Osaka Day Trip Itinerary: A Food-Filled Journey Through the City

Your destination is HARUKAS 300 Observatory, a three-level observation deck spanning the 58th through 60th floors. The 60th floor features an indoor corridor enclosed in glass from floor to ceiling, creating the sensation of walking through the sky. In good weather, you can see as far as Kyoto, the Rokko mountain range, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island, and the Ikoma mountain range. If you have time, the Backyard Tour offers a look at the secrets behind the skyscraper.

After your stroll, have lunch at Osaka Shinsekai Ganso Kushikatsu Daruma Shinsekai Main Branch, a renowned kushikatsu restaurant. This is the flagship location of Kushikatsu Daruma, which operates primarily in Osaka City. The restaurant has just 12 counter seats and offers around 40 varieties of deep-fried skewers, including beef, pork, shrimp, and tomato. Prices start at an affordable 143 yen per skewer. Light and crisp, the kushikatsu are so easy to eat that you may find yourself ordering one after another. Do not forget to order the signature doteyaki, either.

When you visit Tsutenkaku Tower, begin on the 5th floor for panoramic views of Osaka. Billiken, the god of good fortune, is enshrined here, so rub the soles of his feet and make a wish for happiness. Other attractions include the top floor, where dioramas and videos depict Shinsekai around 100 years ago, along with exhibits based on a different theme on each floor. On B1, you will also find shops selling exclusive merchandise from companies such as Morinaga, Ezaki Glico, and Nissin Foods, making it a good place to shop for souvenirs.

Once you arrive in Dotonbori, first try making takoyaki at the Dotonbori Konamon Museum, marked by its enormous red octopus sign. This museum focuses on konamon, or flour-based dishes. You can watch the cooking techniques used at the popular Takoya Dotonbori Kukuru restaurant, visit the Konamon History Museum supervised by the Japan Konamon Association, and make replica foods at Sample Kobo Maneki Tako. On B1, Takoyaki Dojo Kukuru Takumi lets you create your own original takoyaki. Takoyaki cooked by your own hands using professional equipment is sure to taste extra special. Enjoy your handmade takoyaki as an afternoon snack.

Kuromon Market features a wide range of shops, including specialists in fugu and soft-shelled turtle, fishmongers, greengrocers, and butcher shops. Seeing rows of seasonal ingredients offers a valuable glimpse into Japan's four seasons. Many shops also sell takeout items such as grilled seafood skewers, fresh juice, and soft-serve ice cream, making the market ideal for sampling food as you walk. Each of the market's seven blocks features a giant seafood decoration, including longtooth grouper, sea bream, or tuna, so try looking for them all.

For more than 75 years, Okonomiyaki Mizuno has remained popular among locals in Dotonbori, Osaka's leading entertainment district. Its okonomiyaki is made with fresh ingredients purchased daily from professional suppliers, including butcher shops and fishmongers centered around Kuromon Market. Sample the restaurant's flavors with its most popular dish, Yamaimo-yaki, or the recommended Mizuno-yaki.

Hozenji Yokocho consists of two alleys within the grounds of Jodo sect temple Tenryuzan Hozenji, home to the Mizukake Fudoson statue. It is one of Japan's best-known tourist attractions. Restaurants, including long-established kappo establishments, and bars line the two alleys, each about 80 meters long and 3 meters wide. End your Osaka trip with an after-dinner drink at one of the bars.