14 day itinerary for Osaka

Itinerary

A 14-day adventure in Osaka sounds fantastic, especially with a focus on food, indie shops, and artsy experiences. Let’s dive into a delightful itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and culinary delights.

## Day 1: Arrival in Osaka

• Morning: Arrive in Osaka and check into your hotel. Take some time to freshen up.
• Afternoon: Head to Dotonbori. Stroll along the vibrant streets, soak in the neon lights, and grab a bite of takoyaki (octopus balls) from a street vendor.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local izakaya (Japanese pub) in the area. Try some kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) for a true Osaka experience.

## Day 2: Explore Namba and Shinsaibashi

• Morning: Visit Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade. Explore indie shops and boutiques. Don’t miss Namba Parks, a shopping complex with a rooftop garden.
• Afternoon: Lunch at a local café. Try okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at a nearby restaurant.
• Evening: Check out the Namba Yasaka Shrine for its unique lion-shaped stage, then enjoy dinner at a local ramen shop.

## Day 3: Artsy Day in Osaka

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to see how Osaka looked in the Edo period.
• Afternoon: Head to the [Osaka National Museum of Art](https://www.viator.com/searchResults/all?text=Osaka%20National%20Museum%20of%20Art&pid=P00093752&mcid=42383&medium=link&campaign=roamaround"). Enjoy contemporary art exhibitions and the beautiful architecture.
• Evening: Dinner in the Kitahama area, known for its chic restaurants. Try a fusion cuisine spot for something different.

## Day 4: Day Trip to Nara

• Morning: Take a train to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit Nara Park and meet the friendly deer.
• Afternoon: Explore the local shops in Naramachi, a preserved historic district. Grab lunch at a local café.
• Evening: Return to Osaka and enjoy dinner at a local sushi restaurant.

## Day 5: Umeda District

• Morning: Visit the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city.
• Afternoon: Explore the Grand Front Osaka shopping complex, focusing on local and indie shops.
• Evening: Dinner at a trendy restaurant in the area, perhaps trying some yakiniku (grilled meat).

## Day 6: Art and Design

• Morning: Visit the Osaka Contemporary Art Center. Check out local artists and exhibitions.
• Afternoon: Explore the Nakanoshima area, home to beautiful parks and the National Museum of Art.
• Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya, followed by a stroll along the river.

## Day 7: Kuromon Ichiba Market

• Morning: Spend the morning at Kuromon Ichiba Market. Sample fresh seafood, fruits, and local delicacies.
• Afternoon: Visit Amerikamura (American Village) for quirky shops and street art.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local curry house.

## Day 8: Day Trip to Kyoto

• Morning: Take a train to Kyoto (about 30 minutes). Visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
• Afternoon: Explore the Gion district, known for its traditional wooden machiya houses. Grab lunch at a local tea house.
• Evening: Return to Osaka and enjoy a quiet dinner at a local soba shop.

## Day 9: Osaka Bay Area

• Morning: Visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world.
• Afternoon: Explore Tempozan Marketplace for lunch and some shopping.
• Evening: Dinner at a seafood restaurant with a view of the bay.

## Day 10: Local Neighborhoods

• Morning: Explore the Nakazakicho area, known for its vintage shops and indie cafes.
• Afternoon: Visit the Osaka Craft Beer Garden for lunch and try some local brews.
• Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya, followed by a visit to a nearby bar for cocktails.

## Day 11: Shopping and Relaxation

• Morning: Head to Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan. Explore local shops and boutiques.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at a local onsen (hot spring) for some pampering.
• Evening: Dinner at a local kaiseki restaurant for a multi-course meal.

## Day 12: Cultural Experiences

• Morning: Participate in a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Japanese dishes.
• Afternoon: Visit the Osaka Science Museum for some interactive fun.
• Evening: Dinner at a local izakaya, followed by a stroll through the illuminated streets of Dotonbori.

## Day 13: Final Day of Exploration

• Morning: Visit the Osaka City Central Public Hall for its stunning architecture.
• Afternoon: Explore the Osaka Station City for last-minute shopping and dining.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the city skyline.

## Day 14: Departure

• Morning: Last-minute shopping or a leisurely breakfast at a local café.
• Afternoon: Check out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure.

This itinerary balances your interests in food, indie shops, and arts while allowing you to explore the vibrant culture of Osaka. Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Safe travels! 🌏✈️🍣