Local Food & Drink Tastings • 4 hours 5.0
(6)

A Half-Day in Osaka: Culture, Cuisine, and Crazy Fun

Sample cuisine, visit markets, explore Osaka's tech hub, and end off the experience in the electric district where there is still so much to do

Osaka has its own distinctive dialect so although you might've practised your

What makes this experience special

Key highlights

  • Start at Dotonbori Street, lined with restaurants, street food stalls and more. The stories from this location means your start as you mean to go on
  • Make your way down to Shinsaibashi - Suji shopping street, get lost in the extensive selection of shops, entertainment options and traditional restaurants
  • Wander down to the Kuromon Ichiba Market where you’ll be immersed in the lively local atmosphere, narrow lanes and sides filled with stalls
  • Nipponbashi Denden Town which is famous for its wide range of electronic stores, anime and manga shops awaits you next
  • End at Shinsekai where there is still so much left to do, viewpoints, shrines and knives (yes you read that right)

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

4 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested

What’s included

Per person
Hosted experience lasting up to 4 hours
Private and tailored to your group only
Immersive experience between stops
Hotel meet-up (available on request for central locations)

What’s not included

Tickets to any attractions
Transportation costs
Food and drinks
Gratuities (optional)

Meeting point

Namba Station, 5-chōme-10-1番60号 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8503, Japan

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

What you’ll do

This experience is for you if you want to experience the lively energy of Dotonbori, try Takoyaki, visit local markets and witness the dynamic fusion of culture and creativity in one of the most iconic cities I've ever visited.

 

Let’s be more specific. You’ll start in Dotonbori, it's a culinary paradise that caters to all tastes. You’ll struggle to not get drawn into the delicious eateries and street food stalls and all their wonderful flavors, sights and smells. Don't fight it, let your host show you the best of the best around here. I do want you to save some time though to visit the Glico Running Man and Kani Doraki Crab, these landmarks will not leave you disappointed. If you have time and a taste for heights I really recommend the birds eye view from the top of the giant Dotonbori Ebisu Tower Ferris Wheel.

 

After this you are off to Shinsaibashi-Suji Street, a bustling hub of activity. The atmosphere alone makes it a must visit but the extensive selection of boutiques and entertainment options means you won't be short of things to do, see or hear about. The energy of this place is enchanting and your host will bring its stories to life.

 

Your last stop was popular with tourists and locals alike, now you’re off to something a little more traditional. Stalls and vendors line the narrow lanes of Kuromon Market, local specialities are sold in abundance and your host will make sure you get the best of what's on offer. It will feel like a world away from the prior stop, but in fact it's only a short 10 minute walk. Which is an experience in itself, I can tell you. 

 

Nipponbashi Denden Town is the next destination. Here you will find a wide range of electronics stores, anime and manga shops, video game stores, cosplay supplies, and maid cafes. Yes you heard that right, visit a maid cafe if you wish! Take in the shops but I really recommend you spend some time with the antique shops, secondhand and recycling shops. Ideal for keepsake and souvenir buying or some of the most interesting photos you will ever take.

 

The time has come for the last of the main stops along this experience. Shinsekai, known for its retro ambiance, features narrow streets, vibrant signs and traditional eateries. It's a real mesh of culture and timelines. There is a lot to do here so don't think you are finished just yet.

 

Try some kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) from the local eateries, they are delicious and help fuel your exploration! To finish off, I want you to visit the top of the Tsutenkaku Tower, the views are unforgettable! On the way back to earth, learn about Japanese Knives in Tower Knives Shop and visit the Shinsekai Inari Shrine.

 

At the end of your experience I hope you will agree you’ve witnessed the old and the new, the beautiful and the extraordinary - combining into what is one amazing location with so much to do.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Sweet Surprises on the Streets of Osaka

Sweet Surprises on the Streets of Osaka

Channeling Your Inner Kid at an Osaka Matsuri Stall

Channeling Your Inner Kid at an Osaka Matsuri Stall

Flipping Osaka’s Favorite Comfort Food

Flipping Osaka’s Favorite Comfort Food

Late-Night Laughs in a Local Izakaya

Late-Night Laughs in a Local Izakaya

 From Station to Adventure

From Station to Adventure

A Royal Encounter: Smiles and Stories at Osaka Castle

A Royal Encounter: Smiles and Stories at Osaka Castle

Roll With It – Sushi, Sake, and Great Company

Roll With It – Sushi, Sake, and Great Company

Strike a Pose with Osaka’s Most Iconic Runner

Strike a Pose with Osaka’s Most Iconic Runner

Golden Hour in Dotonbori

Golden Hour in Dotonbori

Osaka from Above: Views, Vibes, and New Friends

Osaka from Above: Views, Vibes, and New Friends

City Streets & Serendipitous Meetups in Umeda

City Streets & Serendipitous Meetups in Umeda

Sweet Stops and Smiles on Shinsaibashi Street

Sweet Stops and Smiles on Shinsaibashi Street

Hidden Kitchens of Osaka

Hidden Kitchens of Osaka

Neon Nights and Nostalgia in Shinsekai

Neon Nights and Nostalgia in Shinsekai

A Step Through History at Osaka’s Shrines

A Step Through History at Osaka’s Shrines

Kanpai to a Night Well Spent – Dinner the Local Way

Kanpai to a Night Well Spent – Dinner the Local Way

Rolling into Osaka’s Sushi Scene – One Bite at a Time

Rolling into Osaka’s Sushi Scene – One Bite at a Time

Walking Through History at Osaka Castle

Walking Through History at Osaka Castle

Wandering Osaka’s Backstreets

Wandering Osaka’s Backstreets

Hook It, Eat It – Dining the Zauo Way

Hook It, Eat It – Dining the Zauo Way

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What travelers think of this experience

Shawn Aug 2024

We loved Fumiko! She was very nice and so patient. We saw the castle, the longest shopping street in the world and wonderful street food.

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Bridget Jun 2024

Haruhi gave us a wonderful introduction to "Japan's Kitchen" on our recent trip to Osaka. Our afternoon was well planned offering us chances to sample several of Osaka's most interesting specialty flavors while enjoying the street scene that makes this city unique. Pace was perfectly casual.....and flexible enough for us to stop as we wished. Haruhi is an absolute delight to be with. Eat as much as or little as you like...and enjoy every morsel. We did!!!

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Bridget Jun 2024

At a casual pace, Haruhi introduced us to a delicious variety of specialty foods as we walked thru Kuromon Market and around Namba, Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi areas. It was a great introduction to the city.

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Martha May 2025

Hiroki took us on a food tour through the highlights is Osakas most famous treats. We had a wonderful evening enjoying the sites and sounds of Osaka while also experiencing the great food it had to offer.

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Dwayne May 2025

We recently completed a half-day walking tour of Osaka with our guide, Shingo, and it truly exceeded our expectations. The tour was jam-packed from start to finish, allowing us to see an incredible variety of sights, including a stunning castle, beautiful temples, and shrines, as well as two vibrant city markets. Shingo was a wealth of knowledge, sharing fascinating insights about each location we visited. He had a remarkable way of engaging with everyone in our group, which included our kids, making the tour enjoyable for all ages. His sense of humor added an extra layer of fun to the experience, turning what could have been a simple sightseeing tour into a memorable adventure. This tour was an excellent way to get a real feel for Osaka, its culture, and its history. Shingo’s enthusiasm for the city was contagious, and we left feeling like we had not only seen the sights but also gained a deeper understanding of the local way of life. If you're looking for a fantastic way to explore Osaka, I highly recommend this walking tour with Shingo. It’s perfect for families and anyone wanting to experience the city in a fun and engaging manner!

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Igor May 2025

SHINGO is The Man ! we had a fantastic time, or guide was very informative, attentive and knowledgeable. would highly recommend this tour for first timers or repeat travellers.

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