5 Days In Osaka: Places To Have Fun With Halal Food

You’ve either just landed in Kansai International Airport or reached Osaka via the high-speed shinkasen from Kyoto. Either way, here you are in Osaka with a plan to stay for at least a few nights. In the spirit of making your itinerary planning easier, we’ve compiled a list of places to visit, eat at and shop for 5 days that you’ll definitely appreciate!

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P.S. If you’re heading to Osaka, Kyoto or Tokyo, don’t forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner app, available on Google Play for Android and iTunes Store for iOS, to plan your trip easily!

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Getting Around

The city of Osaka is largely divided into 2 main areas: the Umeda area, called “Kita” and the Nanba/Tennoji area, called “Minami”. You can explore the city using the subway, which pretty much covers the whole city area as well as the JR Osaka Loop Line which circles the central districts, as well as other connecting private railways.

Another great way to explore Osaka is by renting a car! The main road for driving in Osaka City is the Hanshin Expressway and the loop line is accessible to/from all directions. Traffic is typically heavy within the city limits but it would be mighty useful if you’re planning to visit places that are farther away.

#HWWT Tip: If you’re flying into Osaka, we would suggest you save your appetite for any of the three halal-certified restaurants serving authentic Japanese food at the airport. You can read all about the restaurants here. Definitely a meal you wouldn’t want to miss!

Day 1 – Kita-ku

Start your day with a scrumptious breakfast! (1-2 hours)

• Head over to Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka to enjoy a beautiful spread of halal-certified breakfast. Make sure your stomach is filled! You’re bound to need the energy for a whole day of sight-seeing and visits ☺️

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Gorgeous morning buffet for your eating pleasure!

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See the whole of Osaka from the top of Umeda Sky Building (1-2 hours)

• It’s called the “Triumphal Arch of the Future” in the British magazine, TIMES. Caught your attention yet?

• While you are there, take some time to wander around the “Floating Garden” which features an outdoor observatory.

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• Enjoyed the view? The best time to visit is in the evening! The walkway is lit up with sparkly lights, creating a starlit path that will surely take your breath away.

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Amazing view at the Kuchu Teien observatory

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Visit the Osaka Museum of House and Living

• If you are a history buff, this is the stop for you. Even if you are only mildly interested, the Osaka Museum of House and Living will surely draw you in with its display of all the changes based on life in Osaka from the past 400 years.

It’s time to get your kimono on and experience the past lives of the Japanese people!

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• There are all sorts of event held at the museum, most notably a classical theatre from the Kansai region which you shouldn’t miss while you’re visiting the museum Image may be NSFW.
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Enjoy takoyaki at Matsuri

• Head on to Matsuri for lunch, the first restaurant ever to serve halal takoyaki. It also serves other popular Japanese dishes such as okomiyaki and ramen at affordable prices!

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How good do they look?

Shop at Don Quijote Umeda Store

• Explore the shopping scene at Don Quijote Umeda Store. The store is open 24 hours a day and is larger than typical branches with a more diverse range of products on sale. You can find many bargains here for many beauty and healthcare products and even some rare items!

It’s time for some shopping 🤗

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Dinner at Genji

• A dinner of mouth-watering halal wagyu beef at Genji is the perfect way to end your first day in Osaka! Genji is a yakiniku restaurant at Hilton Osaka which serves high-grade A3-ranked wagyu beef from Hokkaido that will melt in your mouth Image may be NSFW.
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#HHWT Tip: Hilton Osaka Hotel is a Muslim-friendly hotel in Japan – the Quran, prayer rugs and qibla compass are available upon request!

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Are you salivating yet?

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Day 2 – Dotonbori

Visit Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum

• Start the day with a visit to the only museum in the world to feature a permanent exhibition of Kamigata ‘ukiyoe’, or Kamigata woodblock prints. There are also classes (via reservation) offered to those who would like trying to make their own art by using ink and wooden printing blocks.

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Learn how to make ukiyoe prints with an expert

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Stop by Namba Yasaka Shrine

• Namba Yasaka Shrine is a beautiful temple located at the back streets of Namba. The lion residing at the front of the temple is the main attraction of the building and it’s worth visiting if you’re already in the area.

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Shop at Shinsaibashi Arcade, Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade, and Kuromon Arcade

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• Shinsaibashi Arcade is the shopping haven for the consummate shopper. It is the premier shopping area in Osaka with a wide spread of trendy boutiques, retail chains and luxury department stores with the likes of Daimaru, Uniqlo, H&M, Bulgari and Zara.

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• While you’re still in the mood for shopping, head over to Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Arcade famously known for the amazing array of kitchen utensils on display. Also not to be missed is Kuromon Arcade, aptly named “kitchen of Osaka” for its variety of fresh ingredients and food, such as tuna, tempura, sweets and fruits.

Lunch at Halal Ramen Honolu

• For a hearty lunch, head over to Halal Ramen Honolu, just a few minutes walking distance from Shinsaibashi Arcade. The ramen is made according to your preference of spiciness! Other tasty dishes offered here include Nikkoken chicken gyoza and roast chicken on rice.

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Enjoy Kabuki show at Osaka Shochizuka

• It’s time for a change of scenery, and the Kabuki theatre at Osaka Shochizuka is the way to go ☺️ Kabuki is typically thought to be expensive but surprisingly, you can opt for the “Hitomakimiseki,” which is a seat (usually in the standing only area) where you can watch a performance from the program from only 1,000-2,000 yen!

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Walk along Minato-Machi Riverplace

• Enjoy a walk down the Minato-Machi Riverplace to end off the day perfectly. The octagonal form and the stairs of the “Plaza” event space are the best places to take a break and enjoy the night view before retiring for the night.

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Day 3 – Chuo-ku

Visit Osaka Castle

• Another must-see especially for history buffs is the Osaka Castle. It is a beautifully designed castle with amazing gardens on its grounds. The observatory at the 8th floor offers an amazing view of the whole city!

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Discover the beautiful architecture of the Osaka Castle

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Get on the Osaka River cruise

• What better way to sight-see Osaka than on a cruise? Image may be NSFW.
  Clik here to view. “Aqualiner” is a waterbus that passes by several famous places and historical spots such as the Osaka Castle you’ve just visited, Japan Mint and Central Public Hall among others.

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Walk through Japan Mint

• At the Japan Mint, you can take tours around the factory (advanced booking required) to see how coins are made in Japan! In early spring, you also have the opportunity to enjoy views of  the ‘sakura’ or cherry blossom trees in their full bloom. So be sure to visit here if you come during spring time ☺️

#HHWT Tip: The best time to enjoy the scenery at the Japan Mint is during Spring.

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Have lunch at Ganko Osaka Houzenji

• Treat yourself to a hearty lunch at Ganko Osaka Houzenji, part of a chain of restaurants serving traditional Kyoto dishes. You can opt to either dine at the sushi bar or get the full washoku- and kaiseki-dining experience in a cozy traditional Japanese setting, complete with servers dressed in kimonos Image may be NSFW.
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Visit Nakanoshima Park

• An afternoon walk through the rose gardens at Nakanoshima Park should complete your day out! You can sit outside one of the many fashionable cafes nearby with a cup of coffee while enjoying the peaceful afternoon overlooking the calm waters.

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Early dinner at Minokichi Shinsaibashi

• Dinner at Minokichi Shinsaibashi is an experience you wouldn’t want to miss! The detail and emphasis on aesthetic value placed in each of its dishes will blow you away, if the exquisite taste of the dishes haven’t already ☺️

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Enjoy a Noh performance

• After a fine-dining experience, head over to the Yamamoto Noh Theatre to enjoy the oldest Noh performance stage in Osaka, centered around dance and music. This is definitely the place to go if you would like to see Japanese-style opera.

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Day 4 – Heading North to Minoo-shi

Hiking at the Waterfalls of Mino

• If you’re a nature person like me, you’d love the next visit! The Waterfalls of Mino, just 30 minutes from city center of Osaka, is in Japan’s top 100
  waterfalls. It’s famous for its beautiful ‘koyo’, or autumn colours. Spend a good 1-2 hours hiking and enjoying all that nature has to offer ☺️

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Beautiful waterfalls – can you spot the rainbow there?

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Visiting Katsuoji Temple

• You can also make time to visit the Katsuoji Temple, also located in the center of the Mino Quasi-National Park. The grounds of the temple are beautiful for a walk and it is surrounded by the famous Kachi-Daruma, or red dolls, which brings luck and victory to the temple dwellers.

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Fill your stomach at Yuigetuan Soujibou

• Before you start shopping at the LaLaport EXPOCITY, you might want to fill your stomach first at Yuigetuan Soujibou by Gourmet Kineya. It offers similar menu as its sister restaurant, Sojibo at KIX.

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Shop till you drop at LaLaport EXPOCITY

• Now that you’ve got food out of the way (and in your stomach!), it’s time to do some serious shopping 🤗 LaLaport EXPOCITY is one of Japan’s biggest large-scale mixed-use complexes, where if you’re not much of a shopper, you can visit its eight other entertainment facilities, including a museum, cinema complex and edutainment facility.

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Day 5 – Saving the best for the last

You’ve been accepted into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter!

• Your trip to Osaka would not be complete without a visit to the Universal Studio Japan! Hands up to the Harry Potter fans out there – you’re in for a world of witchcraft and wizardry Image may be NSFW.
  Clik here to view. Your trip here is guaranteed to be magical!

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Visit the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

• Its time to head over to one of the largest aquariums in the world. This aquarium recreates the seas of the pacific rim in giant water tanks! With its unique collection of huge whale sharks, jellyfish exhibit, and many other exotic species, you’ll find yourself in the aquarium for hours ☺️

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Shop for your favourite premium brands

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• Finally, shop to your hearts content for your favourite premium brands at the Rinku Premium Outlet, conveniently located 20 minutes from the airport via shuttle bus. It’s a super-sized outlet mall with more than 200 shops where you can find international brands the like of Banana Republic and Coach. Shopaholics, rejoice!

#HWWT Tip: And if you’re about to keel over out of exhaustion, there are the three halal-certified Japanese certified restaurants at the airport that you can have lunch (and even dinner if you’re extending your shopping spree!) in. The restaurants are featured here.

These places are all just a taste of how amazing Osaka is. There are many more places you can visit in Osaka if you have the time (and energy!). It’s time to start packing and plan your adventure here ☺️

If you’re planning your trip to Japan, don’t forget to download the HHWT Travel Planner available on both Google Play for Android and the iTunes Store for iOS.

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