Osaka 5-Day Travel Guide

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka (Stay in Nishikujo) • Arrive at Kansai International Airport (KIX), complete immigration procedures → Take the airport transfer service booked via Trip. • Check into the Nishikujo accommodation booked via Trip. • If time permits, explore nearby "Kujo Shopping Street" or "Osaka Central Market" and have dinner nearby. • Dinner recommendations: Izakayas or sushi restaurants near Nishikujo Station. • For a more casual option, grab a supermarket bento or convenience store meal (7-11, FamilyMart). Day 2: Tenma Street, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living • Suggested itinerary: 1. After breakfast, depart from Nishikujo → Take the JR line to Tenma Station. 2. Explore [Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street] (Japan's longest shopping street, stretching 2.6 km, a paradise for shopping and street food). 3. Visit [Osaka Museum of Housing and Living] (located at Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station, recreating Osaka's streets during the Edo period). 4. For dinner, enjoy takoyaki, kushikatsu, or sushi within the shopping street. • Osaka Museum of Housing and Living: Directly accessible from the "Tenjinbashisuji 6-chome Station" (via Hankyu or Osaka Metro). • Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street: Try takoyaki from "Wanaka," okonomiyaki, or tempura set meals. • For dessert lovers: Try "taiyaki" or handmade wagashi shops. Day 3: Universal Studios Japan (USJ) Full-Day Visit • Recommended to leave around 7:30 AM to avoid crowds. • Purchase tickets online in advance; consider buying Express Pass to reduce waiting times. • Must-visit areas: Harry Potter World, Super Nintendo World, Jurassic Park, Hollywood Dream Ride, Spider-Man 4D. • Gradually leave the park around 5:00 PM to avoid the evening rush. • Transportation: Nishikujo → JR Sakurajima Line to "Universal City Station" (about 10–15 minutes). • Bring light snacks and water. • Wear comfortable shoes and carry a power bank. • Download the USJ official app to check maps and queue times. • Dining suggestions: "Three Broomsticks Ramen," "Mel’s Drive-In Burgers" inside the park, or dine at CityWalk outside (e.g., Hard Rock Cafe). Day 4: Tsutenkaku, Dotonbori, and Relaxing at an Onsen • Itinerary: 1. After breakfast, head to [Tsutenkaku] and [Shinsekai] (climb the tower for a view of Osaka and experience the retro Showa-era vibe). 2. For lunch, try [Kushikatsu Daruma], the original kushikatsu. 3. In the afternoon, visit [Dotonbori] to see the "Glico Man Sign" and enjoy takoyaki. 4. In the evening, relax at [Solaniwa Onsen] or "Spa World" (recommended to try wearing a yukata). • Transportation: • Nishikujo → Shin-Imamiya Station (via JR or Nankai Electric Railway). • Dotonbori: Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to "Namba Station." • Solaniwa Onsen: Get off at JR Bentencho Station (one stop from Nishikujo). • Dotonbori's Don Quijote (open 24 hours) is great for shopping! Don’t forget your passport. Day 5: Sukiya Breakfast and Kansai Airport Duty-Free Shopping 1. Start the day with a local breakfast at [Sukiya]. 2. Take the train to Kansai Airport. 3. Upon arrival, explore the airport's duty-free area (Kansai Airport Terminal 1 is quite large, with many brands and souvenirs). • Recommendations: Shiroi Koibito, ROYCE chocolates, Yatsuhashi, high-end cosmetics (Shiseido, SK-II, etc.). • Transportation: Trip-arranged airport transfer. • Tips: • Arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight to complete check-in procedures. • Check the duty-free store catalog in advance to avoid missing out on desired items. Additional Suggestions: • Osaka Amazing Pass (1-day/2-day pass): Ideal for visiting attractions like the Museum of Housing and Living, Tsutenkaku, etc., saving on transportation and admission fees. • ICOCA Card: Convenient for riding subways and JR lines, can be recharged. • Shopping Recommendations: • Umeda LOFT, Daimaru Department Store, Dotonbori Don Quijote, Bic Camera Shinsaibashi Store.