A haven for foodies and one of Japan’s largest cities, Osaka is a hub for culture, fashion, and up-and-coming trends, making it the perfect location for a girls’ day out.
From delicious street food to stylish cafes and extravagant gourmet dining experiences, it’s no wonder Osaka is often referred to as the food capital of Japan. However, it’s not just indulging in culinary delights with friends that makes a visit to Osaka worth it.

The city’s Umeda district showcases the best that modern Osaka has to offer, with its commercial skyscrapers, shopping malls, and entertainment options, all a short walk away from traditional cultural landmarks such as Tsuyu-no-Tenjinsha shrine and hip neighborhoods like Nakazaki-cho where you can browse works of art at independent galleries and enjoy a spot of cafe hopping. Read on to discover the perfect one-day Osaka itinerary for the ultimate girls’ day out.

Morning

Take a journey into the clouds at the Umeda Sky Building

Arrive in the Umeda area and start the day with a wow factor by visiting one of Japan’s most impressive skyscrapers – the Umeda Sky Building.

Make your way up to the Kuchu Teien Observatory 170 meters above ground for Instagram-worthy photo opportunities and some of the best views of the city, reaching all the way out to the Japan Inland Sea and Awaji Island on a clear day.
The observatory has an unusual construction that connects the 39th and 40th floors of the two towers of the building, offering 360-degree panoramic views via an exciting escalator journey that feels like you are riding into the clouds.

After spending some time soaking up the city from the rooftop, pick up some souvenirs at the Gallery Shop or take the elevator down to the building’s basement level called ‘Takimikoji’, a replica Showa-era shopping street featuring Japanese retro storefronts, and an opportunity to taste some of Osaka's delicious food..

Check out the local art & coffee scene in Nakazaki-cho

After visiting the Umeda Sky Building and with your feet back firmly on the ground, take a short stroll to Nakazaki-cho and explore the art galleries and cafes of this traditional neighborhood.

Popular cafes among young locals include Picco Latte, a cute spot decorated with beautiful dried flower arrangements that customers can purchase along with coffee and delicious baked goods such as Earl Grey pound cake with ice cream.

Other popular spots include Salon de AManTo, a café serving cakes and coffee located inside an old house that dates back more than 100 years. This renovated building now serves as a cultural center and hub for local artists.

Nearby art galleries also include the Irorimura "village" composed of artist studios, art classrooms, and gallery spaces, and Gallery Yolcha, an oasis of greenery in the urban landscape. As well as serving as a relaxing café and hosting exhibitions, Gallery Yolcha also sells products created by local artisans.

Lunchtime

Relax in bed at chano-ma

After a busy morning exploring the local area on foot, put your feet up for a while and stop for lunch at chano-ma restaurant in the nearby NU chayamachi shopping mall.
chano-ma is a Japanese restaurant chain known for their unique seating concept which features full-size mattresses as seating, allowing customers to kick off their shoes and rest on beds whilst enjoying a delicious meal. The Umeda branch of the chain specializes in creating dishes that are home-cooked in style whilst being kind to the body. Think fresh vegetables and healthy grains, rice bowls, soups, and grilled meats.

Stop for dessert at Hotel Chocolat

After lunch, stop by Hotel Chocolat for a chocolate themed dessert.
Situated inside the NU chayamachi shopping mall, this is Hotel Chocolat’s flagship shop within the Kansai region and features a dine-in coffee and cacao bar selling hot caffeinated beverages, decadent looking hot chocolates, ice creams, and sundaes. You can also purchase exquisitely presented chocolate boxes that make thoughtful gifts or souvenirs.

Afternoon

Pamper yourself with some relaxation and shopping

Take a short 15-minute walk over to Diamor Shopping Center, located on the other side of Umeda Station from NU chayamachi, for some relaxation and afternoon shopping.
Before hitting the stores, stop by Refresh Hands for a relaxing massage treatment in a calming environment. In addition to full body massages, visitors can also stop by without an appointment for quick 15–20-minute massages, foot treatments, and head massages.

After some rest and relaxation check out some of Diamor’s stores before heading onto the next location.
Shop for Japanese homeware products at MUJIcom and pick out something special for your home such as essential oils, scented candles, or a traditional Japanese tea set. Alternatively, MUJIcom’s towels, stationery, food items, and cosmetics also make great gifts for family and friends. MUJIcom are known worldwide for their minimalist yet functional designs, muted colors, and wide range of high-quality products.

Next, stop by Shop-in, a stylish cosmetics store featuring the latest on-trend Japanese and Korean beauty products.
Featured brands include Nature Republic, a Korean skincare company whose K-Beauty products feature natural ingredients such as aloe vera and citrus fruits from Jeju Island. You can also find items such as face masks, makeup, nail, and haircare products from leading beauty brands.

Don’t leave the Diamor mall without a visit to Kuzefuku, a gourmet food store featuring delicious products from local producers in towns and areas across Japan.
Examples of unique items you can purchase include grated wasabi from Shizuoka, soy sauce brewed by master craftsmen, and hard-boiled candies made by hand at a small independent sweet shop in Kyoto.

Evening

Enjoy the evening with takoyaki and a ride on the Ferris wheel

Finish off the day in Umeda at the HEP FIVE mall, which has plenty of shopping and entertainment options to keep you occupied until it’s time to take the train home.

First, shop for souvenirs at Thank You Mart, where all items cost just 390 yen excluding tax. Examples of items you’ll find here include tote bags, phone cases, and clothing items like t-shirts, socks, and hats featuring popular animated characters from Japanese and Western culture.

If you want to browse some more cosmetic products, pay a visit to the PLAZA and AINZ & TULPE stores in the HEP FIVE mall.

At PLAZA you can find a range of Japanese and imported goods with featured brands including Canmake Tokyo whose range of cute stylish cosmetics include nail polish and lipstick, and Homei, a Japanese company who produce gel nail kits you can easily apply by yourself at home.

AINZ & TULPE also sell a wide variety of products, from skincare, to makeup, health care products, supplements from Japan and abroad.

Featured brands include beauty brand LIPS and HIPS, whose products have comforting fragrances and are gentle on the skin; DAZZSHOP, whose many colored contact lenses and makeup items will make your eyes shine; and other original brands.

If you’re feeling hungry, finish off the day with an Osaka speciality – takoyaki. These delicious deep fried octopus balls are one of Japan’s most-loved street food items.

Stop by the Colorful Taco Waffle ful fle. café, who specialize in a unique combination of sweet waffles and takoyaki, with items available for dining in or take out.
Other menu items include stacks of fluffy pancakes served with fruit and ice cream, and extravagant-looking parfaits topped with whipped cream and wafer biscuits. The average cost of items is just 1,000 yen so you can indulge as much as you like without breaking the bank!

Pay a visit to the Namco amusement arcade and make some memories of the day with friends with some fun purikura activities.
Purikura – short for ‘print club’ involves posing for photographs with friends in special photo booths to create photographs and stickers that are printed instantly to create unique souvenirs. Each purikura photo booth is different, and themes can vary from scenarios such as posing for magazine covers to create a ‘cover girl’ look, to using filters and special effects to create different styles.

End your day out with friends in Umeda with fabulous views of the city on the Ferris wheel at Hep Five.
One of Osaka’s iconic landmarks, the bright red Ferris wheel provides panoramic views of the glittering night lights and cityscape, reaching heights of 106 meters. Each car is equipped with air conditioning and can accommodate up to four people. One ride takes approximately 15 minutes to complete, and tickets cost 600 yen per person. On a clear day you can take in views of downtown Osaka, Osaka Harbor, Mount Ikoma, and the Akashi Strait.

*Information in this article is accurate as of the date of posting. There is a possibility that details regarding these products and services have changed, or that some shops have since closed.