13 days in Osaka Itinerary

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Take a break from the city and head to Nara Park and Nunobiki Falls (Nunobiki-No-Taki). Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Osaka Castle are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Explore the numerous day-trip ideas around Osaka: Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Shugakuin Imperial Villa, &more), Nara (Kasuga Grand Shrine & Todai-ji Temple) and Koya-cho (Mt. Koya & Koyasan Okunoin). Next up on the itinerary: get in on the family fun at Universal Studios Japan, get a taste of the local shopping with Dotombori, contemplate the long history of Byodoin, and deepen your understanding at Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution.

To see photos, traveler tips, more things to do, and more tourist information, use the Osaka trip itinerary planning tool.

If you are flying in from Singapore, the closest major aiports are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. In April, plan for daily highs up to 23°C, and evening lows to 12°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 29th (Sat) to allow enough time to travel back home.