Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tour

4.9
(1,132 reviews) Osaka, Japan

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3 to 7 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English

Kickstart your day or night Osaka walking adventure with this tour featured on Channel 5 British TV on the hugely popular series "Jane McDonald In Japan", chosen for its "genuine, quirky & unfiltered snapshot of Osaka".

Your local insider guide will pair every location with personal stories & historical info with quirky facts and a great dose of enthusiasm & humour:)

You get to choose from private totally customized tours OR a group tour.

Slip through Namba: hole in the wall bars/eateries, as well as Kuromon seafood market. (If you want lunch/dinner after the tour, we'll recommend delicious local restaurants too)

The retro district will share its charm with wacky game palors & friendly vendors while the Dotonbori will provide a sensory overload, billboards galore!

Osaka Castle will also showcase it's immense role in Japan's unification (only 5hr or 7hr tours)

After, explore hidden cobblestone alleys uncovering a centuries old collection of stores crafting their unique designs.

What's Included

Flexible tour duration: 3, 4, 5, or 7 hours
Walking tour with optional train or taxi use if requested
1 drink and 1 small side dish (usually 1 takoyaki ball)
Private personalized tour or group tour
Entry fees to attractions
Transport costs (if not included in requested route)
Food and drinks beyond the small included snack

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

Pickup for private tours only: Available for 4, 5, or 7-hour tours. Please meet in the foyer or front doors of your hotel.

OR
Meeting point
2-chōme-2-8 Namba

Meet at Namba Subway station (Midosuji Line), exit 24, at the top of the stairs (its at the exact point at where the pin is on the map). Namba SUBWAY station is the very centre of Osaka.

End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 to 7 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Hozenji Yokocho

    These hard to find winding, cobblestone alleys steeped with character & tradition is remarkable . We'll also find walls painted with Osaka's history etched into it.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Dotonbori Tsuribori

    Visiting Osaka's Dotonbori River is a must.....one of our highlights. Along side this picturesque scene is a treasure trove full of more than a variety of stores to entertain you.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

    Explore Shinsaibashi-suji, Osaka’s lively shopping street, featuring unique Japanese fashion, quirky gadgets, and vibrant local energy.

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 4
    New New Ebisubashi

    The original bridge was made out of wood in the 1600's...more than 400yrs later it still stand but now made out of iron. It is at the very heart of Osaka and is known as the local meeting spot.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 5
    America Mura

    We'll guide you to hidden streets in this area where it has Japan's version of what they think America is. hahah, it even has a statue of liberty on top of a building

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Kuromon Market

    (almost always get here on a 3hr tour..depends how fast the group walks) We'll step into some fish market stores that look unremarkable from the outside but when inside exposes seafood heaven. Watch a store cut and prepare a fugu(puffer fish). Learn how to cut a tuna.... Salmon sashimi is some of the best I've had in Japan.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • Nipponbashi Denden Town (Pass by)

    (almost always get here on a 3hr tour..depends how fast the group walks) It's tricky navigating these tucked away quirky stores. Thats what we're here for...to take you to the gaming & cosplay zone and explore your inner nerdy side hahaha

    Admission ticket free
  • 7
    Shinsekai

    Only available on 4, 5, or 7-hour private tours. Explore Shinsekai, Osaka’s retro neighborhood, full of quirky fishing restaurants, vintage game arcades, board game shops, and old vinyl stores. Step off the beaten path to experience the city’s vibrant local culture and hidden gems.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 8
    Tower Knives Osaka

    (ONLY ON THE 4HR OR 5HR PRIVATE TOUR) We get a private knife lesson here. Understand the whole process of how a knife is made (crafted at the rear of the building). After you'll get to experience cutting with these world famous knives of Sakai (made in the south of Osaka). This lesson is included in the price.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 9
    Abeno Harukas

    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON 5HR OR 7HR PRIVATE TOUR) Standing an impressive and staggering 300m tall, Abeno Harukasu is Japan's tallest building (not structure or tower). Staggering!

    20 minutes • Admission ticket free
  • 10
    Shitennoji

    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON 5HR OR 7HR PRIVATE TOUR) It is the first Buddhist and oldest officially administered temple in Japan. A temple that exudes spirituality...even if you're not religious like me.

    30 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 11
    Osaka Castle

    (Only on 5 or 7-Hour Private Tours) Explore Osaka’s most iconic landmark, Osaka Castle, and stroll through the surrounding park while learning about its pivotal role in the unification of Japan. This stop combines striking architecture, historical insights, and scenic grounds for a truly memorable experience.

    1 hour 10 minutes • Admission ticket not included
  • 12
    Osaka Ukiyoe Museum

    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON A 7HR PRIVATE TOUR) A hidden gem specializing in this unique, timeless tradition...small but a welcoming atmosphere with a mix of old, originals from the Edo period, and new works.

    15 minutes • Admission ticket included
  • 13
    Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON 7HR PRIVATE TOUR) I'm not a huge fan of museums, but this one is very different. The highlight is a reconstruction of an ancient Osaka town featuring houses, stores and homes of the wealthy & commoners.

    45 minutes • Admission ticket not included

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Specialized infant seats are available
Supplied by Osaka Food Tours

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Tags

Day Trips
Private Sightseeing Tours
Cultural Tours
Historical Tours
Walking Tours
Ports of Call Tours
Shore Excursions
Food & Drink
Excellent Quality
Worry-Free Shore Excursion
Top Product
Low Supplier Cancellation Rate
Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate
Viator Experience Award 2025
Curated Catalog
Port Pickup
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Rating

4.9 Based on 1132 1132 reviews
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