Top Kansai Walking Tours

Osaka is best seen on foot, and this tour proves it. First visit or repeat, you'll get a real sense of how the city fits together. Route highlights: Local stories – history and context from a guide who lives here Osaka Castle – grounds, park, and the history behind the walls Shitennoji Temple – Japan's oldest Buddhist temple, still in daily use Shinsekai – retro streets under Tsutenkaku Tower, home of kushikatsu Dotonbori – canal, neon, and the street food everyone photographs Kuromon Market – locals call it "Osaka's kitchen" Great for first-timers, history buffs, and travelers who'd rather follow a guide than a map app. Groups stay small, so it never feels like a tour bus crowd shuffling through the same five photo stops. Cruise passengers: pickup at Tempozan Terminal Port available, or meet us at our Namba store.

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.

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.

Gion is known for its geisha culture and traditions, and this walking tour takes you to explore the hidden alleyways and places that most visitors miss. Learn insider stories about geisha life, with the chance to spot geisha along the way. The walk also takes in quiet backstreets, a 1,000-year-old shrine, and some of Kyoto’s most photogenic locations.

Guide fee only, and that already includes one drink and one snack along the way. Eat exactly what you want, as much as you want. No set menu. No tourist traps. Just a local who knows every hidden stall, reads the menu for you, and orders what Osakans actually eat. Featured on NHK. This is Namba's most flexible food tour, built around your taste, pace, and appetite. What you'll experience: Iconic Osaka street food: takoyaki, kushikatsu, and more Hidden stalls and hole-in-the-wall spots most tourists walk past Real interaction with shop owners and locals A guide who handles the language barrier so you can just eat Good fit if you: Want to eat like an Osakan from day one Want real flavors, not the tourist-menu version Hate being rushed through a fixed itinerary

Embark on a vetted Osaka adventure that was showcased on Channel 5 British TV's "Jane McDonald in Japan." This tour is not your average experience—it's a genuine, quirky, and unfiltered snapshot of Osaka. All your insider guides to entertain you with personal stories, historical facts, and plenty of enthusiasm and humor. Whether you prefer a private and customized tour or a lively group tour with fellow explorers, the choice is yours.

The magic of Kyoto’s Gion district is best experienced when it’s all lit up at night. Enjoy a more personalized approach to discovering Japan’s traditional culture on this small group tour. Wander through narrow back streets and see offbeat temples and shrines that most tourists don’t know to visit. If you’re lucky, you may even see a maiko or geisha.

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.

Kyoto’s Arashiyama district is famous for its Bamboo Grove, but it’s more than just a place to take a great photo. Ranked in the top 1% worldwide by TripAdvisor for 2026, this walking tour lets you learn about Arashiyama’s history, temples, and culture from your guide. It also whisks you away to hidden gems that are far less crowded, including Tenryuji Temple, Okochi Sanso Garden, and the Monkey Forest.

Take control of your Kyoto sightseeing and visit only the sights you wish to see on this private walking tour. Ideal for first-time visitors, this tour lets you customize a half-day or full-day itinerary. Opt to visit the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nijo Castle, or to stray from the beaten path to see an alternative side of Kyoto. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Osaka, known as “Japan’s Kitchen,” is famous for its street food and regional dishes. Sample many of these local specialties in one evening on this authentic food tour in the often overlooked area of Shinsekai. You’ll get to try 15 dishes at 5 different establishments, with two drinks included. Weave through arcades and side alleys filled with locals as you visit these different restaurants.

Kyoto's Gion district is famed for its geisha heritage, but it is packed with tourists during the day. This small-group tour starts early, before the crowds arrive, and takes you off the beaten path to see places that most visitors overlook. As you stroll through Gion's history-rich streets, your guide fills you in on the lives of Japan's geisha.

The red gates of Kyoto's Fushimi-Inari are beloved of travelers, but this to leads to overcrowding during the day. Avoid the big crowds with this small-group nighttime walking tour. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the shrine as evening falls and learn about its historical and cultural significance from your guide.

Enjoy this half day walking tour of beautiful Kyoto. You’ll be led by your English speaking guide. Learn about the history, culture, religion, and the nature of this area. You’ll make stops at the Statue of Izumo-no-Okuni, Tatsumi Bridge, Chion-in Temple, Maruyama Park, Nene-no-Michi, Yasaka Pagoda, and Ninen Zaka Path.

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.

Language barriers can make it difficult to find the best places to eat in Kyoto, but this guided food tour removes the guesswork. Set in the atmospheric Gion district, a local guide leads you to a curated selection of eateries to sample seasonal Kyoto specialties. To keep things simple, food tastings are included, along with a complimentary drink at two different venues.

See and do exactly what you want on this private and customizable 4-hour walking tour of Osaka. Your local guide will aim to show you a range of historic and modern sites in Japan’s second-largest city. Choose to visit highlights including Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, the Dotombori District, Keitaku-en Garden, and more. Your guide will meet you at your hotel so you won’t have to worry about finding them.

Explore the highlights of Nara with our friendly local guides who are not only knowledgeable but also passionate about their city. They will take you around the sites in most efficient way and provide you with in-depth insights into each site, ensuring you get the most out of your visit. Nara, the first capital of Japan, is a captivating city that offers a journey back in time to the country's rich cultural and historical heritage. Famous for its serene temples and a shrine, stunning garden, and the iconic free-roaming deer. This tour allows you to choose several locations of your choice. Join us for an unforgettable stop in Nara, the heart of Japan. Please choose 3 to 4 must-see spots from "What To Expect" that you wish to visit.

Discover Japan’s second-largest city as you embark on a walking tour through Osaka. Alongside a private guide, visit the highlights of the city including the Dotombori District, Osaka Castle, Shitenno-Ji Temple, Shinsekai, Koromon Market, and the peaceful Keitaku-en Garden. While you explore, your guide provides context on the history and culture of Japan.

Immerse yourself in the world of sumo wrestling in Osaka beyond simply watching a match. Learn the history and rituals behind the sport as you witness an authentic demonstration with retired sumo wrestlers. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are limited spots available to step into the ring and face a sumo wrestler yourself.

A truly unique & authentic experience—made possible by our very small groups of just 2–3 guests per tour. Don't just take our word for it—read our reviews. Step into local-favorite izakayas (Japanese-style pubs) — including hidden spots only accessible through this tour — and enjoy a wide variety of local izakaya dishes & Japanese drinks, just like the locals do! You’ll enjoy an authentic taste of Osaka’s nighttime food & drink culture at cozy, non-touristy izakayas loved by Japanese locals—where you might even chat with the chef or other locals over drinks. With a local, Japanese guide by your side, there’s no need to worry about language or cultural differences. Immerse yourself in Osaka’s izakaya culture & enjoy a relaxed, fun, and memorable night out—an experience you can only have in Osaka! Join us tonight & explore Namba, the heart of Osaka—including areas around Dotonbori, vibrant backstreets, and hidden alleys! *Non-alcoholic options available! *Same-day bookings welcome!

Whether you’re only in Kyoto for the morning or want to avoid the crowds of tourists, this early morning tour of the city lets you experience the city at its most tranquil. After your sightseeing session, you will still have much of the afternoon and onwards to explore thanks to your early start. As a bonus, learn how to use the city’s public transit from your guide. Entrance fee for Kinkakuji Temple is extra.