Shinsaibashi is a bustling district, known for its vibrant shopping scene. At its heart lies Shinsaibashi-suji, the city’s most well known shopping area. Start your tour by getting familiar with the city’s famous shopping center.

America-mura, also known as Ame-mura by the locals, is a vibrant retail and entertainment area near Shinsaibashi. It’s a hub of youth culture, featuring trendy vintage shops, cafes, bars, and nightclubs.

Stretched along the Dotonbori Canal you will find the district of Dotonbori, famed for it’s eccentric and brightly illuminated signboards, the most famous one being the Glico Man sign. Originally installed in 1935 as advertisement for the Glico company, it has now become one of Osaka’s most well known and photographed sign.

Make a quick stop at Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum, which exhibits ukiyo-e woodblock prints published during the Edo Period. Try your hand at Japanese woodblock printing and print a postcard sized print.

Standing out from the rest of the area is Hozenji Yokocho. This small stone-paved alley is lined with traditional shops and the red lanterns are lit up beautifully during the evening. You will find a temple with a moss covered statue.

Explore the traditional residential and warehouse buildings in Naramachi Town, many of them dating back to the Edo Period. Pass the Gangoji Temple, a Unesco World Heritage Site with a history dating back over 1300 years.

Kofuku-ji is a renowned Buddhist temple with a rich history. Visit the temple and buy a Goshuincho Stamp Book. Learn how to pay respects and pray at the temple, then gather the temple’s stamp.

Take a stroll through Isuien Garden. A picturesque and tranquil oasis, showcasing a harmonious blend of traditional Japanese landscape design and historic architecture.

Visit the impressive Todai-ji that houses a Great Buddha statue of 15 meters. This Temple, with its exquisite architectural design and massive scale, is unlike any other in the world.

A historical park in Japan, Nara Park is also famous for the friendly free roaming deer. Purchase deer crackers from a vendor nearby and have a unique experience feeding the deer nearby.

Kasuga Taisha Shrine is a captivating cultural site with its stunning vermilion buildings, suspended bronze lanterns, and serene forest surroundings. Walk along the main path that is lit up by the moss covered stone lanterns.

Start your day early by exploring Osaka’s vibrant culinary scene. The streets are lined with hundreds of shops offering street food, fresh produce and other item goods.

Just a few walking minutes from Namba Area you will find Ema-Den, a building shaped in a giant lion head. It’s said that the lion’s mout swallows evil spirits and brings good luck.

For tech and pop culture enthusiasts, Den Den Town offers a vibrant experience, showcasing a wide array of electronics, anime, manga, and gaming stores.

Discover Osaka’s iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, a symbol of the city’s resilience, and immerse yourself in the vibrant retro atmosphere of Shinsekai district.

Founded in 593, Shitennoji is Japan’s oldest official temple. Since it was founded, the structures have burned down multiple times, but have been rebuilt exactly as they were originally designed.

In the evening visit Abeno Harukas. The observatory on the 60th floor offers a 360-degree view of Osaka. During sundown, you can enjoy a stunning view of Osaka.

EAST KYOTO ITINERARY:

Fushimi Inari Shrine

Kiyomizu-Dera

Hōkan-ji Temple

Gion District

Yasaka-Jinja Shrine 

WEST KYOTO ITINERARY:

Kinkaku-ji Temple

Tenryu-ji

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

Free time/ Souvenir shopping

Visit one of Japan’s most famous landmarks, the Osaka castle. Learn about the history and significance of the castle and explore the surrounding park.Osaka

Learn about the city’s history in the Osaka Museum of History.  The museum contains displays that illustrate Osaka’s development from ancient times to the present.

Make a stop at Tenmangu Shrine, which was founded in the 10th century. If you are visiting Osaka in July, don’t miss Osaka’s biggest festival held in this shrine, the Tenjin Matsuri.

Shop at Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street. This is the longest shopping street in Japan and spans 2.6km in total!