that children will love, while at night, the park is overrun by zombies, and there are Halloween dance shows in collaboration with famous singers.
During the Halloween season, costumes are allowed as long as you follow the rules♪ You can theme your outfits with friends or family, or go all out with cosplay from your favorite anime – a great way to enjoy the park in a whole new way!
In winter, the park transforms into a magical Christmas wonderland! Universal Studios Japan’s Christmas atmosphere is highly recommended. And after Christmas, the New Year’s countdown event is a must, offering the perfect chance to welcome the New Year at It’ ta de JPN while enjoying the holiday atmosphere♪
※Click here for information on nearby coin lockers and luggage storage near Universal Studios Japan.
Night: Unwind at Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu!
After a full day at Universal Studios Japan, there’s no better way to recover than at Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu♪
This hot spring resort prides itself on offering 100% natural hot spring waters.
In addition to the hot springs, there are restaurants offering Japanese, Western, and Chinese cuisine, as well as massage services to help you further unwind. It’s a spot where you can enjoy more than just the hot springs.
If you’re heading there directly from Universal Studios Japan, hop on the free shuttle bus from Universal City Station to Ikkyu!
※For information on the free shuttle bus stop near It’ ta de JPN, check Kamigata Onsen Ikkyu’s official website.
Day 2: Let’s Explore Umeda!
It’ ta de JPN is an 8-minute walk from JR Ajikawaguchi Station,
13 minutes from JR Anjigawaguchi Station to JR Osaka Station.
Opened in July 2024! KITTE Osaka
In July 2024, the commercial building “KITTE Osaka” opened, directly connected to JR Osaka Station. It features a collection of the “good things” from Japan, with various dining establishments offering a diverse range of gourmet food. Additionally, there are many antenna shops that allow you to experience the food culture from Hokkaido to Okinawa! There is also a wide selection of souvenirs available, making it a great idea to pick up Osaka souvenirs at KITTE Osaka first!
On the first floor, in front of the Osaka Central Post Office, there’s a super cute post box featuring “Posukuma,” the original character of Japan Post! True to Osaka’s spirit, Posukuma is depicted holding takoyaki, while the white and adorable Posukoguma sits cutely beside it. The post box is wrapped with illustrations of Osaka’s soul food, including takoyaki, 551 pork buns, and okonomiyaki, all adorned in leopard-print outfits, reminiscent of the local “obachan” (older women). Sending a letter from this charming Posukuma post box could be a lovely memory of your trip to Osaka!
※For more details, please visit the official KITTE Osaka website.
Born in September 2024! Grand Green Osaka
In September 2024, Grand Green Osaka will open its doors as a new urban complex. This facility integrates greenery with urban life, creating a harmonious environment where visitors can relax and enjoy nature amidst the bustling city.
The park facilities are known as “Umekita Park,” which includes three stores in the South Park and one in the North Park. Many casual dining and takeout options are available, allowing you to relax while enjoying the beautiful green park scenery. Some shops even offer terrace seating, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city. Additionally, the North Park features experiential facilities, allowing visitors to enjoy activities not previously available.
The North Building is home to the famous takoyaki shop “Tako no Tetsu,” where you can grill and enjoy your own takoyaki, and a collaboration between “Yurindo,” which sells books, stationery, and miscellaneous goods, and coffee shop “Tully’s Coffee.” There’s also “Patagonia,” offering apparel, goods, and food perfect for outdoor activities. New and exciting stores have opened, making it a great spot in Osaka and Umeda.
The South Building is scheduled to open in spring 2025, and the entire North Park of Umekita Park will open around spring 2027, further highlighting Umeda as a new hotspot in Osaka.
※For more details, please visit the official Grand Green Osaka website.
A Gathering of Trending Restaurants! Balchika 03 at Inogate Osaka
“Balchika 03,” newly opened in July 2024 at Inogate Osaka, is an area featuring a collection of restaurants within the new Osaka Station building. It particularly highlights about 50 well-known restaurants, including long-standing establishments and popular spots in back alleys, forming a vibrant dining zone that never lacks queues.
The attention surrounding Balchika 03 is primarily due to its remarkably reasonable prices, which are said to be unthinkable for Umeda, Osaka! The “03” in Balchika 03 refers to its location in Umeda 3-chome, its aim to be a “third place” you’d want to visit daily, and the affectionate term “ossan” (meaning “old man”) commonly used in Osaka.
This spot allows you to enjoy delicious gourmet food at surprisingly affordable prices, making it a great place for day drinking, quick drinks, and bar hopping in Umeda!
※For more details, please visit the official Balchika 03 website.
Enjoy a Panoramic View of Osaka’s Cityscape at Umeda Sky Building!
A landmark in Umeda, Osaka, the Umeda Sky Building features a rooftop floating garden observatory offering panoramic views of the city from a height of 173 meters! Enjoy the exhilarating experience of ascending via a transparent escalator.
The observatory café serves exclusive coffee available only at the Sky Building, with seasonal limited menus that allow you to savor unique offerings only available at the observatory. A variety of international beers are also available, providing a chance to enjoy delicious drinks amidst breathtaking views at 173 meters high.
※For more details, please visit the official Sky Building website.をご覧ください。
Takimi Koji: A Retro Showa Shopping Arcade
Located on the 1st to B1F of the Umeda Sky Building, Takimi Koji is a shopping arcade that exudes a nostalgic Showa-era atmosphere! It features many eateries, cake shops, and cafes, allowing you to enjoy meals in a uniquely charming setting. There’s even a sweet shop where you can experience making traditional Japanese sweets.
Immerse yourself in a sense of nostalgia while enjoying the unique ambiance of Takimi Koji!
※For more details, please visit the official Takimi Koji website.
LINKS UMEDA: Shopping and Dining Combined!
LINKS UMEDA, located north of JR Osaka Station, boasts approximately 200 stores, including Yodobashi Camera, which offers a wide range of electronic products, as well as apparel, miscellaneous goods, supermarkets, convenience stores, and restaurants.
The dining options range from famous eateries to fast food, ensuring there’s something for everyone, making it a fantastic facility for both adults and children to enjoy a meal!
※For more details, please visit the official LINKS UMEDA website.
Day 3: Enjoy the Observation Decks and Downtown Osaka
Sky Walk in a Skyscraper: Abeno Harukas
It’ ta de JPN is just an 8-minute walk from JR Yumesaki Line, Anjigawaguchi Station.
The journey from JR Anjigawaguchi Station to JR Tennoji Station takes between 15 to 40 minutes, depending on the time of day.
Abeno Harukas is a 300-meter skyscraper located in Tennoji, Osaka. The observation deck on the 60th floor features a glass walkway, allowing visitors to enjoy a 360-degree view of Osaka. On clear days, you can also see the Rokko Mountains, the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, and Awaji Island, providing breathtaking views.
In addition to the observation deck, there are many facilities including art museums, department stores, and shopping malls, making it a perfect place to spend the day.
※For more information, please visit the official Abeno Harukas website.
Osaka’s Icon: Let’s Climb Tsutenkaku!
It’ ta de JPN is an 8-minute walk from JR Yumesaki Line, Anjigawaguchi Station.
The trip from JR Anjigawaguchi Station to Osaka Metro, Ebisucho Station takes about 25 minutes.
Tsutenkaku is the symbol of Osaka, located in the center of an area known as Shinsekai. It features an observation deck and displays dioramas depicting the history of Shinsekai, along with souvenir shops to enjoy.
Recently, there’s a popular attraction called the Tower Slider, which has become a hit with both domestic and international visitors!
※For more details, check out the official Tsutenkaku website.
This article introduces Tsutenkaku, where you can also check out the latest information about the tower. Be sure to give it a read!
Tsutenkaku is a must-see when visiting Osaka. Situated in the hea...
Delicious and Affordable B-Class Gourmet: Food Walk in Janjan Yokocho
Located right next to Tsutenkaku is the shopping street ‘Janjan Yokocho’. The name originated from the sounds of shamisen and drums that echoed through the area to attract customers in the post-war era. While those sounds are no longer present, the lively voices of shopkeepers fill the street!
You’ll find many places to enjoy Osaka specialties like kushikatsu (fried skewers), takoyaki, and super-cheap sushi! With so many delicious and affordable options, you’ll be satisfied even if you decide to drink during the day.
Recently, Instagram-worthy cute sweets and classic coffee shops have become popular spots among younger generations.
The article here introduces more about Shinsekai. Be sure to use it as a reference for your travel plans!
● Enjoy the charm of the downtown area with the Hankai Tram! It t...
Day 4 (Final Day): Enjoy Dotonbori and Conclude Your Journey
It’ ta de JPN is an 8-minute walk from JR Yumesaki Line, Anjigawaguchi Station.
The journey from JR Anjigawaguchi Station to Hanshin Line, Osaka Namba takes about 25 minutes.
When in Dotonbori, don’t forget to take a photo of the famous Glico sign! Many tourists can be seen capturing this iconic image from Ebisu Bridge, making it a bustling spot. Besides from the bridge, you can also take great shots from the steps of the Tonbori Walk!
Additionally, you can capture photos from different angles at the ‘nanohana Ebisu Bridge store’, a shop specializing in Korean cosmetics and organic products. Just be sure to follow the shop’s rules when taking pictures!
※For more details, visit the official website of nanohana Ebisu Bridge store.
Try Osaka’s Specialty: Takoyaki in Dotonbori
When you think of Osaka, you must think of takoyaki! Dotonbori is filled with many takoyaki shops, and one of the most popular is ‘Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka Dotonbori Store‘.
Here, you can enjoy the unique texture of takoyaki, crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside. The eat-in space allows you to savor them while they’re still piping hot!
※For more information, check out the official website of Takoyaki Douraku Wanaka.
大阪の街を船で回ろう！クルーズツアー
Osaka was once known as the “City of Water.” Therefore, enjoying a leisurely sightseeing cruise on its rivers is a unique experience! There are various cruise options available, so choose one that catches your interest and enjoy the journey on the water!
Cruises are available not only in Dotonbori but also towards Nakano Island and Universal Studios Japan (USJ), offering a different mode of transportation compared to public transport.
※For more information, please contact the various cruise companies.
Plenty of Souvenirs to Choose From: Pick Something They’ll Love
A great way to wrap up your trip is by selecting souvenirs! A classic choice is the ‘Butaman’ from 551 Horai, which is handcrafted by skilled artisans who strive to provide freshly made products.
While the hot ‘Butaman’ is delicious, there are also chilled options for souvenirs! With a microwave or steamer at home, you can enjoy the same taste as when you bought it.
Additionally, Osaka has a wide variety of unique sweets. You can find snacks flavored like takoyaki, and even puddings modeled after the famous Kuidaore Doll, among other diverse souvenirs!
Be sure to check out souvenir shops in various train stations and Dotonbori!
Osaka has so many enjoyable places to explore. We hope you have a fantastic trip!
This concludes the travel itinerary for a 3-night, 4-day trip to Osaka! We also offer 2-night, 3-day and 4-night, 5-day courses, so feel free to refer to these based on your travel schedule!
Experience Osaka while staying with It’ ta de
