The Dotonbori river with its massive neon billboards
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Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tours(Private or Group)

4.9
Next available dates
Today
24 Nov
Mon
25 Nov
Tue
26 Nov
Available options
Bestseller

Group Tour Option (3hrs)

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Next availability: Today, 24 Nov

From

GBP 36.49

Private 7hr Expedition Tour

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Snack: Small serving of Takoyaki (Osaka's most famous food)
Pickup included

Next availability: Mon, 25 Nov

From

GBP 295.17

Private 5hr Exploration Tour

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Pickup included

Next availability: Mon, 25 Nov

From

GBP 238.81

Private 3hr Kickstart Tour

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Pickup included

Next availability: Mon, 25 Nov

From

GBP 147.58

Private 4hr Discovery Tour

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Pickup included

Next availability: Mon, 25 Nov

From

GBP 198.57

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Highlights

Kickstart your day or night Osaka walking adventure with this tour featured on Channel 5 British TV in 2023 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(mixed with other guests).


Slip through the non-touristy bar/restaurant zones of Namba: hole in the wall eateries, as well as Kuromon seafood market.


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


Osaka Castle will showcase it's immense role in the unification of Japan in 16th century (only 4hr , 5hr or 7hr tours)


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

Itinerary

  • Hozenji Yokocho

    20 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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.
  • Dotonbori Tsuribori

    45 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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.
  • Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

    20 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    Japanese fashion is unique, wonderful and crazy. Also see the wacky and cool gadget stores.
  • New New Ebisubashi

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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.
  • America Mura

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    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
  • Kuromon Market

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    (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.
  • Nipponbashi Denden Town(Pass by)

    Admission Ticket Free
    (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
  • Shinsekai

    30 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON 4HR, 5HR OR 7HR PRIVATE TOUR) We'll take you wayyy of the beaten path to discover the retro zone where the Osakan locals show their true colors. From crazy fishing restaurants to boardgame gaming shops to retro video machine arcades to old vinyl record stores.
  • Tower Knives Osaka

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Included
    (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.
  • Abeno Harukas

    20 minsAdmission Ticket Free
    (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!
  • Shitennoji

    30 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included
    (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.
  • Osaka Castle

    1 hours 10 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included
    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON 5HR OR 7HR PRIVATE TOUR) Osaka's most notable structure. The park surrounding will also be explored mentioning its role in how it unified Japan!
  • Morimoto Tatami Shop

    15 minsAdmission Ticket Included
    (ONLY AVAILABLE ON A 7HR PRIVATE TOUR & IF ITS OPEN...OWNERS AREN'T OPEN ON SET DAYS)This concealed tatami shop off the main shopping area gives us a class on how the tatami mats are made with the igusa rush grass. Very unique experience!
  • Osaka Museum of Housing and Living

    45 minsAdmission Ticket Not Included
    (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.

What's included

INCLUDED

Private personalized tour OR group tour with others
1 Can Drink & 1 small side dish (likely 1 takoyaki ball)
Choose your hours: 3hrs, 4hrs, 5hrs, 7hrs
This is a tour on foot, but can use train or taxi if requested(at your own expense of course)

NOT INCLUDED

Entry tickets to any attractions
Transport Costs (normally none, or just 2 short rides of the train)
Food & Drink is not included (except for 1 drink & a small side dish)

Customer reviews

4.9

342 verified reviews
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Review summary

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The Osaka Kickstart tour is highly praised for its knowledgeable and friendly guides who customize the experience to suit guests' interests. Customers appreciate the mix of popular and hidden spots, insightful stories about local culture and history, and the ease of navigating the city. Highly recommended for both first-time visitors and repeat travelers.
2 months ago
Matt.Family (with teens)

Rudy was absolutely fantastic. He was engaging and very informative. He also gave us options so we could tailor the tour on-the-fly. Highly recommended.

Additional information

Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
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
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Location

Provider

Osaka Food Tours

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