Welcome to the enchanted city of Osaka! Tucked away in the center of Japan, Osaka is an enticing destination with an ideal fusion of traditional and contemporary wonders. From the majestic and historic Osaka Castle to the vibrant and lively streets of Dotonbori, Osaka has something to offer everyone. You can expect a journey full of undiscovered discoveries, making Osaka a must-visit destination.
In this comprehensive itinerary, we will warmly welcome you and guide you through three days worth of adventures, making the most of your time during your visit. From exploring lively streets, enjoying mouthwatering halal food, and visiting the fun attractions that will ensure a priceless experience, this guide got you covered. The adventurous journey to Osaka starts here!
A trip to Japan, especially Osaka, is certainly exciting, but we advise you to prepare some cash and your translation app to make your trip as smooth as possible. Transportation connectivity in Osaka is something that visitors should be reassured about. Whether you arrive through Kansai International Airport (KIX) or Osaka Itami Airport (ITM), there are a lot of transportation options for you to reach your accommodation. Try reaching the city center by grabbing the limousine bus for an affordable yet quick transport option.
Image Credit: Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka
Arriving late at night, we went straight to the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka, which is strategically located in the city center and within walking distance of the subway station (Ōsaka-Uehommachi Station), shopping malls, and the infamous Dotonbori. With spacious rooms and high-class amenities, a well-deserved rest to recharge before your adventurous exploration is what you will need to enjoy Osaka to the fullest.
Address: 6 Chome-1-55 Uehonmachi, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0001, Japan
Phone: +81 6-67731111
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We're starting our trip by visiting one of the most well-known landmarks in Osaka, Osaka Castle. Built in the 16th century, the castle was built during the era of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and was constructed to be a symbol of his powerful era, with grand and impressive architecture yet formidable to attackers. After the Tokugawa occupation and the Meiji restoration, the main tower of Osaka Castle has undergone various reconstructions and restorations, and it now serves as a museum, home to artifacts of the past related to the samurai era and the castle’s history.
Upon entering, you can expect the beautiful surrounding gardens, tall stone walls, and all-around impressive architecture by the time you enter the gates. As the whole main tower of Osaka Castle was built as a museum, every single floor exhibits interactive displays and both replicas and real-life items from the past, such as armor, katanas, and even tea rooms. The panoramic views of Osaka from the castle’s observation deck are also truly a feat for visitors to enjoy.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09.00 AM - 05.00 PM (Last admission at 4.30 PM)
Admission Fee:
Located within Osaka Castle Park, Kaiyodo Figure Museum Miraiza is a haven for anime, manga, and pop culture enthusiasts. Showcasing highly detailed figures and miniatures, visitors could appreciate each fictional character brought to life. Not only fictional characters, but animals and real-life mascots are also recreated as miniatures here. With over 3,000 exhibits and 10 thematic sections in total, from special effects heroes to anime figures, you can spot your favorite characters and bring back exclusive merchandise to remember your visit.
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09.00 AM - 05.00 PM (Entry to the museum is until 30 minutes before closing.)
Admission Fee*:
*includes a gift for visitors upon entry to the museum
After spending time admiring history and the present culture, make your way to visit Halal Ramen Naniwaya to enjoy a bowl of halal yet authentic ramen. Made with homemade noodles, halal-certified ingredients, and Naniwaya’s secret sauce, every dish has been prepared according to Muslim dietary restrictions, and they do not sell alcohol or pork. May it be the Special Naniwaya or the Spicy Miso Ramen, Halal Ramen Naniwaya will provide you with mouth-watering dishes.
Prayer Room
Catering to Muslim’s needs, a prayer room is available for customers to do their prayers. Offering a quiet and comfortable space to reconnect to Allah and do your Dhuhr or Asr prayers.
Address: 2 Chome-7-22 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12.00 - 09.30 PM
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After a fulfilling lunch, head over to Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, a must-visit during a trip to Osaka. Located not far from Naniwaya, both are within walking distance and are perfect if you have time before visiting your next destination. Dotonbori features street food stalls, entertainment, and famous animated signboards that will be perfect for some Instaworthy pictures. Prefer to do some shopping? Visit the Shinsaibashi for a multitude of shops, department stores, high-end shops, and other local or quirky shops.
No time? No worries! You can try visiting Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi on other days, as they are located in the center and reachable by a bunch of public transport. Visiting them (especially Dotonbori) at night will also add to the experience, as it completely gives a whole different vibe to them!
Try stopping by Masjid Istiqlal Osaka to do your daily prayer. Built and officially opened its doors in 2023, this mosque is built to answer the increasing number of Muslims and for a mosque that is located in the city center. Not only was the mosque open to accommodate the five daily prayers, it also accommodated and held events during Ramadan (such as iftar), ied prayers, zakat, a halal store, and other services that are usually found in other mosques in Muslim-country. With its proximity to tourist attractions such as Tsutenkaku, this mosque could be your go-to prayer space when you are traveling near the city center.
Address: 1 Chome-2-10 Nakahiraki, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0022, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 05.00 AM - 11.00 PM
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Originally built in 1912 and then rebuilt in 1956 after being lost to fire, Tsutenkaku is an iconic tower that stands tall on the Osaka skyline. Standing tall at 108 meters, Tsutenkaku offers a panoramic and unobstructed view of the surrounding Osaka’s urban landscape. Visitors could also choose to take pictures on an outdoor platform at the peak of Tsutenkaku, ensuring a perfect picture of Osaka city. It also hosts small exhibitions of the Tsutenkaku, Glico, and Billiken, adding a fun touch for visitors. End your visit by riding a 60-meter slide that takes you from the third floor to the basement for a thrilling ending to your visit!
While you’re in the area, make sure to also walk around the Shinsekai area. Presenting a concept of a “new world” during its development in the 20th century, it is known for being home to retro and colorful streets with cute shops, restaurants, and entertainment. The area is also a great place to get small items and take pictures. The Pringles store is also located within the Shinsekai area, where you can find Osaka-exclusive stuff!
Tsutenkaku
Address: Shinsekai, 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.00 AM - 07.30 PM
Admission Fee:
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Pringles Store
Address: 1 Chome-17-9 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10.00 AM - 07.30 PM
What better food to enjoy for dinner than a yakiniku? Serving halal meat and ingredients, this restaurant is a go-to for Muslims in Osaka to enjoy the classic dish. With diverse types of meat, sauces, and sides to pick from, the restaurant also offers set meals and all-you-can-eat options, enabling you to try various things!
Located just next door to Zerohachi, its sister restaurant, Asia Spice Diner 585, also serves halal shabu-shabu. Giving visitors more options to choose from for halal restaurants in Osaka.
Prayer Room
Customers of Halal Yakiniku Zerohachi and Asia Spice Diner 585 can use a prayer room that is available right next to both restaurants. Ensuring customers have a place to fulfill their obligations during the tight prayer window of Maghrib.
Address: Osaka City Air Terminal (OCAT) 5F, 1 Chome-2-10 Nakahiraki, Nishinari Ward, Osaka, 557-0022, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11.00 AM - 03.00 PM and 5.00 PM - 9.00 PM
Image Credit: teamLab, Sculptures of Dissipative Birds in the Wind © teamLab
End your first day by visiting TeamLab Botanical Garden Osaka, which is exclusive to visitors only at night. Functioning as Nagai Botanical Garden during the day, TeamLab functions as an expansion of human perception of artwork to the surrounding environment, incorporating nature and man-made creativity as artwork. Each artwork is also designed to be interactive, where visitors' input and nature’s movement infuse something different with each interaction, such as the “Sculptures of Dissipative Birds in the Wind,” which changes patterns according to birds’ flight paths; the “Resonating Microcosms in the Common Camellia Garden - Liquified Light Color, Dusk to Dawn,” which changes colors when visitors make physical contact; and the “Life is Continuous Light - Bald Cypress,” which lights up and harmonizes upon each visitor's steps.
TeamLab Botanical Garden also offers various exhibitions and seasonal artworks, making each season unique. There are also no set routes for the exhibition, enabling visitors to revisit their favorite artwork. To enhance your experience, we also suggest visitors download the TeamLab app and Distributed Fire, allowing you to understand more about the concept of each artwork and “bring home” the artwork on your smartphone.
Address: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Operational Hours: Vary according to season
Admission Fee:
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We’re starting our day by visiting the Osaka Masjid. For Muslims who are looking for a closely-tied Muslim community and finding a halal establishment such as a restaurant and store, we recommend visiting the Osaka Masjid. Various Islamic events, learning opportunities through its madrassa, and community-based services are also available in this mosque.
Address: 4 Chome-12-16 Owada, Nishiyodogawa Ward, Osaka, 555-0032, Japan
Located nearby, the Osaka Islamic Center is also open to Muslims who are looking for a space to pray and a sense of community. Islamic events during Ramadan, Eid prayers, community events and meetups, and learning opportunities through classes and seminars are also available in the center. These two mosques are located near Chibune Station, providing ease of access and giving Muslims a tranquil space to fulfill and reconnect with Allah.
Address: 1 Chome-10-28 Nakajima, Nishiyodogawa Wardi, Osaka 555-0041, Japan
Head over to Tempozan Harbor Village to start your adventure for the day. The Tempozan Harbor Village is a harborside complex with some of the most well-known entertainment, such as the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Tempozan Market Place Mall. Great for quick shopping trips between attraction visits.
Prayer Room
The prayer room is available in the Tempozan Marketplace Mall, which visitors to the complex could utilize during operational hours. Information on prayer room access is available at the information center.
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11.00 AM - 08.00 PM
Located on the 3rd floor of the mall, Istanbul Table is a halal Turkish restaurant that serves a variety of choices for visitors to choose from. From whole chicken to share, vegetable-based dishes, and kebabs to sweet desserts, visitors are in for a treat with its bold flavors and fulfilling portion size. A great choice for lunch!
Known as one of the biggest aquariums, you can expect impressive and diverse marine life and their journey in an immersive exhibition. The center of attraction, the Pacific Ocean Tank, is one of the biggest tanks in the world and showcases a variety of sharks, rays, and various fish swimming around. With its size, it also enables visitors to enjoy a panoramic view of these fish from different levels of the aquarium.
Multiple exhibits, such as the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica Zone, that are designed to recreate the natural environment of each marine life complete the whole aquarium experience with their realistic and complete collection. Seasonal exhibitions and interactive displays can also be enjoyed by visitors for a full-on hands-on experience, providing additional attractions and learning experiences.
Operational Hours:
Admission Fee:
*Online ticket purchases are available from the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan official website.
Step into the enchanting world of Universal Studios Japan, where thrilling attractions combined with cinematic magic come to life, ensuring unforgettable and exhilarating moments to remember. Witness parades or enjoy rides in a place where laughter is a universal language for all ages! We definitely recommend you spend a whole day here if you have an extra day in Osaka!
Recently opened to the public, Super Nintendo World will make you feel as if you’re in the world of Mario and friends. Try out Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, where you play as a character that combines virtual reality in a dark ride to beat other racers and the final boss using items that are found in the widely-loved Mario Kart games.
Queuing up for Yoshi’s Adventure will also be worth your time, as it gives you a good view of the Super Nintendo World from up above and allows you to spot fun easter eggs that are hidden all over the world. For a fully immersive experience, make sure to get the Power-Up Bands, where you can experience key challenges, collect virtual coins, and interact with minigames that are scattered across the world.
*Do note that unless you’re arriving during low traffic times, a "Universal Express Pass with an Area Timed Entry Ticket: Advance Booking" or "Area Timed Entry Ticket"/”Standby Entry Ticket" is required to enter Super Nintendo World. Please refer to the Universal Studios Japan official website for more details.
Step into the realm of magic and meet other wizards in Hogsmeade, from the famous movie series The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. As if you’re visiting Hogsmeade, each detail has been carefully curated to replicate the scenes in the movie, where you can spot an array of shops, the iconic Hogwarts Express, and the Hogwarts Castle. This world is fully explorable, with full-scale attractions and “magic” shows for you to participate in and enjoy. You can also enjoy a Halal dinner in the Three Broomsticks and take home exclusive merchandise that you absolutely should get in the Hogsmeade village shops.
With a whole day filled with energy-draining activities, a plate of a nutritious and fulfilling dish is what you’ll need to replenish your energy. Located in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter's Three Broomsticks, Muslim visitors are served with a Muslim-friendly cuisine for a worry-less adventure. Try out the Vegetarian Plate, which comes with corn, potato wedges, and other veggies that are topped with a flavorful and fresh dressing. You can also enjoy the famous Butterbeer—a hot or cold beverage made with butterscotch, sugar, and water—to complete your movie-like experience in Harry Potter's world.
Operational Hours: Please refer to the Universal Studios website for more details
Admission Fee: Please refer to the Universal Studios website for more details
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Established in 2006, Osaka Ibaraki Mosque is the first mosque to open its doors to Muslims in the Osaka and Kansai areas. Initially built to fulfill the need for a prayer space and other Muslim and faith-based needs, Osaka Ibaraki is also open for non-Muslims to come and learn about Islam. Welcoming everyone of all ethnicities and beliefs to learn and grow. On top of community-based services, a halal corner, prayer, and other faith-based needs are available to ensure Muslims in Osaka are well catered to.
Address: 4 Chome-6-13 Toyokawa, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0057, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 05.00 AM - 10.00 PM
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Image Credit: LaLaport EXPOCITY
Reachable by the monorail, LaLaport EXPOCITY is a shopping mall that is an attraction itself, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Tourists' favorite retail stores, such as ABC-MART, or some more globally known brands, such as Uniqlo and GU are all available in LaLaport EXPOCITY. Tax-free services, shopping vouchers, and cashback deals are available upon visit, making it a great spot to do your shopping at a cheap price.
Prayer Room
A spacious prayer room is available for visitors to LaLaport and its nearby attractions. Information on prayer room access is available at the mall information center on the ground floor.
Address: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Operational Hours*:
*Operational hours are subject to change, please visit LaLaport Expocity's website before your visit.
Looking for something different? Try out the uniquely delicious cold soba at Soba Dining Yuigetsuan Sojibou. As a Muslim-friendly restaurant with a halal certificate, Muslims can dine in peace. Serving high-quality dishes, with a plethora of choices from soba noodles, don, tempura, and sets available to choose from. The use of halal-only ingredients does not sacrifice its taste, as upon our visit, most of the visitors were dominated by locals, guaranteeing its taste and authenticity.
Address: 2-1 Senribanpakukoen, Suita, Osaka 565-0826, Japan
Operational Hours*:
*Time of last order is subject to change, please confirm with the restaurant.
*Operational hours are subject to change, please visit LaLaport Expocity's website before your visit.
Combining an aquarium, zoo, and art museum, Nifrel is an interactive aqua zoo where visitors can expect a unique combination of nature, creativity, and its take on life. Packed in eight thematic exhibitions, each theme is grouped according to each animal’s specialty in nature, which includes colors, abilities, swim, wonder moments, mimic, waterside, behavior, and biodiversity.
Each animal is also showcased with an interesting take that is unique to Nifrel such as color-changing fish that are surrounded by color-changing drapes (colors), a pitch-black exhibition with a spotlight to highlight certain movements of each fish (swim), and other cool ways of showcasing each animal. Visiting Nifrel will give you insight and a different yet interesting take on nature’s wonders.
Operational Hours: Vary according to season
Admission Fee:
*Online ticket purchases are available from the Nifrel official website.
Honoring the 1970 World Exposition that took place in Osaka, Japan, the Expo '70 Commemorative Park is well-known for its towering emblem of the Expo, created by artist Taro Okamoto, called the Tower of the Sun. Located just across LaLaport and Nifrel, the park is a must-visit if you’re visiting the area.
The park is also perfect for an afternoon walk, as it is surrounded by a peaceful Japanese garden that offers visitors a calm setting with a variety of plant species and local scenery. There is also the Osaka Expo Museum and Folk Crafts Museum situated within the park, making it a multipurpose site that combines cultural and recreational attractions with historical importance.
Operational Hours: Thursday to Tuesday, 09.30 AM - 05.00 PM
Admission Fee: 260 yen
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Completed in 1993, the Umeda Sky Building is an architectural marvel that consists of two 40-story towers joined by the well-known Floating Garden Observatory. Standing at a height of 173 meters, guests are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Osaka. On clear days, tourists may see Osaka Castle, the Rokko Mountains, and the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge from this viewpoint, which offers unhindered views of the city. A great way to end a day filled with adventures.
The observatory's outdoor deck provides a distinctive and immersive experience that heightens the building's appeal and viewing angle. The unobstructed view makes it perfect for visitors to visit during sunset and witness the bright city lights of Osaka. It also hosts smaller exhibitions about the building, a cafe with an optimized viewing angle, and a merchandise store on top. The building is also home to one of the best places to take unique and captivating shots, making it a popular spot to take pictures and create content.
The Umeda Sky Building offers more than just viewing services. There’s a mall consisting of traditionally themed eateries and cafes as well as art galleries on the basement level, blending the modern and the old-school style of the streets of Osaka.
Quiet Room
Upon request, Muslims can ask for a prayer space while on the observatory floor by asking the staff.
Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan
Operational Hours: Monday to Sunday, 09.30 AM - 10.30 PM
Admission Fee:
End your jam-packed trip filled with adventures by enjoying your last meal at Seven Hills restaurant. Serving Middle Eastern and Arab cuisines, it serves halal food and is Muslim-owned. There is also a variety of menus to choose from, starting from appetizers to desserts in the form of sharing platters, personal portions, or set menus. May it be the hummus, kebabs, or baklava, the restaurant offers warm hospitality and delightful dishes.
Address: 16-3, Nishitemma 5-Chōme, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan, 530-0047
Operational Hours:
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As we bid farewell and make our way to the airport, we recommend rechecking your luggage and making sure that you depart from the correct airport and terminal according to your airline provider. It is best to arrive early at the airport to do early check-in and not rush to the gates. Take the opportunity to also check out the shops and do some last-minute shopping for souvenirs and mementos.
Before you embark on your journey back home, think back on the incredible adventures, exciting attractions, lively environment, culinary delights, and other exhilarating discoveries that made your vacation to Osaka so unforgettable. Your recollections of Osaka and its exciting attractions and lively environment will forever be remembered, enticing you to return and discover more of Osaka.
This article is brought to you by the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau
