Three Days in Osaka: Universal Studios, Expo 2025, and Gourmet Galore!

From world favorites like Universal Studios Japan and Kaiyukan Aquarium to local havens such as Dotonbori, Tsutenkaku, and Shinsekai, the city of Osaka is home to no shortage of electrifying hotspots. And to top it off, it will be the proud host for World Expo 2025.

Osaka’s foodie scene is no joke, either; okonomiyaki savory pancakes, takoyaki octopus poppers, kushikatsu deep-fried skewers, and a plentiful variety of thirst-quenching local mixed juices make Osaka one of the best places in Japan to eat your heart out.

In this guide, we’ll take you through a three-day model itinerary that covers the best of Osaka’s sights, scenes, and savory snacks.

The dawn of the first day is here; to Osaka we go. If you’re traveling from Tokyo, a two-and-a-half-hour ride on the Nozomi Shinkansen bullet train will send you straight to Shin-Osaka Station. Alternatively, if flying is more your thing, you can reach Osaka’s Itami Airport with a short one-hour puddle jump from Tokyo’s Haneda Airport.

The Umeda terminal, which includes both JR Osaka Station and Umeda Subway Station, is your gateway to Osaka City. Whether you’re arriving by Shinkansen or plane, you can get there with a single train or limousine bus ride. Pop your suitcase and baggage in a nearby coin locker and set out on some hassle-free sightseeing.

If your hotel is closer to Shin-Osaka Station, or if you picked an accommodation in Tennoji or Namba (which we’ll cover later in this guide), we recommend dropping your bags off at your hotel first and hopping back to Umeda for a smoother experience.

Transit tip: To get to Osaka-Umeda Station from Shin-Osaka Station, travel one stop (three min) on the JR Kyoto Line or three stops (six min) on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line. To get there from Itami Airport, take a 30-minute limousine bus ride directly to the station.

Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory: Take in breathtaking views from up on high

Transit tip: The Umeda Sky Building is just a 10-minute walk from Osaka-Umeda Station.

After hopping off at Umeda, stretch your legs with a short 10-minute walk to one of Osaka’s most iconic sightseeing spots: the Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory.

Pass through the spacious and verdant Umekita Park or do a bit of window shopping at the Grand Green Osaka shopping center — both of which opened just last year — before reaching this impressive high-rise complex on the other side.

Technically two towers, the building is connected via floors 39–40, and the rooftop is home to the Kuchu Teien Observatory. On a clear day up at the observatory, you’ll be able to see not only the sprawl of Osaka City but even the majestic Akashi Kaikyo Suspension Bridge and Awaji Island offshore. Visit again after sundown to see the twinkling lights of Osaka’s nightlife.

Umeda Sky Building Kuchu Teien Observatory

Hours of operation: 9:30 a.m.–10:30 p.m. (last entry at 8 p.m.)

Entrance fees:

• Adults: 2,000 JPY 
• Children 4 to elementary school age: 700 JPY
• Children under 4: free

Address: 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka City, Osaka

Access: 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Station or Umeda Station

Go retro at Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai

Transit tip: To reach Tsutenkaku from Umeda Station, travel six stops (14 min) on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Dobutsuen-mae Station. If coming from Osaka Station, travel eight stops (16 min) on the Osaka Loop Line to Shin-Imamiya Station

Tsutenkaku is the name of the iconic tower of Naniwa Ward, standing over 350 feet tall and easily visible from the sprawling streets of the Shinsekai entertainment district. Despite Shinsekai literally meaning “new world,” the main draw of this district is its retro vibes; here you’ll find old-school carnival games, pinball machines, and Sennariya Coffee Shop — considered to be the origin point of Osaka’s famous mixed juice beverages.

The tower itself hosts an observation deck with a see-through floor (for the fear-factor seekers) and a recently added spiral slide that will take you on a thrilling slip back down to ground level.

Do note that both the tower and the surrounding establishments tend to close early, so we recommend visiting midday.

Tsutenkaku Tower Observation Deck

Hours of operation: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (last entry at 7:30 p.m.)

Entrance fees:

• Adults: 1,500 JPY
• Children 5–14: 500 JPY
• Children under 5: free

Address: 1-18-6 Ebisu Higashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka City, Osaka

Access: Six-minute walk from Dobutsuen-mae Station (Midosuji Line) or Shin-Imamiya Station (Osaka Loop Line), or a three-minute walk from Ebisu Station (Hankai Tram)

Abeno Harukas: Head to the top of the (second) tallest building in Japan

Travel tip: Abeno Harukas is just a 15-minute walk from Shinsekai.

Next up, take a leisurely 15-minute stroll from Shinsekai to Abeno Harukas. Although it no longer claims the title of “Japan’s tallest building” (which was taken by the Azabudai Hills Tower in Tokyo in 2023), its grandeur and design are still just as awe-inspiring. Floors 58–60 house an observation deck known as “Harukas 300,” so named because it puts you 300 meters (nearly 1,000 feet) up above ground level. The views are exceptional in any weather, but if you’re blessed with clear skies, you’ll be able to see as far as Kyoto!

Abeno Harukas Observation Deck “Harukas 300”

Hours of operation: 9 a.m.–10 p.m. (last entry at 9:30 p.m.), open year-round

Entrance fees (same-day tickets):

• Adults: 2,000 JPY
• Junior and senior high school students: 1,200 JPY
• Elementary school students: 700 JPY
• Preschool children: 500 JPY
• Children under 4: free

Address: 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno Ward, Osaka City, Osaka

Access: Right next to Abenobashi Station (Kintetsu Railway) or Tennoji Station (JR and subway)

Discover dazzling lights and mouthwatering treats in Namba

Transit tip: To reach Namba Station from Tennoji Station, travel three stops (six min) on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line.

The top of the to-do list for Namba Ward is visiting Dotonbori, the glittering riverside promenade famous for the giant Glico running man. This tightly packed district is prime territory for Osaka’s gourmet offerings, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, udon noodles, and old-school cafes.

On these streets, it’s “go big or go home,” especially when it comes to signage. You won’t have to look hard to spot the giant animated crab above Kani Doraku (crab and seafood cuisine), the massive octopus clinging to the wall over Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru (takoyaki), or the charismatic caricature of Katsuya Ueyama, president of Kushikatsu Daruma (kushikatsu). Just a stroll through this iconic district will give you an appreciation for Osaka’s love of rich food.

Close by is Kuromon Market, affectionately referred to as Osaka’s Kitchen. Dozens of local wholesalers and restaurateurs have set up here, and they’ll be more than happy to serve you a variety of fresh catches. 

This area is also home to Namba Grand Kagetsu, a performance theater of the Yoshimoto Kogyo comedy troupe. They host comedic plays and stand-up routines daily — emblematic of a city known for its slapstick humor.

Get acquainted with Osaka’s posh side in Nakanoshima

Transit tip: To reach Nakanoshima from Namba Station, travel three stops on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Yodoyabashi Station. If departing from Umeda Station, take the same line for just one stop.

Rich food, bombastic signage, and brazen comedy are all well and good, but if you’re looking to see a more refined side of Osaka, consider a visit to Nakanoshima.

This area has long been associated with financial and economic prosperity in Osaka, with several prominent historic buildings housing institutions such as the Osaka City Central Public Hall and the Osaka Prefectural Nakanoshima Library.

Along the water bordering Nakanoshima, you’ll find an array of trendy cafes and eateries, many of which offer terrace seating so you can enjoy the view of the river while you dine.

Several museums take center stage here as well, including the Nakanoshima Museum of Art and the Museum of Oriental Ceramics.

Bringing the kids? Weather looking glum? Head to Tempozan Harbor Village

If you’re traveling with small children, or if some unexpected rainclouds show up on the horizon, Tempozan is your friend. It’s conveniently located on the other side of the river from Universal Studios Japan, and it’s just two subway stops from the venue for Osaka Expo 2025.

Tempozan is home to some world-famous attractions: Kaiyukan Aquarium; the Tempozan Ferris Wheel, which boasts stunning views of the city from nearly 370 feet up at the peak of its rotation; Legoland Discovery Center Osaka, an indoor attraction orchestrated by the world’s favorite building block company; and Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho, a food theme park recreating the foodie streets of Osaka’s 60s and 70s. 

If you’re walking through Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho and not sure where to dig your fork in first, here are a few recommendations: Aidsuya, a famous takoyaki restaurant celebrating over 90 years of history; Hokkyokusei, established in 1922 and credited with the creation of Japan’s famous omuraisu (omelet over fried rice); and Jiyuken, opened in 1910 as Osaka City’s first western restaurant serving curry-and-rice dishes. Of course, other Osaka classics like okonomiyaki or udon noodles topped with beef cracklings are readily available, so take your pick.

Kaiyukan Aquarium

Hours of operation: 10 a.m.–8 p.m. (last entry at 7 p.m., open from 9:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays), may vary depending on the season 

Entrance fees:

• Adults: 2,700 JPY
• Elementary and junior high school students: 1,400 JPY
• Children 3 and up: 700 JPY

Address: 1-1-10 Kaigan-dori, Minato Ward, Osaka City, Osaka

Access: Five-minute walk from Osakako Station (Chuo Subway Line), or right next to the Tempozan Harbor Village bus stop (Osaka City Bus) or Tempozan bus stop (Nankai Bus)

Check in at your hotel

Not sure which area in Osaka to set as your travel base? Here are a few tips to help you decide!

Hotels around Osaka Station and Umeda Station (JR lines, most other lines)

The Osaka-Umeda terminal is your gateway to nearly every corner of Osaka, so it’s a highly convenient choice of location for your accommodation. It’s also easy to reach Shin-Osaka Station, Itami Airport, and Kansai International Airport with a single train or bus ride.

In addition to the Umeda Sky Building and Grand Green Osaka shopping center mentioned above, there are plenty of department stores and eateries around the terminal, leaving you spoilt for choice.

Hotels around Bentencho Station (Osaka Loop Line, Osaka Metro Chuo Line)

Bentencho is an excellent option for centralized access to various spots. It’s three stops or nine minutes from Universal Studios Japan, with a quick transfer at Nishikujo Station; four stops or 13 minutes from Yumeshima Station, the nearest station to the Osaka Expo 2025 venue; and just two stops from Osakako Station, from which you can reach Kaiyukan Aquarium. It’s also 10–15 minutes by train from the Namba, Tsutenkaku, and Shinsekai districts.

Official Universal Studios Japan hotels

Universal Studios Japan operates a few official hotels that provide excellent access to the park, typically within a few minutes’ walk of Universal City Station or the park itself. They also offer free luggage storage services, studio passes (entry tickets) available for purchase in the hotel, specialized stay packages that include studio passes in the booking fare, and more to make your park visit smooth and satisfying.

Hotels around Shin-Osaka Station (Shinkansen, JR lines, Osaka Metro Midosuji Line)

If you’re arriving in Osaka by Shinkansen, this is a convenient place to choose as you’ll be able to reach your hotel within minutes of stepping off the platform. No need to search for available coin lockers — simply drop your luggage off at the hotel and you’re free to begin your sightseeing extravaganza. If your hotel holds on to your luggage after check-out, you can keep your hands free for one last day of exploring before picking it up and boarding the bullet train, easy-peasy.

Hotels around Namba and Tennoji

Namba and Tennoji stations serve as the next-biggest transit hubs after Umeda, making them a great option for easily reaching major sightseeing destinations in the city.

Your second day should be all about Osaka Expo 2025. Set to run from April 13 to October 13, this rendition of the World Exposition is returning to Osaka for the first time in 55 years since Expo '70. 

Spanning about one-and-a-quarter miles (two kilometers) in circumference, the Expo’s Grand Ring roof has been formally recognized as the world’s largest wooden structure; it is under this impressive roof that more than 150 countries, regions, international organizations, and businesses will set up pavilions alongside their Japanese partners and counterparts. It’s a unique opportunity to take a trip around the world in a single day, experiencing the local traditions, new technologies, lifestyle practices, and gourmet cuisine of myriad nations.

Another draw of the expo will be its state-of-the-art technology exhibits, including some interactive displays of flying cars, future cities, and next-generation lifestyles. Every day of the expo will offer opportunities to experience its theme of “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.”

Come sundown, the venue will put on “A Spectacle of Air and Water: Under the Midnight Rainbow,” a dazzling performance featuring water jets and projection mapping. Visitors can also admire the evening views from atop the Grand Ring, ensuring a full day of activity and fulfillment from start to finish.

Event period: April 13–October 13, 2025

Hours of operation: 9 a.m.–10 p.m.

Entrance fees (early-bird tickets available until April 12):

• Adults 18 and up: 6,700 JPY
• Children 12–17: 3,700 JPY
• Children 4–11: 1,700 JPY
• Children 3 and under: free

Venue: Osaka Yumeshima

Access: Right next to Yumeshima Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line), via direct shuttle bus from Sakurajima Station (JR Sakurajima Line a.k.a. Yumesaki Line), or via reserved shuttle bus from the following stations: Shin-Osaka, Osaka, Namba, Tennoji, Uehommachi, Nakanoshima, Sakai, Sakaihigashi, and Amagasaki

The last day is a day for play at Universal Studios Japan! It’s packed to the bursting point with classic Hollywood-themed attractions connecting areas dedicated to studio productions such as Super Mario, Harry Potter, Despicable Me (and the Minions), Sesame Street, Peanuts, and Hello Kitty.

The park also puts on seasonal events: Halloween in autumn, Christmas in winter, Easter in spring, splash fests in summer, and more.  And if you’re a fan of anime, you won’t want to miss their highly popular collaborative events featuring characters and goods from hit series like Detective Conan, One Piece, and Demon Slayer.

Hours of operation: Varies depending on the day

Entrance fees (one-day studio pass):

• Adults: starting at 8,600 JPY
• Children 4–11: starting at 5,600 JPY
• Seniors 65 and up: starting at 7,700 JPY
  *Fees may vary depending on the day

Address: 2-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka City, Osaka

Access: Five-minute walk from Universal City Station (JR Sakurajima Line a.k.a. Yumesaki Line)

The street extending from Universal City Station to the park is lined with merch shops, official hotels, and plenty of souvenir shops, so you won’t have any trouble picking up a few gifties for friends and family back home. 

There’s also a grouping of famous takoyaki purveyors (known collectively as Takoyaki Park) and a branch location of 551 Horai, which sells cook-at-home packages of potstickers, pork buns, shumai, and other delectable dim sum — in case you needed another reminder that Osaka is the place to eat till you drop.

Chart a course back to Tokyo

The last bullet train bound for Tokyo departs Shin-Osaka Station at 9:24 p.m. Be sure you’ve boarded a train leaving Universal City Station by around 8:30 p.m. to ensure enough time to catch it.

The Shin-Osaka Station building hosts several gourmet restaurants and souvenir shops, so you can’t go wrong picking up a little take-out to eat on the bullet train. Just be careful if you’re planning to grab something from 551 Horai or Rikuro’s Cheesecake Shop; the lines can get long!

Transit tip: To reach Shin-Osaka Station from Universal City Station, travel to Osaka Station via the JR Yumesaki Line or Osaka Loop Line, then transfer to the JR Kyoto Line for Shin-Osaka Station. The total trip should take 20 minutes.