Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Highlights
- Explore off the beaten areas in Osaka
- Experience local life in nostalgic neighborhoods
- Walk with English speaking guide
- Enjoy foods and drinks along the way
- Customizable tour based on your preferences
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Duration 6 hours
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Private Customizable Tour
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Licensed Local English Guide
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Visit 3-4 Unique Sites
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Walking Tour Experience
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Meet up on foot
Experience the hidden gems of Osaka with this 6-hour private tour! Explore off the beaten path areas such as Shinsekai, Tenjimbashi-suji, Ameyoko, and Koreantown, and immerse yourself in the local culture and warm nostalgic feelings of these neighborhoods. Walk with an English-speaking guide, indulge in delicious foods and drinks along the way, and customize your itinerary to include your must-see spots. Discover the vibrant Dotombori District with its iconic billboards and mouthwatering local delicacies. Marvel at the nostalgia-evoking Tsutenkaku Tower in Shinsekai. Explore the bustling Kuromon Market and savor a variety of street foods. Dive into the charm of Koreatown and experience the vibrant atmosphere of Namba Station. Don't miss the opportunity to witness traditional Japanese puppet theater at the National Bunraku Theater. And stroll through the enchanting alleyways of Hozenji Yokocho. This tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and mouthwatering experiences for a truly unforgettable adventure in Osaka!
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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6 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Japanese, English
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Wheelchair accessible
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Osaka's hidden gems on a private 6-hour tour with a licensed guide, diving into nostalgic neighborhoods and local life experiences.
Included
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Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Osaka
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Customizable Tour of your choice of 3-4 sites from 'What to expect' list
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Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Excluded
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Guide entry fees are only covered for sights listed under what to expect.
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You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
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Private transportation
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Transportation fees, entrance fees, lunch, and other personal expenses
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Dotombori District
We will take a walk through Dotonbori street with its huge billboards, hundreds of restaurants and food stalls selling local foods including the famous Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.
Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is a must-visit in Osaka. This giant shopping arcade of cosmetics stores, apparel shops, and restaurants extends 600 meters. Read this detailed guide to learn about this lively Osaka neighborhood and how to get to the area!
Kuromon Market
The most famous fish at Kuromon Market are the conger pike in summer and Fugu in winter. At least 10% of the seafood shop in Kuromon specialize in Fugu and Hamo. A lively and roofed market which stretches about 580m, there are about 150 shops and is always bustling with people. This market has everything you want. From fresh seafood, blow fish and soft shelled turtle specialty shops, to restaurants, fruit and vegetables shops, butchers, pickled goods, dried food, Japanese sweets and Western cakes.
Ikuno Korea Town
Koreatown at Ikuno. I knew about this place from watching a Korean Variety Show (Superman Returns). This place sells many Korean food items ranging from (at least) 10 different kinds of fermented vegetables (kimchi, radish, cucumbers etc), Korean mochi (ddok, ddok cake, ddokboki), seaweed (gim), sushi roll (kimbab), pancakes, potato chips, red pepper paste, etc.
Shinsekai
Shinsekai (新世界, lit. "New World") is a district in Osaka that was developed before the war and then neglected in the decades afterwards. At the district's center stands Tsutenkaku Tower, the nostalgia-evoking symbol of Shinsekai. The area was developed into its current layout following the success of the 1903 National Industrial Exposition, which brought over five million people to the neighborhood within just five months. Shortly after the expo closed its doors, work began to improve and update Shinsekai.
National Bunraku Theater
Osaka has been the capital for bunraku, traditional Japanese puppet theater, for many centuries. The popularity of the theater form had grown in the city during the Edo Period when bunraku (like kabuki) was a rare kind of art entertainment for the common public rather than the nobility. The National Bunraku Theater (国立文楽劇場, Kokuritsu Bunraku Gekijō) in Osaka is one of the few places to view the fascinating art form today. English programs and earphones are available. Performances are usually held in three week runs in January, April, June, July/August and November.
A 150 meter long shopping street lined with specialty stores with every cooking utensil and kitchen item available. The Doguyasuji Festival on October 9 (Tool Day) is an event where various tools are on sale, and where the Garapon Lottery will also be held. In addition, you can take part in hands-on food sample making and glass-etching experiences, as well as an ever-increasing number of artisanal restaurants.
Behind Hozenji Temple is a group of small, traditional alleyways that has been popular with locals since the 17th century. Despite being just a few minutes’ walk from Dotonbori and Namba, it is often overlooked by tourists. Hozenji Yokocho is ideal to visit in the evening, not long before it gets dark. You can start with a quick visit to Hozenji Temple before finding a local izakaya (traditional pub) to enjoy a drink. If you have time, be sure to check out the statue of Fudō Myō-ō, the god of fury. Locals pour water over the statue, symbolic of purification, and say a prayer. There is a lot to do in this labyrinth of alleyways, so if you’re feeling adventurous, be sure to give this lesser-known area a try.
If you are looking for a quiet, less crowded place to go to or to date, I think this is the place to go to. It was almost deserted around 6pm when I went on a weekday. Tenjimbashi-suji seems to be a relic of an old shopping area that may not be as popular as before, or maybe it was due to the evening hour. I went alone and I felt nice and unrushed, but also unsafe. It may also be possible that one end of this extremely long suji closes earlier than the other end, and I just happened onto the end that became deserted early.
America-mura
I’m not sure how to translate this name, it literally means ‘America Village (mura)’, but if you apply Japanese grammar, it might be ‘Village America’ instead. Now I’m confused. Anyway, if you are looking for high-end shopping, it’s all here: Prada, Louis Vuitton, you name it. With endless fashionable shops lining the streets, you’d definitely be spoilt for choice. There is even a Big Bang (Korean boyband) Café. Beware though, people tend to dress-up in this area.
Osaka's Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社, "Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine") is one of Japan's oldest shrines. Founded in the 3rd century before the introduction of Buddhism, it displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, that is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Service animals allowed
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
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Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
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Wheelchair accessible
What our experts say
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Try local snacks at Kuromon Market.
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Visit Shinsekai for classic street food.
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Check out Hozenji Yokocho at dusk.
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Explore quiet Tenjimbashi-suji area.
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Sample kimchi in Ikuno Koreatown.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Join the Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with a licensed guide and immerse yourself in the hidden gems of this vibrant city. This value-packed trip is perfect for those who want to experience the local life and explore the nostalgic neighborhoods of Osaka. With the guidance of an experienced multilingual tour guide, you can expect an unforgettable and authentic journey through the city's backstreets.
What to expect?
During this six-hour tour, you'll have the opportunity to visit some of the best off-the-beaten-path locations in Osaka. Explore the lively Dotombori District, known for its massive billboards and mouthwatering local cuisine. Discover the nostalgic Shinsekai neighborhood, home to the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower. Wander through the bustling Kuromon Market and indulge in a variety of street foods. Venture into Koreatown and savor the flavors of authentic Korean cuisine. Explore the vibrant entertainment district of Minami and immerse yourself in the city's rich cultural heritage at the National Bunraku Theater. Discover the hidden charm of Hozenji Yokocho, a local's favorite haunt, and experience the trendy shops and cafes of America Village. Lastly, visit the picturesque Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of Japan's oldest shrines.
Who is this for?
This tour caters to all types of travelers who want to go beyond the tourist hotspots and explore the local neighborhoods of Osaka. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply someone who wants to experience the authentic side of the city, this tour is perfect for you. It is designed for curious explorers who enjoy discovering hidden gems and immersing themselves in the local culture. The tour is suitable for individuals, couples, families, and small groups who want a personalized and in-depth experience of Osaka.
Why book this?
Book this tour to unlock the secrets of Osaka and delve into its vibrant and nostalgic neighborhoods. With a licensed guide by your side, you'll gain insider knowledge and access to hidden spots that most tourists miss. This tour offers a customized itinerary, allowing you to select your must-see spots and tailor the experience to your preferences. Explore off-the-beaten-path locations, taste the local cuisine, and learn about the history and culture of Osaka. By booking this tour, you'll gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for this incredible city.
Good to know
Be prepared to walk and immerse yourself in the local atmosphere. Wear comfortable shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. Remember to bring your appetite as you'll have the opportunity to try delicious street food along the way. The tour includes a government-licensed guide with a deep understanding of Japanese culture and history, ensuring an enriching experience. If you're looking for a unique and unforgettable adventure in Osaka, this tour is the perfect choice.
Reviews
Past travelers have raved about their experience on the Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour. They praised the knowledgeable guides who brought the city to life with fascinating stories and insights. Many expressed how this tour allowed them to discover hidden treasures and experience the local culture in a truly authentic way. Travelers were particularly impressed with the personalized itinerary, as it allowed them to explore the specific areas and attractions they were most interested in. Overall, the reviews highlight the tour's exceptional value and the unforgettable memories it created.
Journals from our explorers at this location
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