Hi everyone! I’m heading to Japan next month and I’m super excited planning my itinerary! I’ve started with Osaka — does anyone have extra tips, or could take a look to see if it’s okay? Is it too packed, or is there anything I just can’t miss? :)"

Osaka Itinerary – Sept 27 to Sept 30

Day 1 – Fri, Sept 27 | Arrival & Kitashinchi
Arrive in Osaka in the evening. Check-in at the Four Seasons Osaka. Enjoy a light evening stroll through Kitashinchi, known for its sophisticated bars and intimate restaurants. Dinner suggestions: ask the hotel concierge or explore small izakayas and sake bars nearby.

Day 2 – Sat, Sept 28 | Classic Osaka + Dotonbori
Morning – Visit Osaka Castle, Nishinomaru Garden, and Hokoku Shrine. Stop by the Osaka Museum of History (right next to the castle). Castle open 9 AM–5 PM. Admission: ¥1,200.

Afternoon – Lunch at Yakiniku Kitan (reservation recommended). Stroll along Dotonbori Street and Tombori Riverwalk with views of the iconic Glico Running Man sign. Street food highlights: Strawberry Tanghulu, Okonomiyaki Chibo, Takoyaki Wanaka. Visit Hozen-ji Temple, hidden in the Hozenji Yokocho alley.

Day 3 – Sun, Sept 29 | Namba + Food Tour
Morning – Visit Namba Yasaka Jinja, a shrine famous for its massive lion head stage. Walk to Kuromon Ichiba Market (opens around 9:30–10 AM) to sample grilled seafood, seasonal fruits, and Japanese sweets.

Sennichimae Doguyasuji – Shopping street specializing in kitchenware, knives, and ceramics. Optional stop at Takoyaki Wanaka Sennichimae.

Afternoon – Tea experience at Wad, a wabi-sabi style tea café serving traditional Japanese teas and seasonal sweets.

Evening – Self-guided food tour at Hozenji Yokocho: Houzenji Sanpei (okonomiyaki), Hozenji Kamofuku (fresh soba), Honkogetsu (kaiseki). End the night with a Japanese whisky at Bar Kawana or Jack’s Inn.

Day 4 – Mon, Sept 30 | Sakai & Departure to Mount Koya
Morning – Take a short train ride to Sakai to visit the Sakai Knife Museum (free admission), located inside the Traditional Crafts Museum. Learn about the history and craftsmanship of Japanese knives, with the opportunity to purchase directly from artisans.

Shopping in Osaka – Sennichimae Doguyasuji, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Nakazakicho, America-mura, Hands Shinsaibashi, Don Quijote Dotonbori.