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Things to do in Osaka

Our most recommended things to do in Osaka

Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

1. Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

Depart from the exclusive VIP waiting rooms of Osaka or Kyoto, heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, the main shrine building contains five shrines together, these five pillars of Fushimi Inari Taisha are named for the great virtues of Inari Okami that they embody. Inari Okami is known as a deity of business prosperity, the prosperity of industries, the safety of households, safety in traffic and improvement in the performing arts. The 'Senbon Torii' or 1000 torii gates are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator's name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. Then you will head to Arashiyama, which changes with the seasons and you can enjoy the scenery any time of year, with cherry blossoms in the spring, boat festivals in the Summer, red leaves in Autumn and snow white mountains in the winter. Arashiyama is also filled with temples and shrines including the match-making Shrine you can visit, during your walk through the famed Bamboo grove. There are a variety of restaurants to choose right near the Togetsukyo bridge, including vegan and Halal. Proceed to the symbol of Kyoto, Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, also named Rakuon-ji: one of the most popular buildings in Japan. Finally, move on to Japan’s old capital, Nara: you will have the time to explore its park, cuddle the worldwide famous deer and enter the biggest wooden building of the planet, Todai-ji Temple, another UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will find yourself in front of Japan’s biggest Buddha statue, 15 meters tall.

Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka

2. Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka

Enjoy a safe and reliable private airport transfer with a 24-hour service between Kansai Airport and your accommodation in Osaka City Center area. Avoid long taxi lines, busy public transport, Get help with your heavy bags and skip confusion with a professional meet and greet service. Choose between a nighttime or daytime transfer options to or from the Kansai Airport. Find your driver with ease, as they will be holding a sign with your name on it. Save yourself from having to carry heavy bags all by yourself with the included luggage assistance.  Climb aboard a vehicle that is regularly maintained to high-quality standards. Travel directly with this private service. our driver will track your flight, so you won't have to worry in case of a flight delay. Transfer worry-free knowing that you get 60-minutes of free waiting time for arrivals, 30-minutes of free waiting time for departures, 120-minutes of free waiting for flight delays. Let your driver take care of local traffic for you while you admire the city. 

Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

3. Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

Osaka has many defferent names, such as the city of foods, the city of marchants, the city of comedy, the city where the Sengoku period ended . It means she is very diverse, tolerant , the people there are so entertained and adventurous. That is reason why so many foreigners are fascinated by her. Well, Let’s start the walking tour with us to find the real Osaka at a walking pace, from the perspective of a walker. We shall visit Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights with expierianced local English guide; (1) Osaka Castle Museum : Many highlights such as cultural asset exhibitions and the restored golden tea room. (2)Dotonbori : One of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, check "Running Man" above Ebisbashi bridge ! (3)Kuromon Market : A covered public market that dates back to Edo period. Enjoy streetfoods ! (4)Tsutenkaku Tower : Osaka’s symbolic tower. The statue of the good luck god Billiken is on the tower's top observatory. (5)Shitennoji Temple : One of the Japan's oldest Budist temples, the first ever to be built by the state. Also try very tasty Ramen for lunch !

Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

4. Osaka: teamLab Botanical Garden Entry Ticket

Visit the newly reopened Nagai Botanical Garden, which is run by the art collective teamLab as a hybrid garden and art space. Wander through the grounds home to roughly 1,200 species of plants, then enjoy the interactive art installations which come alive at night. Stroll through the botanical gardens, with its 240,000 square meters of grounds and wide array of plant species to admire. Stop by the central pond and relax in the serene natural beauty of the gardens. As night draws in, stay to discover teamLab’s unique art project which explores how nature can become art. The concept of the project is that non-material digital technology like light displays can turn nature into art without harming it.  Watch incredible light spectacles which actively interact with the surrounding nature, animals, and visitors, and become part of the artwork yourself as you experience it. 

Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration

5. Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration

Begin by getting a feel for retro Osaka. Be transported back in time to a Japan barely recognizable. Jump into retro video game parlors, old-fashioned markets, and more. See how the locals entertain and are entertained by night, from games unique to Japan, to crazy fishing restaurants, to a peek in an Osakan theater. Your next stop will be within some of the most amazing back alleys you'll ever see. Interact with your surroundings, feeling the profound energy and history of the area. Sample 2 delicious side dishes from two different stalls here. A stone's throw and you're within an area filled with untouched, abandoned properties, which provides a truly surreal experience in the middle of the city. Afterwards, you'll have the option to walk through the red light district, or to skip it and go on a separate path.  This Taisho-Era red light district is incredibly preserved from that period, and consists of UNESCO-listed buildings important to Osakan culture. Finally, you'll have the option to eat a full dinner at a tasty, tradition restaurant after the tour has ended.  This tour is not necessarily recommended for all; if you are intrepid, well traveled, and seeking glimpse into an unfiltered, honest side of Osaka, it is a good choice for you. Note that this tour exposes the good, the bad, and everything in between. It includes taboo topics as well, which are very important in forming a complete picture of Japan and its people, such as Yakuza, sexism, war, illegal gambling, sex work, illicit businesses, pachinko, homelessness, welfare, and more. Note also that this tour will not go through the homeless district. Your guides are always respectful should people who are homeless also be traveling the same route as the tour.

Osaka: Universal Studios Japan Entry Ticket & Transportation

6. Osaka: Universal Studios Japan Entry Ticket & Transportation

Relax as you travel door-to-door by van or coach from your Osaka hotel to Universal Studios Japan, and enter the theme park without delay with your pre-purchased day ticket. Enjoy the wide variety of attractions on offer including The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Universal Wonderland. The whole family will have fun on the rides and taking in movies and shows. Explore the many shops and stop for refreshments or a meal. Photo opportunities abound! At the end of the day you’ll return to your hotel in Osaka with the same easy door-to-door transportation service. A number of departure and return times are available to choose from.

Osaka: See the Sights by Go-kart

7. Osaka: See the Sights by Go-kart

Osaka is becoming a renowned tourist spot the world over - and one of the best experiences you can have in the city is street go-karting. An expert guide will show you how to drive the go-kart around Osaka city and take you to some of the best spots, helping you get more familiar with the area. After setting off from our office at Namba, we will take you to some of the following areas: - Osaka Castle (only for 2 hours option) - Dotonbori - Tsutenkaku, Shin-sekai You can also wear one of our provided costumes to stand out from the crowd.

Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour

8. Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour

Explore the hidden gem of Shinsekai with your guides and discover the real Osaka. Osaka’s Shinsekai district is a vibrant place combining modern and traditional cuisine. Fill your belly with some of the best food you will have in Japan. Discover hidden, original establishments which have been chosen by two local expert guides. Wander in and around the markets that serve traditional Osakan food for an authentic local experience.  Make your way to the first eatery, a takoyaki, or battered octopus balls, stall. Then visit an Izakaya restaurant and sample some authentic Osakan kitsune Udon along with japanese style chicken wings. Also taste the locally invented kushikatsu, which are lightly deep-fried vegetables, meats and seafood on skewers. Head off the beaten path and visit a cosy, traditional Japanese restaurant you will get dishes of mouthwatering nikudoufu or beef and tofu stew, original yakitori or skewered beef assortments, plus an alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage. Then visit specialized delicious gyoza dumpling establishment. The last dishes of the night will be at a unique Japanese eatery. Enjoy a tonpeiyaki, or pork omelette plus an abundance of edamame and karaage, Japanese fried chicken with spices. Another drink of your choice here is included. Finish off the night at a market eating Japanese castella cake shaped as the local mascot of Shinsekai.

Osaka: All-Inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza

9. Osaka: All-Inclusive Night Foodie Cultural Extravaganza

Explore Osaka's vibrant food culture far away from the tourist spots. Enjoy a drink or two along the way as you immerse yourself in the city's food scene on this small-group food tour. Meet your guide at Temma Station and start your evening food journey in the districts of Temma and Kyobashi. Visit three different tachinomis, standing dining bars, where you'll be served a variety of local favorites. Get ready to chat with locals as you sample some of the best homemade food paired with a bountiful selection of beverages. Depending on availability and guest preferences, you'll be served dote nikomi (slow-cooked beef), sashimi, various vegetable dished prepared with traditional cooking techniques, kushikatsu (fried food on skewers), and many more. On this evening tour, you'll absorb light lessons about the history and culture of the food and life in Osaka. Enjoy the perks of a small-sized group as your guides reveals great insider tips about this fascinating city. Experience the city through the eyes of a local away from the Japanese dishes that can be found on tourist streets. Finally, if you're interested in trying some tender Kobe-area sourced beef,  select the Kobe beef add-on.

From Osaka: Nara Customizable Private Day Tour

10. From Osaka: Nara Customizable Private Day Tour

Design your own custom itinerary and spend 10 hours exploring your favorite attractions in Nara, an ancient city that used to be the capital of Japan. Admire the deer of Nara Park, the famous five-story pagoda at Kofukuji Temple, and the 12 statues at Shin-Yakushiji Temple. Travel in a 7 or 10-seater vehicle. Meet your friendly driver at your hotel in Osaka and design your own route based on the sites you want to visit. Choose either a 7-seater or 10-seater to accommodate your travel party. Head to the locations of your choosing in Nara with your own customized itinerary. Decide to go to the Horyuji Temple, one of the oldest wooden buildings in the world, or Todaiji Temple, known for its large Buddha statue, or other temples. Afterward, view the wild deer roaming freely in Nara Park, and marvel at the ponds in Isuien Garden. Finish your trip after 10 hours.

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What people are saying about Osaka

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 866 reviews

This was a great experience! Deuce was super fun and knowledgeable. He offered a fantastic outlook and amount of information on the local drinks and dishes in the area. It was a fantastic experience! I think I can easily say we all had a great time!

Levy was a great tour guide! We will definitely tell our friends to book this food tour! We we’re definitely stuffed with alcohol and food by the end of the night!

Had Andy guiding us through a great food tour in Osaka. It was a fun experience with some great meals. I would recommend

Amazing and it was my memoriable trip and day in Japan. Thank you Mike (our tour guide) for making my day wonderful.

Amazing experience. 100% recommended. Not as immersive as Team Labs in Tokyo but wonderful in it's own right.