Osaka and Nara in two days: Dotonbori, deer and unagi
2 daysAugust 2025Osaka and Nara
Osaka was my base in Japan and from there I did a full day around the city and another in Nara, among deer, temples and lots of food. This is what I covered traveling solo. Japan was country 32 of my list, after completing my challenge of 30 countries before turning 30.
A deer in Nara Park.
Osaka, my base in Japan
I arrived in Osaka by bullet train from Tokyo, because there's no direct route from Kawaguchiko. I stayed at COGO Tennoji, near Tennoji station, and from there I made train excursions to other cities. My day in Kyoto I tell in Kyoto in one day.
Trip facts
Duration2 days
Trip dateAugust 2025
Approx. temperature~33 °C, very humid
What I loved mostThe deer of Nara
A full day in Osaka
My day started at Shitennō-ji temple. Lucky for me, that very day admission was free. It's one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Japan, so it's a must on your route.
Shitennō-ji temple, in Osaka.
Then I walked through Tennoji to Tennoji Park, from where you can see Tsutenkaku tower.
With Tsutenkaku tower in the background.
Afterward I stopped at Ichiran to eat ramen. This restaurant has individual booths for those who want to eat solo and I thought it was a great idea, because you have your own completely separate space. The food is great and I even ordered dessert, a matcha pudding that was very good, because I wanted the full experience. I love matcha.
Ichiran's ramen.
The next stop was Ebisu Higashi, a shopping area with all those typical Japanese signs, and then Dotonbori, one of the most famous places in Osaka, where I was able to see the river.
I also went to a mall to see the Pokémon Center, where the Pokémon Café is. In the same area there's a Cardcaptor Sakura store and even the Kirby Café. To close the route I went back to Dotonbori to try street food, the famous octopus-filled takoyaki.
Takoyaki in Dotonbori.
Nara, deer and temples
To go to Nara I left by train from Osaka, same as for Kyoto. The trip takes between 35 and 50 minutes depending on the line.
As soon as I arrived I went straight to have lunch of the famous eel, unagi, at Edogawa, in the Naramachi area. I ordered a full lunch, with grilled eel over rice in a lacquered box, tamagoyaki, pickles and a mochi dessert.
The unagi lunch at Edogawa, Naramachi.
After eating I walked toward Nara Park. On the way I passed Sarusawa Pond, from where I could already see the deer, who thank you with a bow when you give them crackers. I continued to the Nandaimon gate and came across the wonderful Tōdai-ji.
Tōdai-ji, in Nara.
Finally I reached Kōfuku-ji temple. My route in Nara also included Isuien garden and the Neiraku Museum, plus the restaurants Sanshu-tei and Park Kitchen Shikaya.
Back in Osaka I went straight to dinner and this time I tried omurice, which I found delicious.
The omurice from dinner in Osaka.
The next day I went back to Tokyo by bullet train, where my route through Japan ended. I tell that last part in Tokyo and Mount Fuji.
My tips for Osaka and Nara
01
Bring crackers for the deer. The deer of Nara thank you when you give them crackers, so the walk through the park is much more fun.
02
Have eel for lunch in Naramachi. I ordered a full unagi set at Edogawa as soon as I arrived in Nara.
03
Try Ichiran if you travel solo. Its individual booths give you your own space to eat in peace.
04
Check whether there's free admission. The day I went to Shitennō-ji admission was free, a nice surprise for the budget.
What I take away from Osaka and Nara
Osaka left me booth ramen, takoyaki in Dotonbori and a very good omurice, and Nara left me the deer, Tōdai-ji and an unagi lunch I remember fondly.
Custom map
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At COGO Tennoji, near Tennoji station, from where I took the train to Kyoto and Nara.
How long is the train from Osaka to Nara?
Between 35 and 50 minutes depending on the line. I went during the day and came back to Osaka at night.
What can you see in Nara in one day?
My route included Sarusawa Pond, Nara Park with its deer, the Nandaimon gate, Tōdai-ji and Kōfuku-ji, plus Isuien garden and the Neiraku Museum.
Where to eat unagi in Nara?
I had lunch at Edogawa, in the Naramachi area, a full set with grilled eel over rice.
Is it a good idea to eat ramen alone in Osaka?
Yes. Ichiran has individual booths to eat solo and the food is great.
What to see in Osaka in one day?
Shitennō-ji, Tennoji Park with a view of Tsutenkaku tower, Ebisu Higashi, Dotonbori with its takoyaki and the Pokémon Center area.
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