Hidden Gems • 3 hours
5
(59)
Discover Osaka’s Hidden Alleys and Nostalgic Secrets
Step beyond Osaka’s neon-lit streets into quiet alleyways, hidden shrines, and vintage cafés—on a journey shaped to your interests.
What makes this experience special
Discover Osaka’s charm with a local host. Explore shrines, retro cafés, and nostalgic streets, each stop tailored to you, blending hidden gems with the city’s rich history.
Key highlights
- Discover hidden alleys, shrines, and vintage cafés with a host beyond the tourist trail.
- Uncover nostalgic charm in antique shops, Showa-era cafés, and tucked-away shrines.
- Escape to peaceful backstreets, away from Osaka’s neon-lit buzz.
- Savor coffee at a classic kissaten, brewed in retro charm.
- Explore Osaka’s secrets with stops tailored to your interests.
What to know before you go
Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.
3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
What’s included
Tailored itinerary created based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day
What’s not included
Food, drinks, and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees
Meeting point
Tanimachi 6-chome, 6-chōme-9-1 Tanimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0012, JapanCancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat to bring
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 mostHere’s what your experience could look like
These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes
Meeting point
Tanimachi 6-chome, 6-chōme-9-1 Tanimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0012, Japan
Step into Osaka’s Forgotten Shrine
Seek serenity at Aizendo Shomanin, a sacred space hidden in the city
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Wander Through Matsuyamachi’s Retro Wonderland
Relive childhood nostalgia in Osaka’s hidden antique and toy street.
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Sip Coffee in Osaka’s Showa-Era Kissaten
A vintage café where time slows and nostalgia lingers in the air.
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Find Tranquility in Keitakuen Garden
A peaceful hideaway, where koi glide through still waters.
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1. Select a date
2. Select start time
Real Stories, Real Connections
See our hosts and guests creating memories
Local Stories and Big Smiles!
Striking the Famous Glico Pose!
Drinks, Laughter and Local Stories!
Riding Through Osaka Like a Local!
Stepping into History with a Local Host!
Ice Cream, Shopping and New Friends!
Shooting Games and Smiles in Osaka's Nostalgic Alley!
Cozy Dining in Osaka's Best-Kept Secret!
A Family Adventure at Meiji Shrine!
25,711+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting
Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.
recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of our Osaka experiences
Dawn
Nov 2025
Easy, enlightening, friendly and attentive host. We totally enjoyed our tour.
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Vanessa
Nov 2025
Our tour guide Kai did an amazing job at customizing our day! Made sure we hit the major sites but also made sure we got to experience Osaka and not just see it.
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Gregory
Oct 2025
Best way to get to know a city. Personal perspectives of a local on culture, history and the hidden parts on the town made us feel that we got to know Osaka.
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Melanie
Oct 2025
We had a good walking tour with Ryan. He is knowledgeable about the history and culture of Japan and is a good story teller.
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David
Oct 2025
We especially liked the fact that a large portion of the time was spent in a village area, relatively far-away-from Osaka center, which was authentic and local, extremely interesting and not a tourist attraction.
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Keith
Mar 2025
Loys was an absolutely fantastic tour guide, and I can’t recommend him highly enough! He showed me all the highlights of Osaka, including Osaka Castle, a beautiful garden, various temples, and bustling shopping districts. He even brought me to an incredible Japanese curry spot, which was a delicious highlight of the day. Throughout the tour, he patiently answered my countless questions, always gracious, kind, and eager to share his knowledge. What truly set Loys apart was his deep passion for Osaka and his ability to make history and culture come alive through fascinating stories and anecdotes. He had an incredible grasp of Japanese history and traditions, and thanks to him, I gained a much deeper appreciation and understanding of Japanese culture. I also loved that he spoke perfect English and, with his Western background, could offer unique insights into Japan from both a local and a foreigner’s perspective. On top of all that, he had an eye for the best photo spots and helped me capture amazing pictures throughout the tour. He even helped me find unique souvenirs I would have never discovered on my own. At the end of the day, he personally made sure I got back to the train station and onto the bullet train to Tokyo, ensuring I wouldn’t get lost. Loys was easily one of the best tour guides I’ve ever had—his enthusiasm, knowledge, and kindness made the experience truly unforgettable. If any of my friends ever visit Osaka, I will absolutely send them his way. 10/10 recommend!
Show moreFAQs
Your questions, answered
Is this a traditional tour or something different?
This isn’t a traditional tour with a fixed script. It’s a fully personalized day shaped around your interests, whether it’s culture, history, neighborhoods, or hidden local spots. Your host is a knowledgeable local, more like a friend showing you their city. It’s flexible, one-on-one, and tailored entirely to you.
How does personalization work?
After booking, you’ll receive a short questionnaire where you can share your interests, travel style, and any must-see spots. Based on that, we’ll match you with a local host who’ll reach out to plan your personalized itinerary..
Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?
Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.
What if I don’t know what I want to explore?
That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.
Can I mix different themes in one experience?
Yes! You can blend food, culture, history, neighborhoods, or even a bit of nightlife if time allows. Just share your interests in the questionnaire, and your host will build the day around them.
Will I know my itinerary in advance?
Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!
What kind of stories and insights will my host share?
Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.
Can I change the meeting place?
Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.