Osaka Highlight Tour: 3-Hour Walking Tour of Osaka
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3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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About this experience
Hop onto one of our daily tours as we weave through the centre of Osaka, a great way to kickstart your adventure here! Your experienced and fully bilingual local guide will take you to through this uncut gem of a city, showing you why this city holds so much appeal to so many.
See the famous Midosuji and Shinsaibashisuji, centres of Japanese consumer retail. Find the neon sprawl of Dotonburi right next door to the tranquillity and peacefulness of Hozenji, modernity coexisting with tradition. Explore the culinary prowess of Osaka at Kuromon fish market, a place that for over 200 years, has served the “Kitchen of Japan” faithfully. Experience the Namba/Den Den Town area, home to the manga and anime scene and see how Japan was in its industrial infancy in Shinsekai, its retro vibe holding many unique stories of its own. There are so many other little places, experiences and stories along the way on our Hop On tour. Be sure to book now and experience what Osaka has to offer!
Available options
Osaka Highlight Tour: 3-Hour Walking Tour of Osaka
What's included
This is tour is a walking tour.
One non-alcoholic drink
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Kuromon Market is one of Osaka’s most iconic food destinations—often called “Osaka’s kitchen.” With over 100 years of history, it’s a bustling local market filled with fresh seafood, grilled street snacks, wagyu beef skewers, seasonal fruits, and traditional Japanese sweets. It’s the perfect place to sample Osaka’s vibrant food culture and meet the vendors who keep its culinary spirit alive.
2
Stop 2
Experience the electronic centre of the city with Den Den Town, or Electronics Town
3
Stop 3
Doguyasuji Shopping Street is a hidden gem in Osaka’s Namba district—a covered arcade packed with shops selling everything a chef or restaurant could need. From razor-sharp Japanese knives and sizzling takoyaki pans to lanterns, chopsticks, and ultra-realistic plastic food models, it’s a paradise for culinary professionals and food lovers alike. A must-visit for anyone curious about the tools behind Japan’s famous cuisine.
4
A small Buddhist temple located just off Dotonbori. Built in the 17th century and is dedicated to Fudo Myoo, one of the five wisdom kings in Buddhism.
5
Stop 5
A hard to find, narrow alleyway that has preserved the atmosphere of old Japan with its traditional lanterns and cobblestone paths.
6
Stop 6
One of the main tourist destinations in Osaka, it is located along the Dōtonbori canal. The area is known for its nightlife and is filled with an explosion of neon lights, mouth-watering street food, retro vibes, stores, and bars. The area is also home to the famous Glico Man sign which is a popular photo spot for tourists and locals alike.
7
Stop 7
A covered shopping street which has been Osaka’s most important shopping area for 400 years with hundreds of shops lining this 600-metre long street, walk down here to experience Japan’s love of consumer retail.
8
Step into Amerika-Mura (American Village) – Osaka’s bold, colourful playground of youth fashion, street art, vintage vibes, and global flavours. Just minutes from Shinsaibashi, this vibrant neighbourhood bursts with indie boutiques, quirky cafés, live music, and non-stop energy.
What's not included
Transportation to and from the starting/departure point.
We do not go to Osaka Castle on this tour.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
7 reviews
5★
7
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Meeting point
Please meet in front of the Namba Hips building. Your guide will be waiting there 5 minutes before the start of the tour.
About Namba
Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.
Top Attractions
Dotonbori
A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.
Shopping
2-4 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Hozenji Yokocho
A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.
Historical
30-60 minutes
Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)
Amerikamura (Amemura)
A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Namba Parks
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.
Shopping
1-3 hours
Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Takoyaki
Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Snack
Contains seafood, gluten, and soy
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request
Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Snack
Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.
Main Dish
Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Biking along the river
Kayaking or paddleboarding
Visiting onsen (hot springs)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending a traditional festival
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba
By train
Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station
By bus
Namba Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Nipponbashi
Amerikamura (Amemura)
Hozenji Yokocho
Day trips
Osaka Castle
3 km from Namba • Half day
A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Universal Studios Japan
15 km from Namba • Full day
A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Kobe
30 km from Namba • Full day
A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.
Festivals
Osaka Asian Film Festival • March
Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31
Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25
Pro tips
- Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
- Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
- Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
- Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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