Top Osaka Prefecture How to Get Around

See some of Osaka's major highlights up close on foot with this small-group walking tour. Check off attractions such as Osaka Castle (grounds only), bustling Dotonbori, and more. Throughout the tour, learn how to travel like a local as you use the subway with your guide. Add context to what you see as your guide shares the history behind each stop.

Begin your journey from Osaka or Kyoto, and step into Japan’s most iconic sights (Arashiyama, Nara Park, Fushimi Inari Taisha). Start at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, where sunlight filters through towering stalks, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Enjoy a superb meal at Kyoto Wasabi Restaurant. Choose from Kobe Beef Shabu-shabu, Pork Shabu-shabu, Kobe Beef Rice Bowl or Kobe Beef Sukiyaki. (Optional lunch) Continue to Nara, Japan’s ancient capital. Stroll through Nara Park and visit Todai-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside the world’s largest wooden structure, marvel at the 15-meter Great Buddha, an awe-inspiring symbol of Japan’s heritage. Conclude at Fushimi Inari Shrine, famed for its thousands of vermilion torii gates forming a striking path up Mount Inari. This unforgettable sight is among Japan’s most photographed landmarks. At day’s end, relax on your bus ride back, with the flexibility to return to Osaka or Kyoto.

Nara is one of Japan's most-visited destinations, which means it gets crowded during the day. Dodge the biggest crowds and enjoy a more intimate experience of the ancient Japanese capital on this early-morning, small-group tour. Admire landmarks including Kofuku-ji Temple and Nara Park, home to free-roaming deer, while learning about the long history of this sacred place.

2024 Winner of Viator's 10th Best Experience in the Whole of Asia Award. Eat your way around Osaka on this tantalizing foodie tour, where your local guide will take you to a handful of hidden eateries that have been featured on the hit Netflix series "Somebody Feed Phil." Over the course of the tour, sample a variety of different dishes that range from gyoza to takoyaki to kitsune udon and more. You’ll also try two drinks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic, to give you a full picture of the food and drink culture of the area.

Discover Shinsekai, an Osaka neighborhood filled with neon lights and old-school charm, through its food on this walking tour. Visit eateries beloved by locals, each offering a different taste of Osaka’s food culture and atmosphere—from lively kushikatsu spots to cozy neighborhood favorites. Enjoy over 15 dishes, sampling a range of dishes from freshly made takoyaki to handmade gyoza.

Hiroshima and Miyajima are an essential day trip from Osaka, but it can be difficult to navigate Japan's public transportation on your own. This tour takes care of the logistics and itinerary for you, so you can immerse yourself in sightseeing instead of stressing about how to get to the next stop. You'll even get to ride one of Japan's famous shinkansen bullet trains.

Go beyond sightseeing with a walking tour that highlights Osaka’s history, food scene and unique blend of old and new. In addition to sites like Osaka Castle, you’ll learn about areas like Kuromon Market, also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen,” and Amerika-mura, where youth culture in Osaka thrives. You can sample delicious local street food and see hidden areas of the city that preserve elements of traditional Japan.

This value-packed trip with a government-licensed and experienced multilingual tour guide is a fantastic and efficient way to explore off the beaten areas in Osaka! We would like to introduce some of the best nostalgic neighborhood locations. If you want to experience the local life and enjoy the nostalgic warm feelings, these backstreets of Shinsekai, Tenjimbashi-suji, Ameyoko and Koreantown are totally recommended to visit while your stay in Osaka. You can walk with English speaking guide and enjoy some foods and drinks on the way! Let us know what you would like to experience, and your guide will arrange a six-hour tour that's best for you! Note*1: Please select your must-see spots from a list in the tour information to create your customized itinerary. Note*2: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban life, stepping into Katsuoji Temple. The beautiful vistas, the sound of sutra chanting, and the aroma of incense create a soothing atmosphere that appeals to the senses. The temple offers panoramic views, an abundance of daruma dolls, a mist-covered bridge over koi fish ponds, and a striking vermilion pagoda. Marvel at the golden temple of Kinkaku-ji that shows you the best of the timeless Japanese city, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Explore the Arashiyama area, which includes the serene Bamboo Forest, Nonomiya Shrine, UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji Temple, the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, the Arashiyama Rilakkuma Tea House, and the beautiful Kimono Forest. Depart from Osaka or Kyoto, experience a magical fusion of nature, history, and culture with our friendly and professional guide.

Hire a personal guide to show you the highlights of Nara, with entrance fees included to the Kasuga Grand Shrine, Todai-ji Temple, and Isuien Garden. This private tour picks you up at your hotel in Osaka and organizes rail tickets (own expense) for you. Take a peaceful stroll along forest paths, and benefit from local knowledge.

With just one day to experience Kyoto, this private day trip from Osaka ensures that you maximize your time. Opt to travel by private vehicle or public transport, and explore Kyoto at your own pace with a customized itinerary. Along the way, check off lots of popular attractions such as Fushimi Inari-taisha shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and the atmospheric Geisha district of Gion.

Your Kyoto & Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka provides the ultimate opportunity to experience incredible sites and stunning landscapes. Kick off your tour with a small group and an expert guide at the Golden Pavilion, appreciating its impressive architecture. Next, explore the red torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine, before strolling beneath bamboo stalks in Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Following lunch, head to Nara, famous for its cultural heritage and wildlife. Discover the fascinating Great Buddha at the Todai-ji Temple and encounter the sacred deer of Nara Park. Looking for an adventure that combines nature and history? Your full-day Kyoto & Nara Small Group Tour from Osaka is the perfect option! With a small group setting and a professional guide, take in the wonders of these 2 cities. Travel comfortably with a bus pick-up and end with a train transfer back to Osaka. Book this seamless adventure now!

Cruise passengers with limited time on land will enjoy the convenience of this private tour of Nara from Osaka or Kobe. Learn all about Japanese history and culture at this ancient capital, full of UNESCO-listed temples and shrines, traditional Japanese gardens, and one of the biggest Buddha statues in the country. You’ll be picked up from the port or your hotel and returned there at the end of the day.

Enjoy the peace and tranquility of Minoh Quasi National Park on a private guided walk. Its proximity to Osaka makes it a favorite hiking spot for locals, where wild monkeys are seen near the waterfall. Pass Ryuanji Temple, an old Buddhist temple, and spend time refreshing your body and soul at the waterfall in this beautiful park without worrying about getting lost.

Get an overview of Osaka even if you only have one day in the city on this private tour. Cover major attractions such as Osaka Castle and learn about the city's famous food scene from your private guide, who can also handle any language barriers throughout the day. A private tour also means you can explore the city at your own pace.

This is the ideal tour for time-tight travelers that want to discover Osaka’s highlights efficiently in a day. Avoid the potential confusion of Osaka’s subway system; travel comfortably in a private vehicle instead! Your English-speaking driver will fully support your six hour tour. On this tour, your driver will be able to take you to the beautiful Osaka castle, Dotonbori District for some Takoyaki, then visit the retro Shinsekai District with its famous giant blowfish lantern and relax in the beauty of Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. You will have the freedom to explore each area on your own as the driver waits for you to accompany you safely to your next destination. Tour details may change depending on your meeting point. Please feel free to ask us if you have any special requests for your itinerary. This tour does not include a private guide. If you wish to hire a guide, please contact us.

Discover Osaka your own way on this private tour that is entirely customized to suit your own interests and preferences. Rather than following a set itinerary, your guide will design the trip around you, whether you are interested in seeing historic sites, contemporary wonders, or want to take a deep dive into some of the city's fascinating back streets.

Private VIP Tour in NARA allows you to “Customize Your Itinerary” to fit your specific travel expectations. You have your own private tour guide for approximately 8 hours. Our team assists you to manage the tour, give recommendations, make reservations and check information. >> STEP1: We propose list of famous destinations while you share with us your travel desires and special requests. STEP2: With careful communication and planning, we share and exchange our draft detailed itinerary. STEP3: We revise/finalize the itinerary. ***You can always change the itinerary even on the day while traveling with the tour guide. Please feel free to reach our team and tour guide for recommendation at any time. ***Extra charges will be applied for over time service.

Savor the vibrant flavors of Osaka, Japan’s culinary capital, on this immersive food tour. Explore hidden alleys, taste special dishes like takoyaki and kushikatsu, and visit a secret shrine tucked away from the bustling streets. With an expert guide sharing insider stories, this tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and unforgettable food experiences.

Ideal for dedicated foodies and anyone wanting to learn more about Japanese cuisine, this small-group food-focused walking tour of Osaka’s Dotonbori and Shinsekai neighborhoods takes in samurai-era merchant streets, narrow alleys, hidden gems, and a Shinto shrine. Sample local specialties such as kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki, and learn more about Osaka’s culture and history.

The UNESCO-listed temple settlement of Mount Koya is the center of Shingon Buddhism and one of Japan's most sacred sites. Discover this magical place on a private full-day walking tour departing from Osaka. You guide will personalize your experience in line with your personal interests and provide insights into the traditions and spirituality of Mount Koya.

Get behind the wheel of a custom-made street go-kart dressed up in your favorite Japanese-inspired character on this tour of Osaka. Take a break from more conventional sightseeing tours and follow your guide, who will handle all of the navigation. See popular areas including America Mura, Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori, and Namba.

While exploring Osaka, take your sightseeing outdoors: by bicycle. This small-group tour introduces visitors to popular attractions as well as local hangouts such as Nakazaki-cho and America Town. Your guide selects the safest route with as little traffic as possible—difficult to do on your own. Enjoy plenty of stops including Osaka Castle, Nakanoshima Park, Nipponbashi Denden Town, and Shitennoji.