A Guide To Osaka In Summer: 3-Day Itinerary, Tips To Stay Cool & Where To Stay In 2024

When Japan has sakura in spring, cosy foliage in autumn, and nice chilly weather in winter, it's no surprise that summer is the middle child of travel season, especially for Singaporean holiday-goers. While June to August may not sound like the most exciting time to be in Japan, there are definitely upsides to it! It's low peak season for both international and local tourism, so places are less crowded and hotel rates are lower. Packing is so much easier, and the heat won't cramp your style when you're prepared for it.

If you're planning a trip to Japan in summer, here's a guide for your stop in Osaka including a 3-day itinerary with the best things to do in the heat, how to stay cool and the best areas to stay:

Itinerary Summary

Full Itinerary

Day 1 - Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street, Dotonbori, UMEDA Sky Building

Photo from Osaka Info

Mornings are best for sightseeing and a relaxing stroll, so start your day at Osaka Castle. This 16th century marvel is surrounded by imposing stone walls, turrets, moats and the stunning Nishinomaru Garden, a prime sakura-viewing spot. It has something for everyone in your friend group - rich history for the history buffs, picturesque architecture for the Instagrammers, and panoramic views from the top of the castle for those who like to soak in the scenery.

It's one of the most iconic places in the city, so the grounds and tower can get packed especially in peak tourist season. Head there early to beat the crowds and avoid the afternoon sun. And to make the most of your time, book e-tickets in advance and skip the queue for physical tickets. If you're short on time, skip entering the castle! The park grounds itself has plenty to explore and is free to enter, and you can still get photo ops of the castle exterior.

Osaka Castle
Address: Osaka Castle Park, 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm daily, closed from 28 Dec to 1 Jan | Nishinomaru Garden is open till 9pm during cherry blossom season and closed on Mondays
Ticket price: $5.15
Book here

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

After that scenic outing, it's time for lunch and some shopping. Take a short train ride from Morinomiya Station to Shinsaibashi Station to spend your afternoon at Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street. Another must-visit attraction, this bustling shopping paradise is packed with boutiques, departmental stores, thrift shops, restaurants and street food stalls.

For affordable Japanese fashion, make a beeline for GU, the trendier little sister of UNIQLO, and the multi-storey WEGO that's stocked with gen Z-approved apparel, accessories and gifts. If you're into capsule toys, go wild at #C-pla, a two-storey store lined with gachapon machines from floor to ceiling. For an even greater variety of gachapon, check out the first two floors of Daimaru Shinsaibashi shopping mall. The streets are also lined with drugstores and duty-free stores where you can stock up on your favourite Japanese cosmetics and skincare. For knick-knacks and snacks, there's DAISO, HANDS and Muji.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

When you get a little peckish, refuel with some street snacks. From crepes to parfaits, there are plenty of options along the main shopping belt and in the narrow lanes. If you don't want to spoil your dinner, prioritise stomach space for the Cheese Tarts (¥290 - ¥370) by Pablo, a famous dessert chain in Japan known for gooey, fluffy tarts with a buttery crust.

Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street
Address: 2 Chome-2-22 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0085, Japan (Shinsaibashi Station)
Opening hours: 11am - 8pm

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Once you're all blissed out from that shopping spree, walk to the next-door Dotonbori, AKA the Glico Man district, for more shopping, dining and entertainment. This vibrant, over-the-top street is best to explore in the evening when the neon lights are shining and the atmosphere comes to life.

You can eat till you drop while wandering through street food stalls and restaurants. Classic Osaka fare to try include kushiage, takoyaki and okonomiyaki. Have room for dessert? Indulge in all-things strawberry - mochi, cakes, eclairs - at Strawberry Mania.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

To walk off all those calories, go souvenir-shopping at the five-storey Don Quijote store where you can find snacks, cosmetics, apparel, a slew of Sanrio-themed goods and even an entire section of luggage - handy for those who did a li'l too much shopping.

Dotonbori
Address: 1 Chome Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0071, Japan (Namba Station)

End the night on a high note, quite literally, at UMEDA Sky Building, a skyscraper with unobstructed views from the observatory. A futuristic-looking, tunnel-like escalator takes visitors to a doughnut-shaped, open-air deck with even more spectacular views. It's especially magical at night as the floor has a celestial glow and it looks like you're walking in outer space.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

UMEDA Sky Building
Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-6023, Japan (Osaka Station City and Umeda Station)
Opening hours: 9.30am - 10.30pm
Ticket price: $17.15
Book here

Day 2 - Universal Studios Japan

It's not a trip to Osaka without a full, dedicated day for USJ! To maximise your time at the park and enjoy yourself to the fullest, download the Universal Studios Japan app (Google Play | App Store). You can use the map to navigate around the different zones and find facilities, check show schedules and current wait times for attractions, and register your park ticket to get Timed Entry eTickets.

Speaking of these tickets, they are required on most days for two areas: SUPER NINTENDO WORLD and Wizarding World of Harry Potter™, unless you're getting an Express Pass that includes entry to these two areas. To play it safe, make sure to secure time slots for both areas through the USJ app first thing in the morning.

Even the most casual players of Nintendo games like Super Mario Bros. will be gobsmacked by how SUPER NINTENDO WORLD translates the 2D world to real life. Every inch of this land is meticulously designed to make visitors feel like they've stepped inside a game and landed in Mushroom Kingdom. There appears to be giant, spinning coins waiting to be collected, and toad-like Goombas and stone face Thwomps threatening to cause trouble. Peppering the 16-bit-graphics-inspired architecture are giant Piranha Plants that makes alarmingly realistic biting movements. Under a gazebo, the lovely Princess Peach greets her fans, and downstairs, Mario and Luigi are having their own meet-and-greet sessions.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

If there's a long queue to purchase the Power-Up Band (¥3,200, ~SGD27) at the entrance, you can get it from the Mario Motors shop or carts inside the land instead as they're typically less crowded. These bands are not exactly a must, I had plenty of fun without one, but having one would enhance the overall experience especially for Mario fans as it's designed to recreate Nintendo gameplay. The band records the digital keys you collect while completing activities and rides, and after collecting them all, you'll unlock a final Shadow Showdown with Bowser Jr.

When it comes to rides, the main one to aim for is the Mario Kart- Koopa's Challenge™. I won't give away too much as it's best experienced as a surprise, but you can expect to be immersed in a Mario Kart game on a physical go-kart track along with AR visuals. It's as impressive as it sounds, just make sure not to have a heavy meal right before you get on this ride.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

The intricate world-building continues at the dining spots, Kinopio's Cafe and Yoshi's Snack Island, which are jam-packed with Mario theming across the interiors, food and drinks.

The Timed Entry eTickets will also come in hand for entry to another popular zone - the Wizarding World of Harry Potter™. This year marks this attraction's 10th Anniversary, and to celebrate the occasion, there's special merchandise on sale along with churros inspired by Griffindor and Slytherin houses.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Besides the rides and themed lands, one of USJ's highlights is the parade. For the first time in the park's history, there will be a NO LIMIT! Summer Splash Parade happening every summer. As its name suggests, the parade won't leave parkgoers unscathed from water! You can expect to be cooled by jets of water or even completely drenched with showers from the entertainers and floats.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Universal Studios Japan
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan
Opening hours: typically 8am - 10pm, check operational hours on the day of your visit here
Ticket price: $71.99 - $211.95
Book here

Day 3 - Kobe Day Trip, teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka

A popular day trip destination from Osaka is Nara for its viral park that's home to friendly deer, but an underrated gem that's also worth a visit is Kobe. Located 13 minutes from Osaka by Shinkansen, Kobe offers a break from city life to enjoy seafront views, mountains, onsens and gardens.

Just a few steps from Shin-Kobe Station is the starting point for a cable car ride that takes you up to Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens. The largest herb garden in Japan, this European-style botanical attraction is home to 12 extensive garden zones, each in a different theme.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

Start at the top of the gardens where there's a castle gate and a rest house inspired by Wartburg Castle in Germany. Wander through the pathways and you'll stumble into the romantic Rose Symphony Garden, the Fragrant Garden against a backdrop of mountains, or the Herb Museum with 100 growing varieties of herbs.

Take a little trek down the path to the Glasshouse for some air-conditioned respite. The design is well-thought for photos in mind, where each photo spot has a strategically placed phone stand so visitors can set a timer and take their own photos. If you need a breather, enjoy a drink or parfait at the cafe, or give your feet a well-earned soak at the public foot spa.

Kobe Nunobiki Herb Gardens
Address: 1 Chome-4-3 Kitanocho, Chuo Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 650-0002, Japan
Opening hours: 10am - 8.30pm in Summer, 10am - 5pm during the rest of the year
Ticket price: $17.15
Book here

When lunchtime rolls around, there's no debating what you should eat. When in Kobe, trying the lauded Kobe beef the only option! You might prefer to grill it yourself in a yakiniku restaurant or enjoy the performance element of a teppanyaki-style restaurant. But no matter how it's prepared, this juicy, succulent beef is always divine.

In the summertime heat, what better way to follow up a trek and feast than with a therapeutic onsen soak? About 30 minutes from the city centre is Arima Onsen, a hot spring town with ryokans, charming little lanes lined with shops, temples, shrines and museums.

Arima Onsen
Address: Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401 Japan (Arimaonsen Station)

If you still have time (and energy) once you're back in Osaka, head to teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. Open only at night, this outdoor art experience is made of light installations, some of which are interactive, enhanced with immersive music.

Photo from GirlStyle Singapore

teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
Address: 1-23 Nagaikoen, Higashisumiyoshi Ward, Osaka, 546-0034, Japan
Opening hours: 7.45 - 9.30pm, closed on Mondays
Ticket price: $17.15
Book here

Osaka Travel Tips

What To Prepare Before Your Trip

• Get an eSIM: it makes travel more smooth and hassle-free, and you can set it up before your trip.
• Get an ICOCA card or add it to your wallet (iPhone): You'll need this card to commute on trains and buses in Osaka, and it can also be used to pay for shopping and dining.

What To Pack For A Summer Holiday

Having survived two summers in Osaka, I can confirm that the heat and humidity there rivals that of Singapore on an average day. That said, the period between late June and early September can still make for an enjoyable and comfortable holiday if you're properly prepared for the weather.

Here are some essentials to pack in your suitcase to save yourself from sunburn and excessive sweating:

• Loose-fitting clothes made of lightweight, natural fabrics
• Portable fan
• Sunscreen with SPF50++ or above
• Sunscreen for body
• Sunscreen spray for mid-day reapplication
• Edible sunscreen
• UV protection hat or cap
• UV Umbrella
• Cooling body wipes & cooling sprays - you can get them in drugstores in Osaka too!

Where To Stay In Osaka

If you're booking an Airbnb, read the reviews and pick one that has reliable air conditioning - you'll need it! Otherwise, play it safe and opt for a hotel. Namba and Shinsaibashi are the best areas to stay at. They're lively and buzzing, and there's always a bit of shopping or snacking you can do on the way back to your hotel every day.

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• 8 Comfortable & Stylish Shoes Perfect For Travelling
• 5 Genius Travel Essentials You Should Bring On Your Next Trip

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