11 days in Osaka Itinerary

Proud of their hometown's distinct culture and dialect, many natives of Osaka describe their city as "Japan's anti-capital." An antidote to Tokyo's hectic energy, Osaka marches to the beat of its own drum, serving as the country's longtime commercial and industrial hub.

Visiting Ashiya Comprehensive Park Ashiya Beach and Disaster Reduction and Human Renovation Institution will get you outdoors. Get some historical perspective at Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Venture out of the city with trips to Hakutsuru Sake Brewery Museum (in Kobe), Kyoto (Nijo-jo Castle, Gion, & more) and Nara (Kasuga Grand Shrine, Kofuku-ji Temple, & more). There's lots more to do: get a taste of the local shopping with Dotonbori, take in the awesome beauty at Mt. Koya, see the interesting displays at Museum of Oriental Ceramics, and contemplate the long history of Osaka City Central Hall.

To see where to stay, other places to visit, reviews, and tourist information, read our Osaka trip itinerary planning website .

If you are flying in from Malaysia, the closest major airports are Osaka International Airport, Kansai International Airport and Chubu Centrair International Airport. In January, plan for daily highs up to 10°C, and evening lows to 1°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 18th (Fri) so you can travel back home.