Osaka is Japan's second-largest metropolis after Tokyo, the capital. Many foreign families relocate here for business, making the city center's schools a vibrant international community.
The food culture is particularly diverse, offering not only cuisines from around the world but also countless affordable and delicious Osaka-specific dishes. With many renowned sake-producing regions nearby, Osaka is affectionately known as a "gourmet's paradise" or "the city where people eat till they drop."
While rich in historical sites and buildings steeped in traditional culture, Osaka has also nurtured pop culture elements like comedy and otaku culture. This eclectic mix defines Osaka's unique character and atmosphere.
Osaka is packed with food culture, entertainment, and tourist spots to enjoy!
When you look at Osaka's culture and cityscape, you'll sense a unique diversity not found in other regions. Each area, item, and resident has a strong individuality, creating a distinct culture.
There are many unique neighborhoods and hidden gem restaurants that aren't in guidebooks and ordinary travelers can't easily find.
The best way to discover such rare information is to ask locals. That's why we've carefully selected some gems among the tours around Osaka led by guides who know the city inside out!
From gourmet tours to private tours and cycling tours, there's such a diverse range that even I, an Osaka native, get excited. Check them out right away!
Three tours to savor Osaka's exquisite cuisine - these are not to be missed!
Osaka Food Tour (13 Delicious Dishes at 5 Local Eateries)
Source: Viator
This "Osaka Food Tour" is one of the most popular gourmet tours among Viator's Asian tours. On this tour, a local guide who knows the area inside out will take you around Shinsekai, a treasure trove of Osaka's downtown cuisine featured in Netflix's hit series "Somebody Feed Phil."
You'll visit five hidden gems loved by locals and indulge in the signature dishes that made Phil's taste buds dance. The tour's unique charm lies in the opportunity to sample 13 types of Osaka soul food at once, including gyoza, takoyaki, and kitsune udon.
You'll enjoy eating, drinking, and chatting with friendly local regulars. It's a chance to experience authentic Osaka-style "kuidaore" (eating till you drop).
Meeting point: DAIICHI Main Store, B1F, 1-12 Taishi, Nishinari-ku, Osaka
Tour area: Shinsekai
Start time: 17:30
Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka
If you want to thoroughly explore Osaka, the city of food, don't hesitate to choose the "Kuromon Market Walking Street Food Tour in Osaka." This gourmet tour allows you to delve deeper into Osaka's rich food culture.
A local guide, an Osaka food connoisseur, will lead you through the best route among the 150 shops in Kuromon Market. Here, you can enjoy a range of dishes that encapsulate the essence of Osaka cuisine, including fresh seafood and hot pot dishes.
Another highlight of this tour is experiencing the warm service and hospitality of each shop. Be sure to enjoy interacting with the people of Osaka, known for their warm personalities.
After the meal, you'll extend your walk to Doguyasuji. This street is lined with specialty stores offering professional-grade kitchen utensils and cooking equipment. Exploring this place that has supported Osaka's food culture behind the scenes will be a unique experience not available on other tours. It's also great for finding souvenirs for food-loving family and friends.
Meeting point: In front of the Mitsui Sumitomo Bank ATM at Nipponbashi 1-chome (Exit 10 of Kintetsu Nipponbashi Station)
Tour area: Kuromon Market
Start time: 10:00 or 11:00
Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour (15 Dishes) - Feast Like a Local
Source: Viator
The "Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour (15 Dishes) - Feast Like a Local" is another tour that lets you savor the cuisine of the Shinsekai area. The unique feature of this tour is that it's guided by experienced bilingual foreign guides.
Osaka has long flourished as a hub for rice and specialties from all over Japan, giving birth to diverse food cultures. Local guides who have lived in this city for a long time and have become cheerful Osaka locals themselves will introduce you to their favorite eateries.
The guides will also explain in detail about Osaka's unique food culture and history that led to its development as "the nation's kitchen."
Enjoy Osaka's diverse street food, including takoyaki, kushikatsu, udon, and oden, at carefully selected eateries that the guides frequent.
Meeting point: Top of the stairs at Exit 3 of Ebisucho Station on the Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line
Tour area: Shinsekai
Start time: 17:30 or 18:00
Enjoy Osaka's nightlife! Three recommended tours for those who want to enjoy both Osaka cuisine and izakayas
Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai
The "Osaka Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai" is a comprehensive tour that allows you to enjoy two major tourist areas, Dotonbori and Shinsekai, at once. Both Dotonbori and Shinsekai are lively areas that embody the "eat till you drop" spirit of the city.
On this tour, you can enjoy eight types of Osaka specialties selected by local guides, including okonomiyaki and kushikatsu, all in one go. While enjoying Osaka's gourmet food, you'll also touch on the rich history of the city.
For example, in Shinsekai, you'll visit Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, which Osaka merchants never fail to visit. Near Dotonbori, you'll also visit Hozenji Temple, a hidden gem that is truly important to locals. The local guide, born and raised in Osaka and overflowing with love for the city, will tell you about many charms of Osaka beyond just food.
The tour's high satisfaction rate, packing fulfilling experiences into a three-hour timeframe, has earned high praise from foreign tourists.
Meeting point: In front of the exit of Imamiya Ebisu Station on the Nankai Koya Line
Tour area: Dotonbori, Shinsekai
Start time: 11:30 or 16:30 or 17:30
Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba
You can't end your Osaka trip without knowing Osaka at night! The "Osaka Bar Hopping Night Tour in Namba" is recommended to enjoy Osaka 100 times more, deeper and faster.
This is an all-in-one bar hopping tour that includes meals and drinks. The tour guides you through "Ura Namba," which is not far from Dotonbori. This is an area where locals gather day and night. Hidden gems are crowded in narrow back alleys, always attracting Osaka's food connoisseurs.
Join a local guide to visit bars and izakayas known only to insiders. Enjoy Osaka gourmet food including yakitori, sushi, and other Japanese small plates, as well as kushiage recommended by the guide.
The combination of local dishes with craft beer, nihonshu (sake), and shochu is a perfect match that you'll become addicted to.
Osaka people are also characterized by their ability to quickly befriend strangers. Even if you don't speak the language, you'll soon become friendly - that's one of the good things about this city.
Meeting point: Exit 15-B of Namba Station on Osaka Metro lines
Tour area: Namba, Dotonbori
Start time: 18:00 or 19:00
Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours
Source: Viator
"Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours" is a unique tour that covers the deepest areas of Osaka, from Daikokucho to Shinsekai to Kamagasaki (Shin-Imamiya).
What makes this tour unusual is that it includes areas where day laborers without regular employment gather. You can get a glimpse of another real daily life in Osaka that you would never know just from guidebooks.
You'll be guided by a foreign guide who is familiar with the characteristics of this area, so you can feel at ease.
Explore back alleys that you wouldn't set foot in without a guide, take breaks at food stalls you find along the way with takoyaki or horumon-yaki (grilled beef or pork offal) in hand - enjoy a live-feeling walking tour that changes from moment to moment.
There's also a dinner option, so it's recommended to have a leisurely talk about Osaka's social background.
Meeting point: Family Mart MYS Daikokucho Ekimae Store: 2-516 Shikitsu Higashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
Tour area: Daikokucho, Shinsekai, Kamagasaki
Start time: 17:30
Explore Osaka's streets! Three recommended tours around Osaka with locals
Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour (Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori)
Source: Viator
The "Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour (Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori)" efficiently covers Osaka's representative tourist spots. Starting from Osaka Castle, the symbol of Osaka, this tour comprehensively covers major spots including Shinsaibashi, the main entertainment district, Dotonbori, and Shinsekai (a retro district that developed before and after World War II).
At Osaka Castle, you'll learn about Osaka's history while touching on the activities of the warlord who unified Japan in the 16th century.
Next, you'll head to the area called "Minami," where you can feel modern Osaka the most. The shopping street in Shinsaibashi, which has developed as a commercial district for over 400 years, is still overflowing with tourists and locals, with a festive bustle every day.
Furthermore, explore Osaka's deep food culture while enjoying food-hopping in Dotonbori and Kuromon Market, where Osaka gourmet food is concentrated.
At the final destination, Shinsekai, immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere that exudes the nostalgic downtown flavor of Osaka.
Meeting point: Exit 2 of JR Loop Line Osakajokoen Station
Tour area: Osaka Castle, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, Nipponbashi, Shinsekai
Start time: 10:00 or 10:30
4-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch
The area around Osaka Castle is a large park with truly beautiful scenery in all four seasons.
On the "4-Hour Osaka Highlights Bike Tour with Lunch" cycling tour, you can feel the comfort of this area with your whole body. The terrain is mostly flat with few ups and downs, and the cycling distance is about 11km. It's a light course popular not only for solo travelers but also for couples and families (however, it's limited to those 150cm or taller).
The cycling starts from a lively shopping street, then visits Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, which is familiar to Osaka citizens. The guide will explain about Shinto beliefs and Osaka-specific customs while guiding you.
Next, you'll move to the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living, a museum that introduces the life of Osaka's common people. Here you can have a unique experience as if you've crossed hundreds of years of time and space.
Lunch is Osaka's standard - okonomiyaki. Replenish your stamina here!
After lunch, you'll finally head to Osaka Castle's main tower. Enjoy the breathtaking view overlooking the city of Osaka. Please try this healthy and active adventure that's different from walking tours.
Meeting point: Family Mart Temmabashi Store: 2-21 Temmabashi Kyo-machi, Chuo-ku, Osaka
Tour area: Osaka Castle, Temmabashi
Start time: 10:00
Walking Tour of Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights, with Ramen for Lunch
Source: Trip Advisor
If you want to take your time visiting Osaka's must-see tourist attractions in one day, the "Walking Tour of Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights, with Ramen for Lunch" is recommended. You'll visit historical buildings and Osaka's gourmet streets with a knowledgeable and experienced local guide, while enjoying delicious ramen for lunch.
The entire tour takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, so wear comfortable clothes for walking.
Osaka Castle, a representative landmark of Osaka, and Shitennoji Temple, a Buddhist temple with over 1400 years of history, are essential spots when talking about Japanese history. By taking time to explore and deepen your understanding of their origins, your journey through Japan will become even more profound.
Dotonbori, Kuromon Market, and Shinsekai offer a direct experience of Osaka, the city of food. There are so many famous shops and food stalls that you'll be spoiled for choice, with delicious food everywhere you look! Be sure to try and compare lots of gourmet foods to find your favorite.
Meeting point: Time and Space Plaza, Osaka Station City: 5F JR Osaka Station, 3-13 Umeda, Kita-ku, Osaka
Tour area: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Nipponbashi, Shinsekai, Shitennoji
Start time: 8:30
Private tours are recommended for those who want to explore Osaka freely!
Private Osaka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised
Source: Viator
The "Private Osaka Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised" customizes a completely original tour to your liking. Within 24 hours after booking, you'll receive a questionnaire about your preferences and interests, and a local host with similar tastes will be selected based on your answers. Various tours can be arranged with selections rich in Osaka-like humor.
The charm lies in designing the content according to the guest's preferences, whether it's a cutting-edge fashion tour, a gourmet tour of places truly loved by locals, a pop culture tour well-versed in anime and manga, or a history tour that delves deep into Japanese history.
The itinerary is flexible, and you can change what you want to do during the experience. By the end of the tour, you're likely to become as close as real friends with your host who has understood your preferences.
Meeting point: DAISO Namba Nansan-dori Store: 2-217 Namba-naka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka
Tour area: Within Osaka City
Start time: From 8:00 (varies depending on the duration)
Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tours (Private or Group)
Source: Viator
The "Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tours (Private or Group)" builds its itinerary around carefully selected spots featured in "Jane McDonald | Lost In Japan" on UK's Channel 5. It's a popular tour used by tourists from various countries including Dubai, America, and France even in recent times.
Knowledgeable guides passionately and sometimes humorously introduce the details and historical background of each spot. You can choose from 3-hour, 4-hour, 5-hour, or 7-hour courses, making it convenient even if you want to enjoy it in a short time and pinpoint specific areas.
The tour caters to a wide range of tourists, offering private tours for large families with small children, as well as solo travelers or small group tours.
Meeting point: Top of the stairs at Exit 24 of Namba Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line
Tour area: Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Nipponbashi, Shinsekai, Abeno, Shitennoji, Osaka Castle, etc.
Start time: From 10:00 (varies depending on the duration)