Things to do in Osaka Prefecture, Kinki: The Best City Tours

April 25, 2022 Merry Kessler

Osaka Prefecture (大阪府, Ōsaka-fu) is a prefecture located in the Kansai region on Honshu, the main island of Japan. The capital is the city of Osaka. It is the center of Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto area. Osaka is one of the two "urban prefectures" (府, fu) of Japan, Kyoto being the other (Tokyo became a "metropolitan prefecture", or to, in 1941).
Restaurants in Osaka Prefecture

1. Osaka Private Tour: From Historic Tenma To Dōtonbori’s Pop Culture - 8 Hours

Osaka, Japan City Unscripted Osaka
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Spend the day with one of our hosts to discover the true nature of Osaka - head’s up, it’s got a wild sense of humor and is obsessed with food. Explorer (not tourist) is what we’re aiming for here, and in that spirit, you could explore neighborhoods like the fashionable Shinsaibashi or crazy Dotonbori and maybe you’ll discover hidden gems like the smaller shrines and historic streets. Grab a quick bite to eat and see why Osaka is known as the ‘Nation’s Kitchen’ before continuing your adventure through the neon streets of this enigmatic port city. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You'll also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, 8 hours with a host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities

Reviewed By Renaiika

Our guide Haruhi was very nice and told us a lot about specific characterics from Osaka. We tried Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu which was all very tasty. She also showed us some secret passages in Osaka and gave us tips where we could spend time Osaka on our next days. The only thing that I was missing was to try out some other foods that are maybe not too known too. But in overall we had a lot of fun!

2. Private Local Tour Guide Osaka: Kickstart your Trip, 100% Personalized

Osaka, Japan City Unscripted Osaka
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

You’ll join one of our hosts as they help you to get comfortable in Osaka - we know it can be daunting when you don’t speak the language and you have no idea what those signs on the subway say! You’ll feel like you’re being welcomed into the city by a friend who can’t wait to show you their energetic city and find your feet. Depending on what you’d like from your time together, they could take you to see some famous attractions, explore the area where you’re staying and get recommendations, or just enjoy a walk and see where your feet take you! Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do

Inclusions: A private and personalized experience, 3 hours with a host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

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

Reviewed By Renaiika

Our guide Haruhi was very nice and told us a lot about specific characterics from Osaka. We tried Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu which was all very tasty. She also showed us some secret passages in Osaka and gave us tips where we could spend time Osaka on our next days. The only thing that I was missing was to try out some other foods that are maybe not too known too. But in overall we had a lot of fun!

3. Private Osaka Tour for Families with a Local, 100% Personalized

Osaka Castle, 1-1 Ōsakajō, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0002, Japan City Unscripted Osaka
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Make life-long memories with your tribe as you follow our local Osaka host on a family-friendly adventure through the city. From the animatronic giant crabs of Dontonbori to wild and wacky cosplay costumes - there's something for everyone! Explore the city, or enjoy a picnic on Nakanoshima island and feast on local food! Just let us know what your family's style is! Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: Private and personalised experience, 5 hours in the city with a Host, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs (public transportation and taxis can be used on the day at an extra cost) , Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By Renaiika

Our guide Haruhi was very nice and told us a lot about specific characterics from Osaka. We tried Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu which was all very tasty. She also showed us some secret passages in Osaka and gave us tips where we could spend time Osaka on our next days. The only thing that I was missing was to try out some other foods that are maybe not too known too. But in overall we had a lot of fun!

4. Osaka Private Tour by Public Transportation

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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This is a Osaka private tour using by public transportation. The guide will pick you up at JR Osaka Station 1F Central ticket gate. The destinations of the tour includes Dotonbori,Osaka Castle,Kuromon Market and Tsutenkaku! For details of the tour, you can look at the what to expect section and inclusions excursions section of this web page.

Inclusions: English speaking professional guide, Private tour

Exclusions: Admisson fee(customers and guides), Food and drinks, Public transportation to/from (customers)

Reviewed By Melannew

Yoshi was a great tour guide. He tells a lot of stories and takes you to your desired places and then some. We went to the National Gardens, stopped to say hi to Hachiko, and went to the Chiku Chiku Cafe. The Hedgehogs were so cute! They're usually nocturnal and the one I was visiting, Butter, was really tired and wanted to sleep so I only took a couple pictures and let him rest the rest of the time :) Take care Yoshi! Hope you have more fun adventures

5. Osaka Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

Enjoy an efficient, full-day walking tour of Osaka accompanied by a nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you explore Japan's second-largest city while introducing both modern and traditional sides of this colorful, dynamic metropolis. Start your day with a morning pickup at your hotel, then it's off to the races! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize 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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Licensed Local Guide, Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off

Exclusions: Private transportation, Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Other personal expenses, Lunch (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

6. Osaka Half-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

Enjoy an efficient, half-day walking tour of Osaka accompanied by a nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guide! Your guide will help you explore Japan's second-largest city while introducing both modern and traditional sides of this colorful, dynamic metropolis. Start your day with a morning pickup at your hotel, then it's off to the races! Let us know what you would like to experience and we will customize a four-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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Licensed Local Guide, Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off

Exclusions: Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Other personal expenses, Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Private transportation

Reviewed By Cwshaman

The flexibility to chose locations that suited our wants and abilities was great. Hiro San was very quick to put together an itinerary that accommodated a family with a stroller-baby (no monkey park due to long unpacked walking paths). Taking in the beautiful temples and view of the Kyoto from the west was breath taking and the guide was able to explain many things we as new Japanese learners could not read or know through cultural knowledge. Overall a great experience, a wonderful and lively guide, and some great memories.

7. Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour with Nationally-Licensed Guide

Japan Guide Agency
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Explore Kyoto, one of Japan's most popular tourist destinations, accompanied by one of our nationally-licensed, experienced multilingual guides, who will help you efficiently enjoy a six-hour tour, introducing both modern and traditional sides of this dynamic and ancient city. Your guide will pick you up at your hotel, or anywhere else at your convenience, and will take you to a number of Kyoto's famous spots. Let us know what you would like to experience and we will arrange a 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 Nationally-licensed Tour Guide-Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

Inclusions: Free Photos, Hotel Pick up and Drop-off, Licensed Local Guide

Exclusions: Other personal expenses, Lunch - Lunch (for yourself and your guide), Entrance fee (for yourself), Transportation fee (for yourself and your guide)

Reviewed By X4119CEgaryc

Had a pleasant tour of older Tokyo near Nezu Shrine. Our guide (Hiroyuki-san) spoke good English and shared much of the history related to sights we visited. He also took us to areas that local Japanese people visited and shopped frequently. Very nice tour - will do again.

8. Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka

Sauna & Capsule Amza, 2-chōme-9-17 Sennichimae, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0074, Japan Magical Trip
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4.9 based on 24 reviews

-Try Osaka's "must-eat" street food, Takoyaki- It's a small rounded ball snack made of wheat-flour based batter with a piece of octopus inside. This Takoyaki is originally from Osaka and that's why we want you to try the best one. -Have a taste of local favorite foods- This tour will be an excellent option for you if you would like to try different kinds of Japanese food in one place! The Kuromon Market has a history of more than 100 years and has more than 130 shops and stalls. -Find unique Japanese kitchenware and tableware souvenirs- We'll head to a street named Doguyasuji street. The street has contributed to "the Kitchen of the Nation" by offering various kitchenware, tableware and cooking equipment not only for individuals, but also for professionals. Magical Trip is a local tour operator with the TripAdvisor certificate of excellence that offers various types of small-group tours throughout Japan! Check out our Trip Advisor Page for more tours and our reviews!

Inclusions: Tour photos, 2 hours with a local guide, Food samplings (including takoyaki and oden, others depending on your preference)

Exclusions: Additional food and drinks (available for purchase)

Reviewed By jomes633

I had an excellent time during my brief stay in Osaka. My tour guide, Kohei, was very friendly and accommodating. Coincidentally, the other members of the tour group were also Bay Area, California natives making the experience more intimate and enjoyable. We all enjoyed the best cuisine Osaka had to offer as well as the sights and sounds of Namba nightlife. I highly recommend it if you’re in town for a short time and open to adventurous dining.

9. Osaka Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie: Private & 100% Personalized

Osaka, Japan City Unscripted Osaka
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4.6 based on 9 reviews

You’ll join one of our hosts to hit the streets and eat your way around the city’s street food stalls. You’ll explore the Namba district as well as the famous Dotonbori area, Osaka’s renowned destination for all things food, wandering through tiny lantern-lit alleyways and neon-lit streets to discover where the best local delicacies are cooked up. You’ll be exposed to regional and traditional Japanese dishes as your host takes you to spots where you can learn all about their origins and local ingredients. Within 24 hours after booking you'll receive a short questionnaire about your personality and interests. Based on your responses, you'll be assigned a like-minded host. Your host will communicate with you directly to suggest an itinerary to help you discover what makes the city unique. You will also agree on a meeting time and place. Your itinerary is flexible, so during the experience, you can always change your mind about what you want to do.

Inclusions: A private and personalized experience, 3 hours with a host, 6-8 foods to taste selected by your host, based on your tastes, 2 beers, teas or soft drinks, Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or private taxi options), Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)

Exclusions: Food and drinks other than the ones included in the experience, Tickets to any attractions, Transportation costs, Gratuities (optional)

Reviewed By Renaiika

Our guide Haruhi was very nice and told us a lot about specific characterics from Osaka. We tried Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki and Kushikatsu which was all very tasty. She also showed us some secret passages in Osaka and gave us tips where we could spend time Osaka on our next days. The only thing that I was missing was to try out some other foods that are maybe not too known too. But in overall we had a lot of fun!

10. PRIVATE Half-Day Osaka 4-Hour Off-The-Beaten Track Walking Tour

3-chōme-2-17 Tanimachi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 540-0012, Japan Pinpoint Traveler
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4.5 based on 27 reviews

This is your tour if you demand a private tour with both the big sights as well as a walk on the local side. Plus, since Osaka is "Japan's Kitchen", food will be ever-present, both delightfully downmarket and astoundingly upmarket at times. In the "top sights" category, no trip to Osaka would be complete with a stop at Osaka Castle, but after that, we dig a little deeper into the neighborhoods. We finish off with another top sight though, this time the famous Dotonbori, but we don't leave too much time to spend there, as we assume you will browse about the area on your own. Your guide will be a native or near-native English speaker (or other language, if that option is selected) who also speaks Japanese, guaranteed. And since this is a private tour, we're happy to make modifications based on your specific interests (additional expenses should be covered by our guests). Bonus for families: First kid free!

Inclusions: Fluent English (or selected language) guide (private, if selected).

Exclusions: Transportation to/from attractions (plan on about 800 yen while on tour), Hotel pickup and drop-off (available for 3,000 yen within central Osaka)

Reviewed By forcet2020

Kevin was awesome. Professional, knowledgeable, and gave us the perfect experience. Easily would’ve taken us 3 days to visit the sites on our own... and we certainly would not have had the context provided from the tour. With COVID a continuing concern, having a vehicle to transport us around instead of hopping on and off a dozen+ trains and busses, was a comforting benefit. Will use this service again when other family comes out to visit Japan in the future.

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