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Osaka June 2016 5 days 4 nights Itinerary - Day 1 (Namba and Umeda)

If you're planning a trip to Osaka, here's a detailed look at my 5D4N Osaka itinerary from 23rd to 27th June. I flew in via All Nippon Airways (ANA), and as expected, the Japanese hospitality was top-notch. This was also my first time experiencing a domestic transfer from Tokyo Haneda International Airport to Terminal 2 for a flight to Osaka. Surprisingly, transit in Japan was smooth and stress-free — I didn’t need to rush at all!

When arriving in Tokyo, I was able to check in my luggage directly for my domestic leg and only needed to collect it once I arrived in Osaka. On the way back, the same applied — I checked my luggage at Osaka Airport and picked it up again at Changi Airport, making the entire process very convenient.

For accommodation, I stayed at Hotel Relief Namba Daikokucho. Though Daikokucho Station isn’t on the JR Line and the nearest Namba Station is a bit of a walk, the room size was impressive by Japanese hotel standards — spacious and clean.

Be warned — Osaka weather in June is unpredictable. It rained almost nonstop for the first three days of my trip. A strong umbrella is essential, and expect sudden gusts of wind and heavy downpours.




📍 Umeda Sky Building – Best Night View in Osaka
Address: 1 Chome-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0076, Japan
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:30 PM (Last admission at 10:00 PM)

A must-visit on any Osaka sightseeing itinerary, the Umeda Sky Building is accessible from Umeda Station, Nakatsu Station, and Osaka Station. It was my first visit, so I did some research on the best time to go — and most people recommend sunset to nighttime for the Floating Garden Observatory. I paid the 700 yen entrance fee and rode the thrilling glass escalator to the top.

At night, the Osaka city view is simply stunning. While the observatory offers great panoramic views any time of day, nothing beats the illuminated skyline after dark. It does get windy up there, so bring a light jacket!






🦁 Namba Yasaka Shrine – Unique Lion Head Shrine in Osaka

Just a short walk from my hotel, Namba Yasaka Shrine is a hidden gem. What makes it special is the giant lion head stage (Shishibutai) — a 12-meter-high, 11-meter-wide structure with glowing eyes and speakers in its nose. Built in 1975, this symbolic lion is believed to “swallow evil spirits” and bring good fortune in business and exams.

During festivals like Naniwa-Gion and the January Susano procession, the lion comes alive with lights and music, drawing worshippers from across Japan. Definitely worth a stop if you're staying in the Namba area!







🥞 Brothers Cafe Namba – Pancake Heaven in Osaka

For my first meal in Osaka, I stopped by Brothers Cafe in Namba — famous for their fluffy Japanese pancakes and Instagram-worthy desserts. I ordered the strawberry pancake topped with a mountain of whipped cream. While the dish leaned a little too sweet for my taste, the pancake was light and airy, and the presentation — complete with strawberry heart swirls — was adorable.




🛍️ Exploring Namba – Shopping & Disappointments

After brunch, I explored popular shopping spots around Namba including Namba Parks, Namba City, Takashimaya, and Doguyasuji Shopping Street. While the malls reminded me of Tokyo’s shopping scene, Doguyasuji stood out with its wide variety of cooking tools and kitchenware — perfect for anyone who loves to cook!

As an AKB48 fan, I was excited to visit the NMB48 shop, but it turned out to be underwhelming. Merchandise displays were sparse, and communication was tough due to the language barrier. Also, items available on their net shop weren’t in-store. Still, it was a pilgrimage I had to make!









🧸 Pokemon Center Osaka – Must-Visit in Umeda Daimaru

Instead of Dotonbori, I decided to head over to Daimaru Umeda after Umeda Sky Building. It’s a goldmine for fans of Japanese pop culture. Inside, you’ll find a massive Tokyu Hands and the beloved Pokemon Center Osaka. As a long-time fan, I couldn’t resist picking up merchandise. It's a great place to visit, rain or shine.









🍜 Random Ramen in Namba & Supper at Ramen Igei near Umeda

After a long day of walking, I stumbled into a random ramen shop in Namba — the kind of place you trust just based on the queue. While I don’t recall the name, the ramen was solid and much better than many back home in Singapore. Fun fact: it came with rice on the side, which I hadn’t encountered before!

Later at night, I stopped by Ramen Igei, a place I had saved on Google Maps.
Address: 1 Chome-17-6 Oyodonaka, Kita Ward, Osaka, 531-0076
Opening Hours: 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM, 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

I ordered the 750 yen pork bone and seafood ramen (豚骨魚介らーめん). The broth was rich, thick, and deeply flavorful. Noodles were al dente, and you can pay a bit more for an extra yolk. Highly recommend it if you're in the Umeda area after visiting the Umeda Sky Building!





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