With two stages of Samurai—Shikoku and the Kii Peninsular—starting from Kansai International Airport (KIX), we know that guests who arrive early for the tour are often interested in visiting Osaka. The airport itself is located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, about 38 kilometres (24 miles) southwest of central Osaka so you need to factor in getting to and from the city. With a train station situated in the airport, the 50-minute journey into the centre of Osaka is easy to negotiate. The purpose of this blog is to outline how you could take in some of the main sites in the city and do so in the context of travelling to and from the airport. I have tried to break it down into easy time slots.
Morning
Breakfast: Take advantage of the extensive range of Western and Japanese dishes on offer at your breakfast buffet, as that same range won’t necessarily be found in the more ‘local’ accommodations we seek out on tour. Our culinary overview of the tour sets the scene for what a more traditional breakfast entails. If eggs and bacon are your thing, we suggest you make the most of the international fare on offer in the airport hotels before we hit the road less travelled :).
Getting to Osaka Centre: Take the JR Haruka Express or Nankai Airport Line to Osaka Station (about 50 minutes).
Osaka Castle: Start your day by visiting Osaka Castle, a historic landmark with beautiful gardens. Explore the museum inside to learn about Japan’s history.
Mid-Morning
Dotonbori: Head to the vibrant Dotonbori district. Stroll along the canal, snap photos with the famous Glico running man sign, and enjoy street food. The street food throughout the city is fantastic and well worth sampling as part of your immersion into Japanese culture. Osaka’s rich culinary culture, often called “the nation’s kitchen,” features diverse, flavorful dishes like okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and kushikatsu. Kushikatsu is a popular Japanese dish consisting of skewered and deep-fried meat, seafood, and vegetables. Originating in Osaka, each piece is coated in a light batter and then breaded with panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) before being fried to a crispy golden brown. Street food thrives in Dotonbori, while Kuromon Ichiba Market showcases fresh seafood and local delicacies. The city’s food scene reflects a deep appreciation for taste and tradition.
Lunch
Kuromon Ichiba Market: Savour fresh seafood and other local delicacies at this bustling market. It’s a great spot to experience the culinary delights of Osaka. Snack your way through Dotonbori and then settle in for lunch at one of my favourite places in the city for a delectable lunch. A personal favourite of mine is the Taiyaki- fish-shaped pastries filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings. The freshly grilled scallops and tempura options are also real standouts. You absolutely have to sample the takoyaki (octopus balls), though, if you eat nothing else.
Afternoon
After all that food, perhaps it is time to walk some of it off. Even if you are not keen on shopping, the sights in the shopping districts are still incredibly interesting. We are also big fans of the aquarium, which features an expansive and immersive design, taking visitors on a journey through various marine environments.
Shinsaibashi Shopping Street: Walk to nearby Shinsaibashi to shop or simply to take in the sights. This covered street offers a mix of high-end stores, boutiques, and traditional shops.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Visit one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in Tempozan Harbor Village. It’s a short train ride from the city centre.
Evening
Umeda Sky Building: Head to the Floating Garden Observatory for panoramic views of Osaka. It’s especially stunning at sunset. Umeda Sky Building is a pair of skyscrapers connected in midair built in an unusual architectural form, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks
Night
Dinner in Umeda: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in the Umeda area, which offers a range of Japanese and international cuisine.
Return to Kansai Airport: Take the train back to Kansai Airport on one of the regular trains that run throughout the day and evening.
This itinerary combines cultural experiences, delicious food, and vibrant city life to ensure a memorable day in Osaka. Let us know in the comments if you agree with our Day in Osaka or feel we have missed anything that you would suggest could be included.