Explore Kansai: A 5-Day Trip to Osaka's Backstreets, Kobe's Sea Breeze, and USJ

Day 1 | Osaka City (Shinsekai, Namba, and Dotonbori Areas)

Morning | Strolling Around Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku
• Departure: Walk 10–15 minutes from Shin-Imamiya Station (JR) or Shin-Imamiya (Nankai) to Shinsekai/Tsutenkaku.
• Alternatively, you can take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line/Sakaisuji Line's "Dobutsuen-mae" (M22/K19), which is adjacent to Shin-Imamiya (not directly connected to the station, requiring a ground-level transfer).
• Recommended Spots: Photographing the exterior of Tsutenkaku, visiting the Jan-Jan alley, and enjoying lunch at Kushikatsu.

Afternoon | Namba and Shinsaibashi
• Route A (ground-level stopover): Shinsekai → Ebisucho → Nihonbashi → Dotonbori → Shinsaibashi → Namba (entire route within walking distance). • Route B (Minimum Walking Distance):
• Midosuji Line M → Dobutsuen-mae (M22) → Nanba (M20) (approximately 6 minutes).
• Or Sakaisuji Line K → Dobutsuen-mae (K19) → Nihonbashi (K17). Get off and visit Kuromon Market and Denden-gai, then walk to Dotonbori.
• Dinner: Around Dotonbori or Namba Station.

Return Trip
• Midosuji Line Nanba (M20) → Dobutsuen-mae (M22), then walk back to your accommodation in Shin-Imamiya.
-(Additional Note) Shin-Imamiya is served by the JR Osaka Loop Line, Yamatoji (Kansai Main Line), and Nankai Main Line/Koya Line, making transfers very convenient.

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D2 | Osaka Bay Area (Tempozan / Aquarium Kaiyukan) + City Night View

Morning | Tempozan / Ferris Wheel
• Route: Shin-Imamiya → Midosuji Line Dobutsuenmae (M22) → Daikokucho (M21) → Yotsubashi Line → Honmachi (Y13) → Chuo Line → Osaka Port (C11). Walk to Tempozan.
• For a more convenient transfer option, take the Yotsubashi/Chuo Line from Namba all the way to Osaka Port.
• Visit: Tempozan Market Place and the Tempozan Ferris Wheel (also beautiful at night).

Afternoon | Osaka Castle or Umeda Sky Garden (Choose One)
• Osaka Port (C11) → Chuo Line Morinomiya (C19) and walk to Osaka Castle Park; or
• Osaka Port (C11) → Chuo Line Honmachi Station, transfer to the Midosuji Line → Umeda (M16), and walk to Umeda Sky Garden.
• In the evening, explore the Umeda underground shopping mall, drugstores, and electronics stores.

Return Trip
• Midosuji Line Umeda (M16) → Dobutsuen-mae (M22) and walk back to your accommodation.

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D3 | Universal Studios Japan Full Day

Best Route (Public Train)
• JR Shin-Imamiya → (Osaka Loop Line Inner Circle) → Nishikujo → (JR Yumesaki Line/Sakurajima Line) → Unibusar City. Transfers within the station are available on the same or across platforms, with buses running approximately every 20–30 minutes. From Osaka, transfer to the Yumesaki Line (Sakurajima Line), which is a branch line to USJ.

Key Points for Park Admission and Tickets
• Check the park's opening hours (the official website varies daily, but gates often open early, usually between 8:30 AM and 9:00 AM). It's recommended to arrive 45–60 minutes before opening time to queue.
• To significantly shorten the line, purchase a Universal Express Pass (available in different packages, including fast access to selected games and guaranteed entry to certain areas).

Suggested Park Routes (for reference)
• Start with: Mario Land (Super Nintendo World) or Harry Potter Land → Jurassic × Spider-Man/The Incredible Hulk → Catch up on shows and performances in the afternoon.
• Download the official app to see real-time wait times and show times (install it before entering).

Return trip
• Follow the original route: Universe Street → Nishikujo → Shin-Imamiya.

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D4 | Kobe Yamate (Kitano Ijinkan, Ikuta Shrine, Motomachi)

There are two main options for traveling to Kobe (Sannomiya):
1. Private Hanshin Line (cheaper, more frequent services)
• Route: Osaka Namba → (Hanshin Nanba Line Rapid Direct) → Kobe Sannomiya (Hanshin), approximately 44 minutes, approximately ¥410. From Shin-Imamiya to Namba, you can take the Midosuji Line for one stop or walk.
2. JR (Direct from Shin-Imamiya)
• Route: JR Shin-Imamiya → Osaka Loop Line → (Connects to the JR Kobe Line at Osaka/Tennoji) → Sannomiya (JR). Times and fares vary slightly depending on the train (the advantage is that Shin-Imamiya directly connects to the JR).

After Arrival (Walking + Kobe City Loop Bus)
• Take the green CITY LOOP sightseeing bus near Sannomiya Station (a one-day pass allows unlimited hop-on and hop-offs). The route covers major attractions such as Kitano, Nankinmachi, and Merike Park.
• Morning: Kitano Ijinkan (Kazamidori House, Moegi-no-kan, etc.) → Ikuta Shrine.
• Afternoon: Motomachi Shopping Street, Nankinmachi (Chinatown) → Kobe City Hall Observation Deck or Higashiyuenchi.
• Evening: Enjoy the night view at Merike Park Harborland.

Return Trip
• City Loop back to Sannomiya → Return to Osaka by Hanshin or JR, depending on your arrival time.

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D5 | Kobe Port Loop / Kobe Bay and Brewery / Arima (Choose One)
• Bay Area Day Stroll (Easy Version)
• Sannomiya Station → Take the Port Loop to visit HAT Kobe, Kobe Warehouse, KIITO, Kobe Port Earthquake Memorial Park, and more. See the official website for routes and times.
• Afternoon: Shopping at Harborland Umie and strolling around the Kobe Cruise Terminal.
• Return to Osaka Shin-Imamiya in the evening and prepare for the return trip.