Osaka 1 day itinerary (Shinsekai, Tsutenkaku, Shinsaibashi)

It is the most popular shrine in Osaka and is affectionately called Sumiyossan by the locals. See the bright vermilion Taiko Bridge and the main shrine which has been designated as a National Treasure. If you have time, a walk through Sumiyoshi Park is also recommended.

Head for Shinsekai, the area with the atmosphere of the good old days with working-class shops and restaurants all lined up. There is a row of places specializing in the Osaka dish of kushikatsu and you can taste some of that Osakan down-home cooking such as takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Walk over to Tsutenkaku, the symbol of Shinsekai. The tower that was built by the same man behind Tokyo Tower. It cannot be said to be an ultra-high building but you can enjoy its retro appearance and its good sense of distance for Osaka. Don’t forget to greet the famous Billiken statue and stroke its feet to earn good luck.

Next, head to Shinsaibashi, Osaka’s symbolic shopping street. In addition to stores specializing in big-name brands and department stores, this massive shopping street has places catering to people of all ages including America-mura, the birthplace of Osaka’s youth culture.

Go up to the Floating Garden Observatory at the top of the Umeda Sky Building which was selected as one of the Top 20 Buildings Around the World. From its cutting-edge ring-shaped observation point at the highest point of 173m, get a panoramic view of Osaka. Take your time as the sunset changes into the night sky view. There are also cafés, bars and restaurants where you can enjoy the view of the city to your heart’s content.

It takes 10 minutes on foot from the Floating Garden Observatory (Umeda Sky Building) to reach JR Osaka Station. The area around the station, Umeda, is Osaka’s leading and most sophisticated shopping area. With plenty of restaurants, you can enjoy strolling there well into the evening.