4 day itinerary for Osaka

Itinerary

Osaka is a vibrant city with a rich culture, delicious food, and plenty of attractions to explore. Let’s dive into a fun-filled 4-day itinerary that caters to your vegan-friendly preferences and includes some delightful brunch spots!

## Day 1: Arrival and Dotonbori Exploration

Morning:

• Brunch at AIN SOPH. Journey: Start your trip with a delicious vegan brunch at AIN SOPH. Journey, known for its creative plant-based dishes. Try their fluffy pancakes or a hearty tofu scramble!

Afternoon:

• Dotonbori District: After brunch, head to Dotonbori, the bustling entertainment district. Stroll along the canal, snap a photo with the iconic Glico Man sign, and explore the quirky shops. Don’t forget to try some vegan street food like takoyaki made with plant-based ingredients!

Evening:

• Dinner at Paprika Shokudo Vegan: For dinner, enjoy a meal at Paprika Shokudo, a cozy vegan restaurant offering a variety of Japanese dishes. Their curry rice is a must-try!

## Day 2: Cultural Immersion

Morning:

• Brunch at Green Earth: Start your day at Green Earth, a lovely vegan café that serves a fantastic brunch. Their vegan burgers and smoothie bowls are perfect for fueling up!

Afternoon:

• Osaka Castle: After brunch, visit the historic Osaka Castle. Explore the beautiful grounds and take in the stunning views from the top of the castle. The surrounding park is perfect for a leisurely stroll.

• Shitennoji Temple: Next, head to Shitennoji Temple, one of Japan’s oldest temples. The serene atmosphere is perfect for some reflection and exploration.

Evening:

• Dinner at Chabana: For dinner, check out Chabana, a vegan-friendly restaurant that offers a variety of Japanese dishes. Their seasonal vegetable tempura is delightful!

## Day 3: Day Trip to Nara

Morning:

• Brunch at Cafe Atl: Before heading to Nara, enjoy a brunch at Cafe Atl, which offers a range of vegan options. Their vegan pancakes and matcha lattes are a great way to start the day!

Afternoon:

• Nara Park: Take a short train ride to Nara (about 45 minutes). Visit Nara Park, where you can see the famous free-roaming deer. Don’t forget to bring some deer crackers to feed them!

• Todai-ji Temple: Explore Todai-ji Temple, home to the Great Buddha statue. The architecture and history are awe-inspiring!

Evening:

• Dinner at Naramachi: Before heading back to Osaka, enjoy dinner at a local vegan-friendly restaurant in Nara, like Naramachi, which offers a variety of plant-based dishes.

## Day 4: Modern Osaka and Shopping

Morning:

• Brunch at The 1890: On your last day, treat yourself to brunch at The 1890, a charming café with a great selection of vegan options. Their avocado toast and coffee are perfect for a leisurely morning.

Afternoon:

• Umeda Sky Building: After brunch, visit the Umeda Sky Building for panoramic views of the city. The Floating Garden Observatory is a highlight!

• Shopping in Shinsaibashi: Spend the afternoon shopping in the Shinsaibashi area. You’ll find everything from high-end boutiques to quirky shops. Keep an eye out for vegan-friendly snacks!

Evening:

• Dinner at Mame & Shiba: For your final dinner in Osaka, head to Mame & Shiba, a vegan restaurant that focuses on seasonal ingredients. Their multi-course meal is a delightful way to end your trip!

Tips:

• Make sure to check the opening hours of the restaurants and attractions, as they can vary.
• Consider getting an ICOCA card for easy travel on public transport.
• Don’t hesitate to ask locals for vegan recommendations; they often know the best spots!

Enjoy your trip to Osaka! It’s a city that beautifully blends tradition and modernity, and I’m sure you’ll have a fantastic time exploring all it has to offer! 🌸