Osaka in two days, plus Universal Studios Japan

Namba and Shinsaibashi: food, nightlife and shopping on your doorstep.
Umeda (Osaka Station): best for trains to Kyoto, Kobe and the airport.
Near USJ: only worth it if you are spending two days in the park.

Osaka is louder, cheaper and more food-obsessed than Tokyo. It is also the easiest base for Kyoto, Nara and Kobe day trips.

Where to stay

Business hotels in Osaka typically cost ¥7,000–11,000 a night, noticeably cheaper than Tokyo or Kyoto.

Dish	What it is
Takoyaki	Batter balls with octopus, from street stalls
Okonomiyaki	Savoury cabbage pancake cooked on a griddle
Kushikatsu	Deep-fried skewers. Dip once in the shared sauce only.
Kitsune udon	Udon with sweet fried tofu, an Osaka classic

Day 1: Osaka Castle park in the morning → Kuromon Market for lunch → Shinsaibashi shopping street → Dotonbori canal at dusk → Shinsekai for kushikatsu.
Day 2: Universal Studios Japan, opening to close.

USJ is one of the busiest theme parks in Asia. Plan ahead.

Tickets: prices change by date (higher on busy days). Tickets are not sold at the gate, so buy online in advance.
Install the official USJ app and register your ticket before you go.
Super Nintendo World (Mario Kart, Yoshi's Adventure and Donkey Kong Country) needs a timed-entry ticket on busy days. Get it in the app after you enter the park. On quiet days you may walk in.
Express Pass is an extra-cost add-on that cuts waits on set rides. Some versions include guaranteed Nintendo area entry. Prices rise with demand.
Arrive before the stated opening time. Gates often open early on busy days.

Den Den Town (Nipponbashi): Osaka's anime, games and trading card district.
Pokémon Center Osaka DX at Daimaru Shinsaibashi 9F, with Pokémon Café Osaka.
Pokémon Center Osaka at LUCUA by Osaka Station.

Getting to USJTake the JR Yumesaki line to Universal City station. From Osaka Station it takes about 15 minutes, with some direct trains.