2 Days in Osaka: Food, the Castle and a Day Trip to Nara

Two days in Osaka works best as one day for the city and one for a day trip. The best 2-day Osaka itinerary spends day one at Osaka Castle, the Kuromon Market and the neon streets of Dotonbori, and day two in Nara — or at Universal Studios Japan for families — before eating your way back through the city in the evening.

Day 1: Osaka Castle, markets and Dotonbori

Start at Osaka Castle and its park; the museum inside the keep tells the story of the city. Have lunch at the Kuromon Market, where stalls cook seafood and wagyu to order. In the afternoon, explore Shinsaibashi's covered shopping street, then spend the evening in Dotonbori, the canal-side strip of neon signs and street food. Shinsekai, with its old-fashioned streets and skewered kushikatsu, is a short ride away.

Day 2: Nara or Universal Studios Japan

Nara is under an hour from central Osaka by train. In one day you can see Todai-ji, home to one of Japan's largest bronze Buddhas, walk through Nara Park, where deer roam freely, and visit Kasuga Taisha with its stone lanterns. Return to Osaka for dinner.

Universal Studios Japan is the alternative for families. It is busy at weekends and in school holidays, so buy tickets in advance and consider an express pass for the most popular rides.

What to eat in Osaka

Osaka calls itself Japan's kitchen, and its street food is the reason to come:

• Takoyaki — octopus dumplings, cooked in rows on hot iron plates.
• Okonomiyaki — a savoury pancake, grilled at your table.
• Kushikatsu — skewers of meat and vegetables, fried in breadcrumbs.

Travellers with dietary needs should ask about sauces and stocks, which often contain fish or meat.

Getting around and where to stay

Osaka's subway and trains connect everything above, and a rechargeable IC card pays for every ride. For a short stay, base yourself near Namba for food and nightlife, or near Umeda and Osaka Station for easy train connections. Kansai International Airport is linked to the city by train. Osaka is also a good base for Kyoto, around 30 minutes away, and Kobe. For more detail, see our Osaka destination guide and Nara guide.