4 Days in Osaka Trip: Budgets, Hotels, Food & Attractions

Day 1

Universal Studios Japan

Opening Hours: Tue - Fri 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM, Sat - Mon 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM

Ticket Price: 5926 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Days

Location: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka

Universal Studios Japan is located in Osaka and is the world's third Universal Studios theme park after Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal Studios Florida. Visitors can go on exciting rides, watch performances and shows, and new attraction launches each year, attracting a large number of visitors.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Today me and my family arrived in Osaka in Japan. It was awesome to be in a new city! We checked-in and had a nice sleep for tomorrow’s great adventure. The next day, we had our trip to The Universal Studio. It was very crowded and we had to wait for a really long time. After we went inside, we started to have fun. The roller coasters were exciting but it seemed scaring to me. It rolled and twisted like a enormous dragon fling over the sky. I was little then so I was scared to death. Don’t mind though, it was 7excellent. For another thing to say, was the Hogwarts Castle. It was huge and amazing! We quickly went inside for the games. It was a ride in the castle and you could see the Harry Potter’s scene inside as if you were in the story! After the wonderful ride, we went in a store full of the “Harry Potter” things, I loved those wands and the Hogwarts school uniform! The roller coasters worth a try! The day ended quickly, but I loved it though it’s a little bit bored during the waiting time. In the afternoon, we went back to the hotel. We were very tired so we had a sleep. After the sleep, it was about 8 o’clock, so we went to the underground market, hunting for food. We found some dumplings there. The Chinese food was so delicious! We were so surprised at the Chinese food! We also ate sushi, the local food in Japan. Through the all day’s trip, we were satisfied. It was a fabulous day! A little suggests: 1.If you go there on summer, remember to take umbrellas and fans, you will be really hot waiting for an hour. 2.Make your plans before going. For the truth, you can’t play as much play equipment as you think. Welcome for the questions, I’m looking forward to answer them.

Trip.com User: Incredible experience at Universal! During last winter vacation, my family and I went to the Universal for the first time in Osaka, Japan. And I promise this place is definitely the best place I have ever visited in my life! The Universal is entirely a theme paradise! It includes all the classic films theme projects and the entertainment facilities. For example, there are Harry Potter, Spider man and the Minions which children like. There are also special shops where people can buy souvenirs, I bought a Spider man shirt which is quite cool. However, although I have tried most of the topics, personally I would say the most exciting and spectacular one is certainly the Jurassic Park. That’s because inside the Jurassic Park, there is the most frightening and stimulating roller coaster------the Pterosaur Ride, which attracts millions of visitors. But only the bravest people dare to try.While I was waiting for the ride, I can hear people screaming from the sky, I felt really scared and hesitated. But at last, I determined to give it a try. Finally, it was my turn. The “Pterosaur” rose up in a sudden and then flash through the air, I felt I was flying, It was so cool! When I left , I felt really proud of myself and I’m sure this will never be the last time! To sum up, this was a significant and amazing experience for me and I highly recommend this place to everyone who likes adventure and Hollywood films. I’m sure you will never be disappointed! Tip: the Universal in Osaka, Japan is the only Universal in the world which has the Hogwarts College of Witchcraft and Magic from the film “Harry Potter “, Harry Potter fans never miss!

Day 1 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Universal Studios Japan? Hyatt Regency Osaka is one of your top choices.

Hyatt Regency Osaka

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The Hyatt Regency Hotel is well-located right in the heart of Osaka's new business district, Cosmo Square, offering easy access to many of Osaka's main attractions including INTEX Osaka, the Osaka World Trade Center and more. The city center is a 20-minute metro ride away, while guests can be seen to Kansai Airport with a 30-minute drive.
Hyatt's Osaka property comprises luxurious accommodations well-equipped with all the expected contemporary amenities. All rooms afford beautiful views of Osaka Bay and hotel gardens.

Day 2 | Morning

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Opening Hours: Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Ticket Price: 2300 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: 1-chōme-1-10 Kaigandōri, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in the ​Mount Tenpo area of Osaka Bay. It is very suitable for families and children. Walk down the spiral staircase around the central water tank, and see the huge whale shark swimming in the water tank. There are displays of a large number of marine life and attractions suitable for the entire family.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: The resort claims to have eight floors, but actually goes up to about two or three floors before it is officially admitted. First of all, I saw a souvenir shop, but don't worry, there are more big will appear when leaving, then more attractive waiting for everyone to formally enter, because as shown in the picture, there are students to visit, plus tourists, so even on weekdays, there is a crowd inside, there are a variety of marine life In addition to fish, penguins, sea lions, jellyfish and so on, it is simply the marine park of marine life as a homeowner to the end of the period to have a chance to meet some marine life, really once in a blue moon. Tips: Most of the venues are dark. When you encounter a few outdoor locations or indoor areas with more light, take a photo (if you are so)

Trip.com User: There are many different species of marine life. The instructions for each animal also indicate the feeding time of the two to three zookeepers. There are two whale sharks in the pavilion. Watching other marine life will also be around the whale shark 360 angles.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, The Main Tower of Osaka Castle next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

The Main Tower of Osaka Castle

Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 (closed at 16:30), spring, summer and autumn sometimes extended the opening hours; December 28 - January 1 closed.

Ticket Price: 600 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefectur

The Main Tower of Osaka Castle is a key landmark building of Osaka that was built in 1583 and is also known as "Hideyoshi Castle". The castle interior has now been transformed into a museum that provides information on Toyotomi Hideyoshi and the castle's history, while the floor offers great views over Osaka. The castle is built on an elevated platform and features white walls with green tiles, while the end of each flying eave is adorned with a magnificent tiger or shachi formed out of gold foil . Every spring and autumn, the ancient charm of the castle is ever more prominent against the cherry blossoms or red maple leaves.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Tarp’s journeys: It is very close to Osaka Castle, very beautiful, come take a photo with your parents. Keep it as a souvenir

Day 2 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Conrad Osaka in advance, because all the tourists head to The Main Tower of Osaka Castle love staying at it.

Conrad Osaka

Located in Kadoma, Conrad Osaka is a perfect starting point from which to explore Osaka. The hotel offers a high standard of service and amenities to suit the individual needs of all travelers. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at the Conrad Osaka. Each guestroom is elegantly furnished and equipped with handy amenities. The hotel offers various recreational opportunities. Friendly staff, great facilities and close proximity to all that Osaka has to offer are three great reasons you should stay at Conrad Osaka.

Day 3 | Morning

Spa World

Opening Hours: Hot spring 10:00 - 8:45; Ganbanyouku10:00 -6:00; The swimming pool 10:00-19:00; Gym 10:00-22:00

Ticket Price: 1200 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-5 Hours

Location: 3 Chome-4-24 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Situated in Shinsekai, Spa World is one of the largest hot spring complexes in the world. Open almost 24 hours a day, visitors can experience themed hot springs from different countries as well as enjoy the large indoor swimming pool. Spa World truly is a hot spring paradise, offering medicine and outdoor baths, in addition to a variety of spa activities from all over the world, including Asian and European baths, and even Micronesian hot springs.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Tsutenkaku.

Tsutenkaku

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-9:30pm

Ticket Price: 800 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002

Located in the Shinsekai district of Osaka and patterned after the Eiffel Tower, Tsutenkaku has become an iconic landmark building in Osaka. At night, the tower is lit with colorful lights and is an attractive sight in this southern city of Japan. Visitors to the observation deck can enjoy beautiful views of the streets below while taking in the bustling city from a different perspective.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Kriszticske: We could get there easily with metro line from downtown area. It’s close to the Zoo. Nice place to stroll around, climb the tower and according to weather conditions shoot some pics from the city. Also you can find delicious street food and snacks in every corner.

York San: The new slide which drops one down from 22 meters above ground without stopping. Riders swirl once around the landmark Tsutenkaku cylindrical elevator tower as they speed down the 22 meter drop in a 60 meter tube.

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel

Soaring up to 300 meters, the Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel, occupies 38th to 57th floors of the 60 floor multifaceted cultural complex, Abeno Harukas, the new Osaka landmark. All 360 guest rooms at Osaka Marriott Miyako Hotel with floor to ceiling windows offer unobstructed spectacular views of the city. The spacious guest rooms average 38 square meters and offer all the modern amenities including Free Wi-Fi. The 57th floor Restaurant with 360 degree Panoramas offer Japanese and International cuisine and a wide choice of spirits from around the world. The open-air outdoor plaza atrium at the 58th floor and the 60th floor 360 degree glass-enclosed observation deck with breathtaking panorama views of the Osaka Plain. (Admission fee required).On the 19th floor, the seamless lobby lounge and bar in reception area. And business center is on the 38th floor. Meeting space at the 20th Floor capable to accommodate up to 160 guests in total. It takes only about 30 minutes by train from Kansai International Airport.

Day 4 | Morning

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-10:00pm

Ticket Price: 800 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 15-30 Minutes

Location: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Located next to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel features a spectacular "skyrocket fireworks" lighting effect at night, in which the Ferris wheel is colorfully lit with beautiful patterns. These lights also act as a real-time weather forecast for the next day's weather. At the visitors can look over the busy Osaka Port and gaze far into the distance to Kansai International Airport in the south and Akashi Kaikyo Bridge in the west.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: Some distance from the subway station, but some small shops on the road can go in and out. In January 2020, there is a giraffe made up of Lego. It is very cute ❤️. It will make the mood better if you look at the distance on the high altitude, but the wind is a bit big when you reach the highest point. My sister and I are a little scared. The clerk will tell you how long it will take to get on the ticket when you buy it. It's very intimate ❤️.

Trip.com User: The weather was bad and the scenery was not very good. It is recommended to check the official website in advance to download the coupon, each one can be cheaper than 100 yen, you can see the harbour and the quarantined sea resort, and choose a variety of restaurants in the underground food court!

Day 4 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel.

HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel

Opening Hours: Sun - Sat 11:00 AM - 10:45 PM

Ticket Price: 600 JPY

Recommended Length of Stay: 15-30 Minutes

Location: 5-15, Kakudacho, Kita, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture

Mounted on the roof of the HEP FIVE shopping mall, the red HEP FIVE Ferris Wheel has become a landmark of the northern Umeda district of Osaka. The Ferris wheel is equipped with air conditioning, and visitors can plug in their phones or music players to listen to their own music while enjoying commanding views of Mount Ikoma, Osaka Bay, and the entire city.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Joann W·: The all-red Ferris wheel is super suitable for taking pictures to take the subway to Umeda, follow the signs, go directly to the underground elevator of the mall, take the elevator to the 7th floor to see the Ferris wheel! Buy it and you can use it. Find a staff at the entrance to scan the QR code and play! Very convenient, and cheaper than the on-site ticket is 600

HeeHyeon: It's too slow ㅋㅋㅋ I remember it was 600 yen by 15 minutes. (Maybe cheaper ..) You can see the night view of Osaka at a glance! It's on the top of the department store. If you want to take a life shot, you must go !!!

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.