Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tour

Discover the real Osaka on your walking tour featured on Channel 5 UK's Jane McDonald in Japan. Explore famous landmarks and hidden local gems with passionate guides who bring the city's history and culture to life through stories, humor, and local insight.

1. 1

   Hozenji Yokocho

   20 min

   Step into, a lantern-lit stone alley where old Osaka lingers—traditional eateries, hidden bars, and timeless charm tucked behind the city's neon glow.

2. 2

   Dotonbori Tsuribori

   45 min

   Dotonbori dazzles with neon lights, giant billboards, and river reflections. Surrounded by street food, shops, and nightlife, it captures Osaka's vibrant energy perfectly.

3. 3

   Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

   20 min

   Shinsaibashi-Suji is the heart of Osaka's shopping scene. Local boutiques sit alongside global brands. Learn insider tips for treasure hunting in its famous second-hand stores.

4. 4

   New New Ebisubashi

   15 min

   Ebisubashi Bridge is one of Osaka's most famous landmarks. Spanning the Dotonbori River for over 400 years beneath the city's iconic neon lights and billboards. A great spot to snap a memory.

5. 5

   America Mura

   15 min

   "Ame-mura", in the local lingo, is Osaka's hub of youth culture and street fashion. Packed with vintage stores, quirky cafés, street art, and independent boutiques, it's the city's playground and trendsetting heart.

6. 6

   Kuromon Market

   15 min

   Kuromon Market is a lively foodie paradise, where generations of vendors have served Osaka's freshest seafood, seasonal produce, and famous local delicacies. Wander, sample, and learn hands on how to prepare sashimi.. (We almost always get here on a 3hr tour).

7. 7

   Nipponbashi Denden Town

   Pass by

   Denden Town is Osaka's electronics and pop-culture district, packed with anime, manga, gaming, collectibles, and tech stores. Often compared to Tokyo's Akihabara, it's a paradise for hobbyists and treasure hunters alike. (We almost always get here on a 3hr tour).

8. 8

   Shinsekai

   30 min

   (Only available on 4, 5, or 7-hour private tours). Shinsekai is Osaka's retro entertainment district, where old-school charm meets vibrant street life. Neon signs, local eateries, nostalgic arcades, and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower capture the city's fun-loving spirit. Meet the local mascot Billiken.

9. 9

   Tower Knives Osaka

   15 min

   (Only available on the 4hr or 5hr tours). Osaka's knives are prized for their razor-sharp edges, expert craftsmanship, and centuries-old blade-making traditions.They are favored by professional chefs globally. Learn the steel forging process and test your cutting skills with us

10. 10

    Abeno Harukas

    20 min

    (Only available on 5hr and 7hr tours) From 2014 - 2023 this was Japan’s tallest multi-purpose building. Standing a staggering 300 meters tall, this is Osaka’s most-visible landmark providing the best views in all of Kansai. (20 minutes • Admission Ticket to observation deck Not Included) Free access to 16th floor which still has great views.

11. 11

    Shitennoji

    30 min

    (Only available on 5hr and 7hr tours) Shitennō-ji is Japan's oldest officially established Buddhist temple, founded in 593. Its peaceful grounds, elegant pagoda, and rich history offer a glimpse into the origins of Japanese Buddhism.

12. 12

    Osaka Castle

    1.2 hours

    (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.

13. 13

    Osaka Ukiyoe Museum

    15 min

    (Only available on 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.

14. 14

    Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

    45 min

    (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.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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