Reader’s Question: I am planning to go on a trip to Osaka during the three-day weekend this month. I will be staying at a hotel near Kitahama Station, so the sightseeing will start from there. I would like to see
Dotonbori, Abeno Harukas, and the Tower of the Sun, but what would be the best order to visit them? I was thinking of having dinner at Dotonbori, so I might start with either the Tower of the Sun or Abeno Harukas. Please let me know your recommended route. Are taxis in Osaka expensive? If there are places where taking a taxi would be better, I am open to that option as well.
Exploring Osaka: A Three-Day Weekend Adventure
Hey there, fellow travelers! So, I just got back from an incredible trip to Osaka, and I’m super excited to share my experiences with you all. If you’re planning a getaway during a three-day weekend, you’re in for a treat. Osaka is a vibrant city filled with delicious food, fascinating culture, and tons of sights to see. If you’re staying near Kitahama Station, you’ve hit the jackpot in terms of location!
On my recent adventure, I decided to tackle Dotonbori, Abeno Harukas, and the Tower of the Sun all in one day. I remember feeling a little overwhelmed at first—like, where to even start? But after a bit of planning, everything fell into place beautifully. So, let’s dive into my recommended itinerary for a day of exploration in Osaka!
Starting at Kitahama Station
First things first, let’s talk about your base—Kitahama Station. It’s such a convenient spot! You’re close to many attractions, and the subway system in Osaka is super efficient. After grabbing a quick breakfast at a local café (seriously, those Japanese pastries are to die for!), I headed out for my first stop: the Tower of the Sun.
Now, the Tower of the Sun is located in Expo ’70 Commemorative Park, which is a tad out of the way from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. But trust me, it’s worth the trip! You can take the subway from Kitahama Station to the Senrichuo Station directly. It’s about a 30-minute ride, and the park is just a short walk from the station.
Tower of the Sun: An Icon of Osaka
When I first laid eyes on the Tower of the Sun, I was blown away! It’s this massive sculpture created by artist Tarō Okamoto, and the design is just so otherworldly. Standing there, I felt a mix of awe and nostalgia, like I had stepped into a time capsule of Japan’s 1970s World Expo. The tower has this huge face with a sun motif that looks at you with an oddly welcoming expression.
After snapping a few photos and exploring the park, I took a leisurely stroll around the grounds. There are lovely walking paths, and I found a quiet spot to just sit and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. It’s a great place to decompress before heading back to the city. Plus, there’s a cute little café right there if you want to grab a drink or a snack!
Next Stop: Abeno Harukas
Feeling refreshed, I made my way back to the subway to head to Abeno Harukas. This skyscraper is the tallest building in Japan, and let me tell you, the views from the observation deck are simply breathtaking. It’s just a few stops away on the subway—easy peasy!
Once I arrived, I took the elevator up to the 60th floor. I can’t emphasize enough how stunning the panoramic views of Osaka are from up there. You can see all the way to Osaka Bay on a clear day! I spent some time just gazing at the sprawling cityscape and trying to spot landmarks I had visited earlier. It was a “pinch me” moment—everything looked so beautiful from up there!
If you’re into shopping or dining, Abeno Harukas also has a fabulous mall and several restaurants. I didn’t eat here because I was saving my appetite for Dotonbori, but I did grab a souvenir or two. You know how it is—can’t resist those cute trinkets!
Finally: Dotonbori for Dinner
After leaving Abeno Harukas, I hopped back on the subway to head to Dotonbori. This area is a must-visit, especially in the evening when the neon lights start to flicker to life. Seriously, it’s like stepping into a postcard! The vibrant energy is contagious, and the aroma of street food is absolutely intoxicating.
I made a beeline for the famous Glico Man sign, which was surprisingly captivating. I stood there for a moment, soaking in the atmosphere and watching people take selfies like crazy. Dotonbori is like a feast for the senses—colorful billboards, the sound of sizzling food, and the laughter of people all around.
Now, about dinner. If you’re in Dotonbori, you HAVE to try the street food! I couldn’t resist the takoyaki (those delicious octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes). I found a little stall that had a good line of locals waiting—always a great sign—and hopped in. Oh boy, it was heavenly! The takoyaki was crunchy on the outside and gooey on the inside, and the okonomiyaki was just bursting with flavor. I was in foodie heaven!
Getting Around: Taxis vs. Public Transport
Now, a quick note about transportation. Osaka’s public transport is super efficient, and I highly recommend using the subway for getting around. It’s relatively inexpensive, and you can get to most places quickly. But I won’t lie—there were a couple of moments when I thought about taking a taxi. The thought of not having to navigate the subway after a long day was pretty tempting!
To answer your question about taxi fares: they’re not the cheapest option. They can get pricey, especially during peak hours or late at night. However, if you’re in a group and want to split the fare, it can be reasonable. And there’s something nice about hopping into a cab after a long day on your feet—just sit back and let someone else do the navigating.
Wrapping Up the Day
By the time I was done gorging on street food in Dotonbori, I was ready to crash. I took a leisurely walk along the river, enjoying the twinkling lights reflecting on the water. Everything felt so magical, like I was living in a dream. It was the perfect way to wrap up my day!
So, if you’re following this itinerary, you’ll have an amazing day exploring Osaka. Starting at the Tower of the Sun, swinging over to Abeno Harukas, and ending with an epic dinner in Dotonbori is a fantastic way to experience the best of what this vibrant city has to offer. Trust me—your taste buds and your Instagram feed will thank you!
Hope this helps you plan your trip! Enjoy every moment, soak in the culture, and don’t forget to take tons of pictures. Safe travels!
