Budget Traveling in Osaka
Approximate reading time: 15-20 minutes
Street in Osaka, Japan
Table of contents
Introduction
Disclaimers
Temples and Shrines
Shi-tennoji
Osaka Tenmangu
Hozenji Temple
Namba Yasaka Shrine
Tsuyunoten Shrine
Museums
Glico Museum
Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda
Stamp Collection
Osaka Castle
Quick Tips
Money
Transportation cards
Special tickets
Etiquette / Cultural customs
Ending notes
Introduction
Vibrant city of Osaka Japan
I’m sure you’ve thought about it: what if I just filed a leave to fly to Osaka? Life is short, after all! But where would you get the funds? Where could you go with the limited time and budget you might have on hand? Don’t worry too much - I’ve been there, done that, and I’m still doing it!
In my years as a traveler, most of my first few trips were completely low budget, but I still had fun. So you can you!
With such a vibrant city like Osaka, many places offer picture perfect scenes that set Japan apart. From laidback viewing of shrines, temples and museums, to more thrilling adventures like bungee jumping, this guide will show you how to explore the city of Osaka on a budget.
Disclaimers
Details including but not limited to operating hours and price may change. This article will contain affiliate links, which will come at no cost to you for clicking.
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Temples and Shrines
Of course, it wouldn’t be a visit to Japan without paying respects at their temples and shrines, right? Thankfully, it costs little to nothing to marvel at these architectural masterpieces preserved throughout time. I’ve listed a few temples that I’ve been to, and some that I want to visit soon.
Shi-tennoji
Martin in Shi-tennoji
Founded in the year 593, Shi-tennoji in the Tennoji ward of Osaka is known as Japan’s oldest temple. Throughout its long history, it’s been carefully repaired to preserve its original architecture.
For such a beautiful temple with its striking colors, entrance to the grounds is free. There’s a lush, Buddhist garden that you can enter for a Y500 fee.
If you find yourself at the Shi-tennoji temple on the 21st and 22nd of the month, you’re in luck – you’re just in time for the flea market! You can get quality, secondhand goods for lower at these markets, if you like.
Osaka Tenmangu
Image courtesy of “https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4024.html " All rights reserved to the original owners
If you’re still a student or aspiring to be one, Osaka Tenmangu is said to bring success to those that pray about their exams and academic goals. If you know someone, you can also offer a prayer for them here; personally, I’ll be saying one for my sister. Ganbatte!
Hozenji Temple
Image courtesy of “https://www.osakastation.com/hozenji-temple-hozenji-yokocho/ " All rights reserved to the original owners
Along a busy street of izakayas in the alleyway of Hozenji Yokocho, Nanba, sits a quaint, humble temple that you could miss if you blinked.
The Hozenji temple offers tranquil among a busy area, sort of a reminder to stop and appreciate the world around us despite the chaos.
Some visitors of the temple pour water over the statue for good fortune, which is why a vibrant green moss can be observed on the statue.
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Namba Yasaka Shrine
Image courtesy of “ https://insideosaka.com/namba-yasaka-shrine/ “ All rights reserved to the original owners
If Hozenji temple was quiet and small, the Namba Yasaka Shrine in the same district is surely the opposite. The lion head adorning the shrine is huge, which signifies the “devouring” of bad spirits to make space for good fortune to come in.
Tsuyunoten Shrine
Image courtesy of “ https://www.osakastation.com/tsuyu-no-tenjinja-shrine-ohatsu-tenjin/ “ All rights reserved to the original owners
Lastly, if you’re a lovergirl or loverboy wanting a significant other, you might want to visit the Tsuyunoten shrine. Many people come to this shrine to pray for romance, but the prayers offered to this shrine aren’t limited to romantic love only. Tsuyunoten shrine is also for those that yearn for lasting connections in their life, whether it be with family or friends.
Uncover Osaka’s Hidden Soul
From neon madness to mochi alleys, this tour blends food, history, temples, and pure weird Japan.
Starts at just $36 per person
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Museums
Glico Museum
Image courtesy of “ https://www.glico.com/global/about/vr-global/ “ All rights reserved to the original owners
Surely, you’ve heard of Glico candy or the Glico man in Dohtonbori, or both. I know it! Famous for their sweet treats and tall, glowing billboard over Dohtonbori, the company behind Glico also has a museum where you can delve into their history, and even get a sweet treat or two for yourself! The vibe of the museum takes you back to the 20th century, with the retro interior still well preserved.
Entrance to the museum is free, but you have to make a booking in advance on their website since slots are limited per day.
Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda
Image courtesy of “ https://www.cupnoodles-museum.jp/en/osaka_ikeda/ “ All rights reserved to the original owners
Somewhat similar to the Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama, its counterpart in Ikeda brings the story of the invention of instant ramen to Osaka. The museum features installations that show its history and methods of cooking – did you know that instant ramen was made on accident? It was my first time to find out, too!
You’re also brought to a room showcasing the many different varieties of cup noodles from all over the world, and throughout the decades. Thank you, modern technology!
Like its branch in Yokohama, Cup Noodles Museum Ikeda also has an area where you can customize your own cup noodles and take it home for Y500! Now that’s one of a kind, for sure!
Entrance to the museum itself costs only Y500 (affiliate), so you can sneak this in your itinerary for an interesting attraction while still sticking to budget.
Stamp Collection
Image courtesy of “ https://gohsomewhere.com/guide-to-eki-stamps/ “ All rights reserved to the original owners
Have you ever heard of a stamp rally? Well, this is another way to collect keepsakes from different places in Osaka without having to spend!
Found at almost every train station in Japan, “eki stamps” or “station stamps” are another way to keep track of the places you’ve been to. These designs feature intricate art works that differ according to the specialty or famous landmarks found in that area.
Usually, you can find this at a table laid out by the station, but you can also ask the station master for it and they will happily provide it to you!
Flipping through the pages of your stamp rally collection makes for a great souvenir from your exciting trip. Just be sure to have a notebook with you already, so that you don’t have to look for a paper last minute.
Some establishments like shops, temples, or onsen also have stamps for guests who are collectors. It’s a pretty popular activity among tourists, and for good reason – not only do you get a souvenir curated by yourself, but it’s free, too!
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle
With its construction dating back to the 1500s, stepping into the grounds of Osaka Castle is like stepping into a piece of history. It has been carefully repaired to preserve its Japanese architecture, allowing visitors to marvel at its grandeur.
The park adjacent to the castle is also one of the more popular areas for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, so bring your picnic mat and ready your photoshoot fit if you find yourself in the area from March to April!
Although access to most of the areas is free, arguably one of the most beautiful parts of the castle is the Nishinomaru Garden, which you can access for an additional Y600. Lined with nearly a thousand cherry trees and a tea house, it’s easy to assume that the view from inside might just be magical.
In the summer, visitors can also enjoy the light breeze under the cherry trees, green and waiting for the next chance to bloom.
Looking for the perfect stay in Osaka, Japan
Here are our top three hotel recommendations.
Simply click the hotel name and make your reservation today!
The Ritz-Carlton Osaka [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Osaka, Kita-ku Umeda 2-5-25
Centara Grand Hotel Osaka [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Osaka, 2 11 50 Nambanaka Naniwa Ku
Fairfield by Marriott Osaka Namba [ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ]
Address : Osaka, Naniwa-Ku Motomachi 2-3-25
Quick Tips
Money
While cashless options are available in most stores in Japan, always have cash on hand since some stores (especially locally run, small businesses) do not accept card payments. We’ve found that convenience store ATMs are the next best thing for withdrawing cash if there’s no money exchange nearby.
There’s also good news for all Filipinos using GCash! You can use the app abroad to pay in Japan at a good conversion rate. Just have them scan the QR code generated using AliPay+. If you use WePay or ApplePay, you can also look for the sign first before you ask.
Stay connected while traveling!
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Transportation cards
If you haven’t gotten yourself an ICOCA, Suica, or PasMo yet, it might be the best time to get one (affiliate). Makes traveling that much easier!
Special tickets
Got the JR Pass? Make sure to keep it with you ALWAYS since it’s nonrefundable! If you want to know more about the Japan Rail Pass and its different alternatives, check out our article here (link to transpo article)!
Etiquette / Cultural customs
Remember to be respectful and mindful of Japanese culture while visiting, especially at shrines and temples.
For our complete guide on proper etiquette when in Japan, read our article here!
Ending notes
Ave and Tokyo
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