In the second part of our Japan adventure, we explored top attractions, discovered hidden gems, and savoured local eats in Osaka.
The 2D1N itinerary for Osaka has been replicated here, so dive in for ideas on what to do in the kitchen of Japan. Check out highlights of the trip in a special video at the end of this guide!
Aim to get to Osaka as early as you can and store your luggage at one of the many luggage lockers in this city. Once that’s all sorted, head straight to Universal Studios Japan for a day of fun.
This park might have opened in 2001, but there have been plenty of new additions to the stellar line up of rides and attractions here.
If you’re a big fan of Mario, Luigi, or even Yoshi, you’ll not want to miss out on a visit to Super Nintendo World – a Nintendo-themed land which is home to shops, restaurants, and the first interactive Mario Kart ride on earth. But you’ll need a timed ticket to enter this zone, so snap up your reservations for this as soon as you can, before you explore the rest of the park!
Potterheads should find some time to visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which is magical both in the day and at night. Spend some time wandering through Hogsmeade Village and visit the shops and restaurants in this land – some notable mentions are Ollivanders, which sells wands, and Three Broomsticks, for a cup of frozen butterbeer.
Don’t forget to go on the rides; younger travellers will love the Flight of the Hippogriff, a junior roller coaster, and those who are up for something more thrilling will enjoy Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, a motion-based ride that takes riders through scenes from the Harry Potter series.
In any case, those who would rather not go on rides can also choose to explore the whole land which is full of photo opportunities!
When it’s finally time for you to enter Super Nintendo World, head in and prioritise Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge. This ride utilises state-of-the-art technology to create a ride that’s both interactive and immersive. You’ll find yourself transported to the world of Mario and Luigi, and you’ll have the chance to race alongside them while firing shells at various characters to accumulate points.
You’ll also be spoilt for choice with the extensive selection of merchandise here. Pick up a plushie or two, and even some apparel so that you can dress up as your favourite Super Mario character for the day!
When you’ve had your fill of fun at Universal Studios Japan, head to your hotel. If you’re contemplating where’s a good place to stay, pick between OMO7, which is a family-friendly contemporary hotel that’s full of Osaka’s vibrant spirit, and W Osaka, which sits in the heart of Shinsaibashi. Check-in to your hotel of choice and have a short break before heading out for a sumptuous dinner.
Head to Tajimaya Umeda for an interesting dining experience. Tajimaya, which is part of a well-known chain, is well worth a visit – for its exclusivity and premium ambience. Not only does the restaurant not have a sign, the entrance is also just a nondescript door that opens to a walkway, where one needs to enter a PIN for another door to open. Once you’re settled in your private dining room, feast to your heart’s content with yakiniku kaiseki (multi-course meals), featuring top quality Japanese meat and produce.
Finally, wind down for the night.
There’re lots to see and do in Osaka, so don’t sleep in too late.
Not sure where to start? A good choice in Shinsekai, a district that was originally designed and modelled after Paris and New York. Shinsekai, which also means “New World, is a nice place for a stroll; you’ll find a densely concentrated collection of local eateries, bars, restaurants, and retail stores, selling nostalgia above everything else.
This neighbourhood is also home to an eye-catching pièce de resistance: the 75-metre tall Tsutenkaku Tower that towers above all the low-rise buildings in the vicinity. Head up the tower for bird’s-eye views of the city, or admire it from ground level.
Looking for a nice sit-down meal? Give OMO Dining at OMO7 a try. This restaurant serves up plates of Japanese and French fusion cuisine, and is a good place for a nice, relaxing meal. But if you’d rather be out and about enjoying the sights, sounds, and best parts of Osaka’s street food scene, a good place to be is at Dotonburi.
Although it is one of the most touristy places in the city, it is no doubt a fascinating place to visit. Be prepared to be inundated with a barrage of neon lights and signages, as well as the iconic giant Glico Man, which might just be Osaka’s most well-known landmark.
Snap a photo with it while you’re standing on the bridge in front, then continue walking around the area.
Some of the best street food here include takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes), and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables). But don’t forget to try the various offerings at Kani Douraku, which specialises in various types of crab dishes, from grilled crab legs to crab hot pots. You can’t miss this restaurant – look out for its giant moving crab sign and long lines that are a testament to the delectable offerings here.
Once you’ve had enough to eat, take a short walk to Shinsaibashi, which lies slightly north of Dotonbori. Shop till you drop at this mile-long shopping arcade, which is home to giant department stores, familiar street brands, and small independent boutiques, before heading back to your hotel to retire for the night.
Interested to see what went on when KrisFlyer explored Japan with Cheesie? Watch the highlights here:
Ready to go on a journey to discover Japan? As a KrisFlyer member, you’ll earn KrisFlyer miles when you fly on Singapore Airlines and Scoot, or you can choose to redeem your KrisFlyer miles for that trip to the land of the rising sun.
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