What is the cancellation policy for this tour?

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

How long does this tour take?

Please check the tour page for the exact duration.

Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tour

Q: Where does this tour start?

This tour starts at: 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..

★★★★⯨ 4.9

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Overview

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.

Gallery

Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tour — photo 1

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What's Included

✓ 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

✗ Not Included

Entry fees to attractions
Transport costs (if not included in requested route)
Food and drinks beyond the small included snack

Itinerary

Stop 1

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.

Stop 2

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.

Stop 3

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

Stop 4

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.

Stop 5

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

Stop 6

(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.

Stop 7

(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

Stop 8

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.

Stop 9

(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.

Stop 10

(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!

Stop 11

(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.

Stop 12

(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.

Stop 13

(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.

Stop 14

(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.

Meeting & End Point

📍

Meeting Point

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

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.