You’re looking to visit Japan and the Kansai region. Great choice, Japan’s bustling second city of Osaka is the foodie capital of the country, has great views from all over and really friendly people. 

If you’re going to Japan, you’re probably also going to visit historic Kyoto, home to all those historic temples and tea houses, and Osaka is just a short train ride away. 

There’s a lot here and to make it manageable, I’ve got a short itinerary for you which you can spread over 2 days. 

Dotonbori

You’ll begin here in Osaka’s Times Square, where masses congregate, especially at night. It’s a huge shopping district, overlooking the canal with tons of restaurants and like Times Square, the highlight is nighttime, when the signs are all lit up, especially the Glico Running Man. You’ll recognize him from the Pocky candies.  

Namba

Right behind Dotonbori is the Namba district, home to world renowned street food, especially local specialties like Takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). You’ll have dozens of choices here, along with sit down restaurants as well. 

Osaka Tower

You can see The Osaka Tsutenkaku Tower from all over the city. You can also ride up to the fifth story observation deck top for photos. It’s in the Shinsekai district, a historic area known for retro stores. 

Umeda

But Speaking of panoramic views, the Umeda Sky Building has the best one in town, some 40 stories tall, and from here you can look down at the Osaka Castle.  

Osaka Castle

And as for the Castle, this and Dotonbori are the symbols of Osaka, and definitely worth a visit. You can pay to go inside the 16th century fortress, or just enjoy the view from the gardens. If you happen to be here during Cherry Blossom season, the Castle has one of the best collections in the Kansai region, with over 600 trees. 

More Umeda

When you exit the train at Osaka Station, the main place to transfer to trains all over the city, you will also be in the heart of the downtown shopping district, Umeda, flanked by the giant 17-story Daimuru department store and the world’s largest electronic shop, the eight story Yodobashi Akiba. You’ll want to see both places. Japan food isn’t just sushi. Every day people stand on long lines in the Daimuru basement for the famous jiggly Rikuro cheesecake. 

Koreatown

Another great eating experience is in Osaka’s Koreatown, where you’ll walk through an old shopping arcade from the 1950s for dozens and dozens of authentic Korean fare like BBQ, Kimchi and sweet and sour pork. They’re available as street food or sit down restaurants. 

For more info about photo tips for Osaka, be sure to check out our many PhotowalksTV episodes from Japan.