Budgeting In OsakaJapan is a hot travel destination right now, which means flights are creeping up in price. The good news is that, while it might be pricey to get to, you can have a great budget trip once you hit the ground! You can find plenty of free and cheap things to do in Osaka.AuthorsBreeGoux
DestinationsOsakaItinerary

Low-Cost Stays

Bande Hotel OSAKA
Clean, nice, and affordable, with rooms that are fairly spacious as compared to most hotel rooms in Japan. This is a great budget option located near a transit station so you can get around the city with ease.
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& AND HOSTEL SHINSAIBASHI EAST
This hostel offers private rooms as well as dormitory style rooms that are typical in hostels. With its amazing central location and traditional styling, this is a great place to stay while in Osaka.
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Guest House mii(ゲストハウスミー)
This is a small and simple guesthouse that's in an amazing location! It may not have all the bells and whistles, but it's got everything you need for an amazing trip.
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Cheap Eats

Matsuya
It's common in Japan to grab a meal from a corner store/small market (similar to 7/11 or Caseys in the US). There are a ton of Matsuya locations around the city where you can grab a cheap bowl of udon to snack on.
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Saizeriya
Saizeriya sells Italian food in a cash-only, family-style establishment! If you're looking for a satisfying and cheap eat, this is where you want to go.
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Tsurumaru Udon Nippombashi
Walk in, grab a tray, order your noodles, and be prepared to be amazed by the food and the price. This classic eatery is known for having the cheapest bowl of noodles around.
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Family Mart
Family Mart is another convenience store dining option! I'd really recommend at least getting one meal somewhere in the city here as it's a classic, no-fuss meal.
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mipig cafe Osaka
This is a cafe full of mini pigs. It's like a cat cafe, but for pigs, and it's a wonderful concept. Grab a cup of coffee here and snuggle the little piggies.
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Thrifty Activities

Dotonbori
Walking around Dotonbori comes for the low, low price of free. This is a district known for its nightlife so make sure you come after dark to get the most out of your explorations.
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Osaka Castle
There is an entrance fee if you want to go into the castle and take a tour, but if you're only looking for views, walking around the castle and taking it all in is free!
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Osaka Castle Park
Osaka Castle Park is free to visit, offers amazing views, and is a great place to spend a sunny afternoon enjoying this historic corner of the city.
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Kuromon Market
It's free to walk in the market, but, of course, if you want anything you'll have to pay. This market mostly sells fish, but it is dotted with street food vendors that all sell amazing food for reasonable prices.
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Shinsekai
This district in Osaka combines retro and futuristic to create an amazing and unique neighborhood to explore. I'd recommend planning to spend some time here as there is so much to see and do around every corner.
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Shitennō-ji
It's free to walk around and explore this temple, but if you want to go inside the gardens or the treasure house, then you'll need to pay an entrance fee. This is one of the oldest temples in Japan and is well worth seeing.
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Mount Kongō
If the outdoors are calling your name, then taking a hike and getting to see the city from above is the perfect free activity. Mount Kongo is just outside the city and offers amazing views!
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Mount Ikoma
If you don't want to go as far as Mount Kongo, then I'd recommend heading to Mount Ikoma, which is closer, but no less of an amazing hike!
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Yodo River
Pick a place to start walking and just spend time exploring the river! It's a beautiful place to walk and see more of the city
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