Osaka 5-Day Travel Guide

Osaka 5-Day Independent Travel Guide (Accommodation in Nishikujo)

Day 1: Arrival in Osaka (Stay in Nishikujo)
• Arrive at Kansai Airport (KIX), complete immigration procedures → Use the airport transfer service booked through Trip.
• Check in at the Nishikujo guesthouse booked via Trip.
• If time permits, take a stroll around the nearby "Kujo Shopping Street" or have dinner near "Osaka Central Market."
• Dinner recommendations: Izakaya or sushi restaurants near Nishikujo Station.
• For a more relaxed option, buy supermarket bento or convenience store meals (7-11, FamilyMart).

Day 2: Tenma Street, Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
• Suggested itinerary:
1. After breakfast, depart from Nishikujo → Take JR to Tenma Station.
2. Explore [Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street] (Japan’s longest shopping street, 2.6 km long, a paradise for shopping and snacks).
3. Visit [Osaka Museum of Housing and Living] (located at Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome Station, recreates Osaka’s Edo period streetscape).
4. For dinner, try takoyaki, kushikatsu, or sushi within the shopping street.
• Museum of Housing and Living: Direct access from Tenjinbashisuji Rokuchome subway station (via Hankyu or Osaka Metro).
• Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street: Takoyaki at "Wanaka," okonomiyaki, tempura set meals.
• If you like sweets: try "Taiyaki" and handmade wagashi shops.

Day 3: One-Day Trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
• Recommended to leave around 7:30 AM to avoid entrance crowds.
• Buy tickets online in advance; recommended to purchase Express Pass to reduce queue times.
• Highlights: Harry Potter area, Nintendo World, Jurassic Park, Hollywood Dream Ride, Spider-Man 4D.
• Leave gradually after about 5:00 PM to avoid crowds.
• 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 official USJ app to check maps and wait times.
• Dining suggestions: "San Gen Chashu Ramen," "Mel’s Drive-In" burgers inside USJ, or dine at CityWalk outside the park (e.g., Hard Rock Cafe).

Day 4: Tsutenkaku, Dotonbori, Onsen Relaxation
• Itinerary:
1. After breakfast, visit [Tsutenkaku] and [Shinsekai] (climb the tower for city views and experience Showa-era retro atmosphere).
2. For lunch, try the original kushikatsu at [Kushikatsu Daruma].
3. In the afternoon, head to [Dotonbori] to see the "Glico Man Sign" and eat takoyaki.
4. In the evening, relax at [Soraniwa Onsen] or "Spa World" (recommended to wear a yukata for the experience).
• Transportation:
• Nishikujo → Shin-Imamiya Station (JR or Nankai Railway).
• To Dotonbori: Take the Midosuji subway line to "Namba Station."
• Soraniwa Onsen: Get off at JR Bentencho Station (one stop from Nishikujo).
• Don Quijote in Dotonbori (open 24 hours) is great for shopping! Remember to bring your passport.

Day 5: Sukiya Breakfast & Head to Kansai Airport for Duty-Free Shopping
1. Start the day with a local breakfast at [Sukiya].
2. Take the train to Kansai Airport.
3. After arrival, explore the airport duty-free area (Kansai Airport Terminal 1 is quite large with many brands and souvenirs).
• Recommended items: Shiroi Koibito, ROYCE chocolate, Nama Yatsuhashi, department store-level cosmetics (Shiseido, SK-II, etc.).
• Transportation: Trip booked airport transfer.
• Tips:
• Arrive at the airport 3 hours early for check-in.
• Check duty-free store catalogs in advance to avoid missing desired products.

Other Recommendations:
• Osaka Amazing Pass (1-day/2-day): Suitable for those visiting the Museum of Housing and Living, Tsutenkaku, and other attractions; saves on transportation and admission fees.
• ICOCA Card: Convenient for subway and JR rides, rechargeable.
• Shopping recommendations:
• Umeda LOFT, Daimaru Department Store, Dotonbori Donki, Bic Camera Shinsaibashi Store.