Me, my wife, my toddler boy, baby girl and dad in-law travelled from Singapore to Japan Osaka in Feb 2023. Here is our trip preparation, itinerary, places we went/ did not manage to go and food we ate..
1 month before the travel
- Check weather forecast which was at about 10 Degree Celsius
- Buy Adult, Toddler and Infant winter clothes to cover head to toes (See this link)
- 2-3 sets of Headwear per pax
- 2-3 sets of Neckwear per pax
- 2-3 sets of Gloves per pax
- 7-8 sets of Socks per pax
- 1 set of Shoes per pax
- 1 set Winter Jacket per pax
- Normal Wear
- Inner Wear
- Ear muffler
2 Weeks before the travel
- Travel Passes Preparation
| Pass Name | Day | Per Adult Ticket | Use Where? | Buy Where? | Collect Where? |
Nankai Rapi:t Airport Express Train Tickets (Round-Trip Ticket) | Day 1 & 8 (17 Feb) (24 Feb) | 21.75 | Airport Transfer Kansai Airport-Namba Station | https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/599-kansai-airport-namba-train-ticket-osaka/ | Nankai Kansai-Airport Station Ticket Office Mon-Sun 06:20-23:10 Nankai Namba Station 2F Service Center Mon-Sun 05:30-23:40 |
| Osaka Amazing 2 Day Pass | Day 3,4 (19,20 Feb) | 36.25 | Within Osaka | https://www.osp.osaka-info.jp/en/about/buy.html – All stationmasters’ offices at Osaka Metro stations – Commutation pass sale office at Osaka Metro stations – Osaka Metro Kiosks, vendor stalls etc. | – |
| 1 Day Kintetsu Rail Pass | Day 2 (18 Feb) | 15.19 | Osaka-Nara via Kintetsu-Nara Line (Rapid-Express Kintetsu-Nara) | https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/5540-kintetsu-rail-pass-osaka/ | Osaka-Namba Station Mon – Sun: 05:30-23:20 Guide Link |
| Kansai Pass Thru 3 Day Pass | Day 5 (21 Feb) | 54.65 | Within Osaka | https://www.klook.com/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/?p=4 | Osaka Metro Commuter Pass Sales Counter at Namba Station (Yotsubashi Line) Mon-Sun: 09:00-18:00 |
| Kansai Pass Thru 3 Day Pass | Day 6 (22 Feb) | 0 | Osaka-Kyoto via Hankyu-Kyoto Line (Semi-Limited Express) | https://www.klook.com/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/?p=4 | – |
| Kansai Pass Thru 3 Day Pass | Day 7 (23 Feb) | 0 | Within Osaka | https://www.klook.com/activity/1329-kansai-thru-pass-osaka/?p=4 | – |
| Universal Studio Japan 1 Day Studio Pass A Adult + Universal Express Pass 4~ Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ~ | 21-Feb-2023 | 165.15 | Universal Studio Japan | Step 1. Check Type of Pass here: https://www.usj.co.jp/ticket/common/studiopass/price-calendar.html Step 2. 21st Feb is Pass Type ‘A’ Step 3. Buy Studio Pass First – Select 1 Day Studio Pass A Adult from https://www.klook.com/en-US/activity/46604-universal-studios-japan-e-ticket-osaka-qr-code-direct-entry/ Step 4. Buy Express Pass – Select Universal Express Pass 4~ Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem ~ https://www.klook.com/en-SG/activity/3407-universal-studios-japan-express-pass-osaka/ | — |
1 Week before travel
- Luggage
- Wifi Egg
- Youtrip.com Accounts
- Exchange SG Money to JP Money
- Activate Credit Cards for overseas
TLDR;
| Day | Date | Time | Activity | Things to do | Location Name | Address |
| #1, Friday | 17 Feb 2023 | 10:00 AM | Airport Transfer | Transport Arrangement | ||
| 2:05 PM | Airplane Depart SIN | |||||
| 9:10 PM | Airplane Arrive OSK | |||||
| Exchange Ticket | 1. (Close at 11pm) Redeem Nankai “Rapi:t Alpha” Tickets 2. Check “Rapi:t Alpha” Schedule https://www.howto-osaka.com/en/access-timetable/ | Nankai Kansai-Airport Station Ticket Office (From Kansai Airport) | ||||
| 10:01 PM 10:35 PM 11:00 PM | Airport Transfer | 1. Take 5 Stops to Namba Station (34 mins) 2. Come out from Exit 24 or 25 (preferred) 2. Walk straight ~ 8 mins to hotel https://goo.gl/maps/yGQCJRS534yXMa5k9 | Nankai-Limited Express Rapit Alpha 14 Toll Limited Express Nankai-Namba | |||
| 1145pm | Hotel Check-in | <Link to Hotel Check-in Materials> | Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba | 2 Chome-2-4 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 5420086 Japan | ||
| x | Supper | 1. Eat Supper, OR, 2. Buy next day morning + day snack | Unotake Kasu Udon | Japan, 〒542-0086 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Nishishinsaibashi, 2 Chome−9−5 三ッ寺会館 2F | ||
| #2, Saturday | 18 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 6:30 AM | ||||||
| 8:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 9:00 AM | Shop | 1. Walk 3min https://goo.gl/maps/mdna2My5gy2aq2Cd7 | Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street | |||
| 10:00 AM | Brunch | 1. Walk 3min https://goo.gl/maps/pHpcTFgHrjaW9wEJ9 | Pablo Daimaru Shinsaibashi | Pablo (Japan, 〒542-0085 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashisuji, 2 Chome−8−1 心斎橋ゼロワンビル1F)1 Chome-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8501, Japan | ||
| 11:00 AM | Brunch | 1. Walk 12 mins https://goo.gl/maps/63pGx8md7KbqM9nv9 | Torisoba Zagin Niboshi (Ramen) | 3 Chome-9-6 Minamisenba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0081, Japan | ||
| 12:00 PM | Transport | 1. Slow Walk to Shinsaibashi Station 2. Take Midosuji Line (LocalTennoji) 3. Alight at Osaka-Namba Station 4. Slow Walk to Namba Station 5. Take Kintetsu-Nara Line (Rapid-Express Kintetsu-Nara) 6. Alight at Kintetsu-Nara Station | Kintetsu-Nara Station | |||
| 1:00 PM | Transport | 1. Buy snack for picnic 2. From Kintetsu-Nara Station, Exit 4 3. Walk 10mins | (Nara) Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum | Kintetsu Nara Station | ||
| 2:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Play with traditional toys | Naramachi Mechanical Toy Museum | 7 Inyocho, Nara, 630-8338, Japan | ||
| 3:00 PM | Transport | 1. Take bus from Kintetsu-Nara station (10mins) https://goo.gl/maps/3LipiuBDXbLf5PcZA https://goo.gl/maps/4QAe3kSPnnPzFVCj9 2. Walk 1 min to reach | Todaiji Temple | 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan | ||
| 4:00 PM | Sightseeing | Todaiji Temple | 406-1 Zoshicho, Nara, 630-8211, Japan | |||
| 5:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Walk back from Todaiji Temple to Kintetsu-Nara Station about 30 – 45 mins walk to see Deers 2. Picnic | Deer Park | |||
| 6:00 PM | Dinner | 1. Near Kintetsu Nara Station) https://goo.gl/maps/iYaNPPp5sq3UnG6XA 2. Fried Pork Loin Rice Set, free flow cabbage, rice, and soup | Tonkatsu Ganko Nara | 19 Higashimuki Nakamachi, Nara, 630-8215, Japan | ||
| 7:00 PM | Dinner | Tonkatsu Ganko Nara | 19 Higashimuki Nakamachi, Nara, 630-8215, Japan | |||
| 8:00 PM | Shop | 1. Buy next day morning + day snack at near Namba Station or Convenience Store | ||||
| 9:00 PM | Back to Hotel | |||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| #3, Sunday | 19 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 7:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | 1. Go to Namba Station to Buy Osaka Amazing Pass | Namba Station | |||
| 9:00 AM | Transport | 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $8.06/pax + $1.51/child BUT towels, soap are not free so need to bring your own 2. Walk to Tennen Onsen Naniwanoyu https://goo.gl/maps/5dyJdSBAUAv5LLkc7 | Tennen Onsen Naniwanoyu | Japan, 〒531-0061 Osaka, Kita Ward, Nagaranishi, 1 Chome−7−31 なにわの湯 | ||
| 10:00 AM | Sightseeing | Tennen Onsen Naniwanoyu | ||||
| 11:00 AM | Lunch | Tenjinbashisuji shopping (Longest Japan Shopping Street) | (Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street Arcade North End) 6 Chome-7-16 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan | |||
| 12:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $6.04/pax | Osaka Museum of Housing and Living | Japan, 〒530-0041 Osaka, Kita Ward, Tenjinbashi, 6 Chome−4−20 住まい情報センタービル 8階 | ||
| 1:00 PM | Shop | Tenjinbashisuji shopping (Longest Japan Shopping Street) | (Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Arcade South End) 1 Chome-1 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan | |||
| 2:00 PM | Shop | Tenjinbashisuji shopping (Longest Japan Shopping Street) | (Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, Arcade South End) 1 Chome-1 Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0041, Japan | |||
| 3:00 PM | Transport | 0. Hourly from 10am to 4pm only 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $16.08/pax 2. Walk to Ōsakatemmangū Station 3. Take JR Touzai-Gakkentoshi Line 4. Alight at Kyobashi Station 5. Osaka Loop Line (Yamatoji-Rapid Tennoji) 6. Alight at Ōsakajōkōen Station 7. Walk to Osaka Castle Nakanoshima Tour https://goo.gl/maps/GYVBfzv9f9EqAS2FA | Osaka Castle Nakanoshima Tour | Japan, 〒540-0001 Osaka, 中央区城見１丁目３−２ | ||
| 4:00 PM | Sightseeing | Osaka Castle Nakanoshima Tour | Japan, 〒540-0001 Osaka, 中央区城見１丁目３−２ | |||
| 5:00 PM | Dinner | Alight at Ebisucho Station | (Shop) Shinsekai Market (Food) Kura Sushi Shinsekai Tsutenkaku | (Shop) 1 Chome Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan (Food) Japan, 〒556-0002 Osaka, Naniwa Ward, Ebisuhigashi, 2 6-3 2F | ||
| 6:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $8.61/pax | Tsutenkaku Tower | Tsutenkaku, 1 Chome-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan | ||
| 7:00 PM | Shop | 1. xx 2. Buy snack | (Shop) Shinsekai Market | |||
| 8:00 PM | Back to hotel | 1. Walk to Dobutsuen-Mae Station 2. Take Midosuji Line (LocalShin-Osaka) 3. Alight at Namba Station 4. Walk back | Mercure Tokyu Stay Osaka Namba | 2 Chome-2-4 Nishishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 5420086 Japan | ||
| 9:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| #4, Monday | 20 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 7:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | 1. Eat at train station/ near by Osaka-Namba Station | ||||
| 9:00 AM | Transport | 1. Take Midosuji Line) 2. Walk to Hommachi Station (Chuo Line) 3. Alight at Osakako Station 4. Walk to Tempozan Harbor Village | Tempozan Harbor Village | 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan | ||
| 10:00 AM | Sightseeing | 1. LegoLand Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $22.17 2. Aquarium is $24.15/pax (cannot use Amazing Pass) https://webket.jp/pc/ticket/itemdetail?fc=00290&ac=0010&igc=0001 | Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN/ Legoland | |||
| 11:00 AM | Sightseeing | Osaka Aquarium KAIYUKAN/ Legoland | ||||
| 12:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $8.12/pax | Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel (15 mins) | |||
| 1:00 PM | Lunch | Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho/Tempozan Marketplace | ||||
| 2:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $16.11/pax | Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria | |||
| 3:00 PM | Sightseeing | Osaka Bay Cruise Santa Maria | ||||
| 4:00 PM | Transport | 0. Exchange the Tombori River Cruise Passes as soon as reach restaurant. Exchange office is across the River only. https://goo.gl/maps/M8gjRC4DBVxR72646 | Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant | Japan, 〒542-0071 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Dotonbori, 1 Chome−5−5 1～6F 道頓堀ビル | ||
| 5:00 PM | Dinner | Chibo Okonomiyaki Restaurant | ||||
| 6:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Free with Osaka Amazing Pass else $9.07/pax | Tonbori River Cruise | 7 Souemoncho, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0084, Japan | ||
| 7:00 PM | Sightseeing | Hōzenji Temple | 1 Chome-2-16 Nanba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0076, Japan | |||
| 8:00 PM | Sightseeing | Dotonbori | ||||
| 9:00 PM | Back to Hotel | |||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| #5, Tuesday | 21 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 7:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | |||||
| 9:00 AM | Transport | |||||
| 10:00 AM | Sightseeing | Shitennoji Temple | 1-11-18 Shitennoji, Tennoji Ward, Osaka, 543-0051, Japan | |||
| 11:00 AM | Lunch | Shintennoji Flea Market | ||||
| 12:00 PM | Lunch | Shintennoji Flea Market | ||||
| 1:00 PM | Transport | 1. Walk to Osaka-Namba Station 2. Take Hanshin-Namba Line 3. Alight at Nishikujō Station 4. Take JR Yumesaki Line 5. Alight at Universal-City Station | Universal Citywalk Osaka | 6 Chome-2-61 Shimaya, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0024, Japan | ||
| 2:00 PM | Shop/ Eat | Universal Citywalk Osaka | ||||
| 3:00 PM | Sightseeing | Universal Studio Japan | ||||
| 4:00 PM | Sightseeing | |||||
| 5:00 PM | Sightseeing | |||||
| 6:00 PM | Sightseeing | |||||
| 7:00 PM | Transport/ Dinner | 万穂屋 (Hot pot) | Japan, 〒542-0084 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Souemoncho, 7−12 リバーサイド3階 岩伸ミカドビル | |||
| 8:00 PM | Dinner | 万穂屋 (Hot pot) | ||||
| 9:00 PM | Back to Hotel | |||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| #6, Wednesday | 22 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 7:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 8:00 AM | Transport | 1. Walk to Namba Station 2. Take Midosuji Line (Local Senrichuo) 3. Alight at Umeda Station 4. Walk to Osaka-Umeda Station 5. Hankyu-Kyoto Line (Semi-Limited Express) 6. Alight at Karasuma Station 7. Walk 550m, 7 min https://goo.gl/maps/WJ6R9bwAhQquj6ecA | Kyoto Nishiki Market (Japan 400 Year Old Kitchen) | 609番地 Nishidaimonjicho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8054, Japan | ||
| 9:00 AM | Brunch | 1. Uoriki: Tai-kushi (“Skewered Sea Bream”) 2. Konna Monja: Soymilk Doughnut 3. Miki Keiran: Dashimaki Tamago (“Rolled Omelet with Dashi”) 4. Hanayori Kiyoe: Yuba (“Tofu Skin”) Cream Croquette 5. Kyoto vegetables 6. Goma dango (sesame dumplings) 7. Senbei (Rice Crackers) 8. Wagashi (Japanese sweets) 9. Furikake (rice toppings) 10. Tiger Banana Gyoza 11. Inoue Tsukudaniten : Famous Chocolate Croquette 12. Uoriki : Hamo Kushi 13. Meat Shop Hiro : Menchi katsu 14. Karikari Hakase : Jumbo Takoyaki | Kyoto Nishiki Market | |||
| 10:00 AM | Brunch | 1. Buy snack to picnic at Kinkaku-ji | Kyoto Nishiki Market | |||
| 11:00 AM | Transport | Kinkaku-ji | ||||
| 12:00 PM | Sightseeing | Kinkaku-ji | ||||
| 1:00 PM | Sightseeing | Kinkaku-ji | ||||
| 2:00 PM | Transport | $12.09/pax, $2.05/child | Fushimi Inari Shrine | Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan | ||
| 3:00 PM | Sightseeing | Kyoto Railway Museum | ||||
| 4:00 PM | Sightseeing | Kyoto Railway Museum | ||||
| 5:00 PM | Dinner | Teppanyaki | Kyo Chabana (Kyoto Station) | Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, 木津屋橋通 烏丸西入東塩小路町578 まつやビル 1F | ||
| 6:00 PM | Shop | Cube Shopping Mall Asty Square & Asty Road Porta Underground Shopping Mall | ||||
| 7:00 PM | Shop | 1. Traditional Japanese Style Bags – ERISHO 2. Ohigashi Miiro (Shioyoshiken sweets) 3. Gion Kuro-Shichimi (Cocolo Kitchen KYOTO Nuts) 4. Anpan (SIZUYAPAN Cake) 5. Macadamia Nuts (kindalkindal KYOTO) 6. chocolate cakes from Nihon Chaka SANOAH 7. “Hime Senju-Senbei” cookies from Kogetsu 8. mille-feuille cakes from Tissage Kyoto | Cube Shopping Mall Asty Square & Asty Road Porta Underground Shopping Mall | |||
| 8:00 PM | Transport | |||||
| 9:00 PM | Back to hotel | |||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| #7, Thursday | 23 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 7:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 8:00 AM | Transport | 1. Walk to Namba Station 2. Take Sennichimae Line (LocalMinamitatsumi) 3. Alight at Tsuruhashi Station https://goo.gl/maps/VJTg6xErqtteNbDZ7 | Tsuruhashi Shopping Street (Korean Town) | |||
| 9:00 AM | Shop/ Brunch | Food 1. Try Pajeon/ horumonyaki (Korean Pancake) 2. Yakiniku, Korean barbecue | Tsuruhashi Shopping Street (Korean Town) | Tsuruhashi Shopping Street, 3 Chome-16-6 Higashiobase, Higashinari Ward, Osaka, 537-0024, Japan | ||
| 10:00 AM | Shop/ Brunch | Tsuruhashi Shopping Street (Korean Town) | ||||
| 11:00 AM | Transport | 1. Walk to Tsuruhashi Station 2. Take Osaka Loop Line (Kishuji-Rapid Wakayama) 3. Alight at Temma Station 4. Walk 220m, 3mins https://goo.gl/maps/g7rJRCNuep3i1SGa8 | Kids Plaza Osaka | 2 Chome-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0025, Japan | ||
| 12:00 PM | Sightseeing | 1. Visit Nature section (Level 5) 2. Level 3 > then 2 > then 1 | Kids Plaza Osaka | 2 Chome-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0025, Japan | ||
| 1:00 PM | Sightseeing | Kids Plaza Osaka | ||||
| 2:00 PM | Transport | 1. Walk to Ogimachi Station 2. Take Sakaisuji Line (Semi-ExpressTengachaya) 3. Alight Nagahoribashi Station 4. Walk 650m, 8mins https://goo.gl/maps/ieZgkdb4rxabkRDK8 | 551 Horai Shinsaibashi Daimaru | Japan, 〒542-8501 Osaka, Chuo Ward, Shinsaibashisuji, 1 Chome−7−1 地下1階 | ||
| 3:00 PM | Dinner | 1. Walk to Ogimachi Station 2. Take Sakaisuji Line (Semi-ExpressTengachaya) 3. Alight Nagahoribashi Station 4. Walk 650m, 8mins https://goo.gl/maps/ieZgkdb4rxabkRDK8 | 551 Horai Shinsaibashi Daimaru | |||
| 4:00 PM | Shop | 1. Level B2F,10F Food) 2. Level 9 (Tourist stuffs) | Daimaru Shinsaibashi (Departmental Store) | 1 Chome-7-1 Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8501, Japan | ||
| 5:00 PM | Shop | 1. Buy snack back to hotel for supper and breakfast | Shinsaibashi-suji shopping street | |||
| 6:00 PM | Back to Hotel | |||||
| 7:00 PM | Packing | |||||
| 8:00 PM | Packing | |||||
| 9:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep | |||||
| #8, Friday | 24 Feb 2023 | |||||
| 7:00 AM | Wake & Wear | |||||
| 8:00 AM | Breakfast | |||||
| 9:00 AM | Airport Transfer | |||||
| 10:00 AM | ||||||
| 11:00 AM | Plane Depart | |||||
| 12:00 PM | ||||||
| 1:00 PM | ||||||
| 2:00 PM | ||||||
| 3:00 PM | ||||||
| 4:00 PM | ||||||
| 5:00 PM | Plane Arrive | |||||
| 6:00 PM | Airport Transfer | |||||
| 7:00 PM | ||||||
| 8:00 PM | ||||||
| 9:00 PM | ||||||
| 10:00 PM | Sleep |
Things to buy back to Singapore
- Calbee Jagarico Takoyaki, Calbee Jagarico Hokkaido Butter Potato Sticks
- Bâton d’or is a deluxe version of Glico’s Pocky\
- Daifuku mochi
- Packaged Tenten gyoza
- Nakanoshima Rusk
- Tsukigeshou Cake
- Chidoriya’s Mitarashi Komochi
- Pudding Kui-daore Taro
- Traditional Castella Sponge Cake
- Osaka mini banana cake
- Omoshiroi Koibito (White Chocolate)
- Osaka Meika Ehmonchi
- Hermes Tonkatsu Sauce 900ml
- Pickled ginger tempura potato chips
- Nadai Basho Banana Cake
- Sakura Cray-pas Choco Sand Cookies
- Rikuro Cheesecake
