▣ Daily Itinerary · Day 8

Day 8: Arrival in Osaka, Dotonbori, castle and night lights

We left Gero after breakfast, traveled towards Osaka through spectacular scenery, and explored the city with street food, the Glico sign, the castle, shopping, and Dotonbori at night.

TransferGero to Osaka DotonboriGlico and takoyaki CastleOsaka Castle HotelSheraton Miyako EveningMidosuji and Ferris Wheel

Back to the Japan route

From Gero’s calm to Osaka’s rhythm

After breakfast at the hotel, we walked to Gero Station to catch our flight to Osaka. During the transfer, we saw spectacular scenery from the train—one of those parts of the journey that you enjoy simply by looking out the window.

Upon arriving in Osaka, we went straight to Dotonbori , one of the city’s most vibrant areas, famous for its extravagant facades, neon signs, giant figures, and restaurants everywhere.

StartBreakfast in Gero and transfer by train to Osaka.

MealTakoyaki in Kukuru and Shinsekai Kushikatsu restaurant.

AccommodationSheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka.

EveningMidosuji, Dotonbori illuminated and Don Quixote ‘s waterwheel .

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From Gero to Osaka

We started the day with breakfast at the hotel and a walk to Gero Station. From there, we took the train to Osaka, enjoying beautiful views along the way.

The contrast was total: we came from the tranquility of the ryokan and the onsen of Gero, and in a few hours we were entering one of the most vibrant cities in Japan.

Hida train at Gero Station before transfer to Osaka — Hida train at Gero station

Mountainous landscape during the train journey from Gero to Osaka — Mountainous landscape during the journey from Gero

Lake and mountains seen from the train between Gero and Osaka — Lake and mountains seen from the train

Views of the train journey from Gero to Nagoya on the way to Osaka — Views of the journey from Gero to Osaka

Shinkansen at the station during the transfer to Osaka — Change to the Shinkansen heading to Osaka

Nozomi N700S bullet train bound for Shin-Osaka — Shinkansen Nozomi to Shin-Osaka

Shinkansen bullet train during the journey to Osaka — Bullet train during the transfer to Osaka

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First walk through Dotonbori and photo with Glico

As soon as we arrived we went straight to Dotonbori , the Osaka neighborhood where everything seems to compete for your attention: lights, giant facades, mechanical signs, restaurants and a great atmosphere.

A must-see is the famous Glico billboard , featuring the tall runner with his arms raised, which has become one of Osaka’s symbols. It’s an advertisement for Ezaki Glico, the company known for sweets like Pocky, and has been a fixture of the Dotonbori landscape since 1935. It’s typical to take a photo imitating the runner’s pose.

Traveler in front of the Glico sign in Dotonbori, Osaka — Photo with the famous Glico sign in Dotonbori, one of Osaka’s must-see icons

Wagyu restaurant facades in Dotonbori, Osaka — Wagyu restaurant signs and Japanese food displays along the streets of Dotonbori

Giant crab from the Kani Doraku restaurant in Dotonbori — Kani Doraku’s famous mechanical crab, one of Dotonbori’s most photographed façades

Souvenir shop with Japanese lanterns in Dotonbori — Japanese lanterns and Osaka souvenirs in a shop in lively Dotonbori

Giant crab on a facade in Dotonbori, Osaka — Another spectacular giant-crab façade seen while walking through Dotonbori

Facade of kushikatsu restaurant in Dotonbori — Eye-catching façade of a kushikatsu restaurant, one of Osaka’s typical specialities

Figure of the clown Kuidaore Taro in Dotonbori — Kuidaore Taro, the popular drumming clown who has become a symbol of Dotonbori

Golden Billiken figure in Dotonbori, Osaka — Golden Billiken and food-themed decorations on one of Dotonbori’s colourful façades

Giant Octopus and Konamon Museum in Dotonbori — The Konamon Museum’s giant octopus, a takoyaki stop in the heart of Dotonbori

Shopping street full of signs in Dotonbori — Midday atmosphere among restaurants, signs and bicycles in the streets of Dotonbori

Busy street with restaurant facades in Dotonbori — Walking along one of Dotonbori’s busiest streets among Osaka signs and restaurants

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Takoyaki at Kukuru and lunch at Shinsekai Kushikatsu

Kukuru

In Dotonbori, we tried the takoyaki at the famous Kukuru, easily recognised by the giant octopus on its façade. Takoyaki are small batter balls filled with octopus and one of Osaka’s most typical foods.

Orders are placed at a machine outside Kukuru: first choose the type and quantity of takoyaki, complete the purchase and collect the ticket to hand in at the counter. The machine accepts payment in cash or by card, making the process quick and easy even if it is your first time eating takoyaki in Dotonbori.

Facade of Kukuru and Konamon Museum in Dotonbori, Osaka — Kukuru façade in Dotonbori

Chefs preparing takoyaki at the Kukuru restaurant in Dotonbori — Cocineros preparando takoyaki

Máquina para comprar los tickets de takoyaki en Kukuru, Osaka — Kukuru ordering machine

Preparing the batter de takoyaki en la plancha de Kukuru — Preparing the batter

Cocinero dando forma a las bolas de takoyaki en Kukuru — Takoyaki cooking on the griddle

Caja de takoyaki recién servidos en el restaurante Kukuru — Freshly served takoyaki

Interior de un takoyaki con pulpo en Kukuru, Dotonbori — Octopus filling inside the takoyaki

Shinsekai Kushikatsu

We decided to eat at Shinsekai Kushikatsu, but Dotonbori has countless options. The best approach is to choose whatever appeals to you that day: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, kushikatsu, ramen, sushi or simply any place that catches your eye.

Brochetas kushikatsu recién fritas servidas en Shinsekai Kushikatsu — Freshly fried kushikatsu

Food japonesa servida en Shinsekai Kushikatsu de Dotonbori — Lunch at Shinsekai Kushikatsu

Viajera probando una brocheta kushikatsu en Dotonbori Osaka — Trying kushikatsu in Dotonbori

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Rikuro and its fluffy cheesecake

We continued wandering through Dotonbori until we reached Rikuro, famous for its Japanese cheesecake, which is extremely fluffy and has a soufflé-like texture.

It is one of those sweets that catches your attention before you even taste it, as the cakes usually come out freshly baked, jiggly and incredibly soft.

Fachada de la pastelería Rikuro Ojisan en Dotonbori, Osaka — Rikuro bakery in Dotonbori

Indicaciones para conservar la tarta de queso Rikuro Ojisan — Tips for storing the cake

Tartas de queso japonesas Rikuro recién preparadas y envasadas — Rikuro cheesecakes

Kit de cubiertos para comer la tarta de queso Rikuro — Cake serving kit

Caja de la famosa tarta de queso Rikuro Ojisan de Osaka — Rikuro cake box

Tarta de queso japonesa Rikuro Ojisan entera — Freshly opened Rikuro cake

Cortando la tarta de queso esponjosa Rikuro Ojisan — Cutting the Rikuro cake

Porción de tarta de queso japonesa Rikuro Ojisan — Slice of Rikuro cake

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Osaka Castle

We then visited Osaka Castle, one of the city’s best-known landmarks. Its main tower, surrounded by walls, moats and gardens, is one of Osaka’s most recognisable sights.

Inside is the Osaka Castle Museum, where the history of the castle and the city is presented through genuine historical objects, armour, decorative pieces, documents and models recreating important episodes from Osaka’s past.

On the top floor there is a panoramic observation deck overlooking the castle park, nearby neighbourhoods and Osaka’s skyline. It is a highly recommended visit for a change of pace after Dotonbori, an insight into the city’s history and excellent views from above.

Main tower of Osaka Castle con sus detalles dorados — Main tower of Osaka Castle

Viajera frente al Osaka Castle durante la ruta por Japón — In front of Osaka Castle

Maqueta histórica de una batalla en el Osaka Castle Museum — Model inside the castle museum

Adornos dorados de tigre y shachi expuestos en el Osaka Castle — Golden pieces in the museum

Armaduras y cascos samurái expuestos en el Osaka Castle Museum — Samurai armour in the museum

Cascos históricos japoneses en el Osaka Castle Museum — Historic helmets in the castle

Vista panorámica de Osaka desde el mirador del Osaka Castle — Panoramic view from the observation deck

Vistas de la ciudad y el parque desde la torre del Osaka Castle — Views from the castle tower

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Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka

When we returned, we checked into our new hotel, the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka. We took the opportunity to rest, leave our belongings and recharge before heading out again.

Osaka is incredibly lively at night, so it is worth saving some energy to head back out when the lights come on.

For more details about the rooms, facilities, breakfast and our stay, visit Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka: nuestra experiencia.

Entrance to the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka durante nuestro viaje a Japón — Entrance to the Sheraton Miyako Hotel

Vestíbulo del Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka con decoración elegante — Sheraton lobby in Osaka

Habitación amplia con varias camas en el Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka — Room at the Sheraton Miyako

Amenities y secador incluidos en el baño del Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka — Bathroom amenities

Room at the Sheraton Miyako Hotel Osaka con vistas a la ciudad — Views from the room

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Midosuji, compras y Dotonbori iluminado

Shopping on Midosuji, Osaka’s luxury avenue

We walked along Midosuji in Shinsaibashi, known for its luxury boutiques, major international brands and elegant window displays. At night, its illuminated trees and the façades of brands such as Louis Vuitton, Prada and Cartier create an atmosphere completely different from the bustle of Dotonbori.

We also did some shopping. At the Apple Store, we bought an iPad in Japan because, after comparing prices, it was approximately €400 cheaper than in Spain. I also bought a bag from Louis Vuitton; in this case, the price was practically the same as in Spain, so there was no significant difference.

Avenida Midosuji illuminated at night en Osaka — Midosuji illuminated at night

Cruce de la avenida Midosuji con tiendas de lujo en Osaka — Midosuji Avenue in Osaka

Fachadas de Louis Vuitton y Prada en Midosuji Osaka — Luxury boutiques on Midosuji

Tienda Cartier en la avenida Midosuji de Osaka — Cartier shop on Midosuji

Compra de un iPad en la Apple Store de Osaka Japón — Buying the iPad in Japan

Bolsos Louis Vuitton expuestos en la tienda de Osaka — Louis Vuitton bags in Osaka

Trying on a Louis Vuitton bag en la tienda de Osaka — Trying on a Louis Vuitton bag

Colección de bolsos con cerezas de Louis Vuitton en Osaka — Louis Vuitton collection in Osaka

Bolsos de diseño expuestos en Louis Vuitton Osaka — Louis Vuitton collection bags

Bolso elegido durante la compra en Louis Vuitton Osaka — The bag chosen at Louis Vuitton

Bolsa de compra de Louis Vuitton en la avenida Midosuji Osaka — Purchase at Louis Vuitton Osaka

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Dotonbori iluminado

Later, we returned to Dotonbori at night to enjoy the atmosphere, neon lights and illuminated signs reflected in the canal. The famous Glico Running Man, advertising façades and lanterns beside the river make this one of Osaka’s most recognisable night scenes.

Viajera frente al cartel luminoso de Glico en Dotonbori por la noche — Photo with the Glico sign in Dotonbori

Cartel del corredor de Glico iluminado en Dotonbori Osaka — Glico illuminated at night

Canal de Dotonbori rodeado de neones y carteles luminosos — Dotonbori canal illuminated at night

Linternas y restaurantes junto al canal de Dotonbori at night — Night-time atmosphere in Dotonbori

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Noria Ebisu Tower

We rode the Ferris wheel at Don Quijote, the Ebisu Tower, located opposite the Dotonbori canal. Your ticket includes an instant prize draw using a roulette wheel: depending on the colour of the ball, you can win a sweet, a gummy or a Donpen plush toy, the mascot of Don Quijote. I won a sweet, and it was delicious.

From outside, the Ferris wheel does not look particularly high, but once at the top I was surprised by how small everything looked below us. The ride lasted quite a while, giving us plenty of time to enjoy Osaka’s night views and take photos without rushing.