Osaka Private Tour: From Historic Tenma To Dōtonbori’s Pop Culture - 8 Hours
Overview
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 will explore "Tenma", a lively Osaka neighborhood steeped in history. By day an energetic shopping district and by night a backstreet maze of quirky bars, you will get to know this authentic side of the city with a local host by your side.
Stop by Dotonbori to 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’.
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 get in touch to suggest a personalized itinerary to discover the city together.
Stop by Dotonbori to 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’.
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 get in touch to suggest a personalized itinerary to discover the city together.
Inclusions
- Private and personalised experience
- 8 hours with a host
- Walking experience (if required, your host can suggest public transport or taxi options)
- Hotel meet-up (available on request for central location)
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan
It claims to be Japan's longest shotengai (covered shopping street) in Japan, stretching for 2.6 km where many local businesses line the road, in an old-fashioned vibe you would almost feel you are time-traveling back in Edo period. Browse unique souvenirs, or simply grab some street food and snack while you stroll, taking it all in.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Ura Tenma Tenjin Yokocho, 8-5 Ikedachō, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0033, Japan
Drinking district with lots of amazing bar/restaurants. There're many Japanese lanterns called Chōchin decorated on the ceiling, for a nostalgic Japanese vibe. Get your taste buds ready for some delicious Osaka food, and your phone ready for some Instagram worth photos!
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kitaku, Osaka 530-0041 Osaka Prefecture
This is the heart of the bustling Tenma district. Osaka Tenmangu was founded in 949 for the deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane. There are several shrines around Japan dedicated to his legacy, but Osaka Tenmangu is the main one. The shrine is a peaceful and relaxing place to pray or enjoy the plum and cherry flowers blossoming every spring. However, things get crazy during the Tenjin Festival (on July 24 and 25th) to commemorate Tenjin, whose spirit is paraded around Tenma in a mikoshi (portable shrines).
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Tennoji Park, 1_108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0063 Osaka Prefecture
The grass area of the park is a great spot for picnics with a stunning view of the neighboring high-rise buildings, including Abeno Harukas – one of Japan’s tallest buildings.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Shinsekai, 1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwaku, Osaka 556-0002 Osaka Prefecture
This unique neighborhood was modeled after Paris and New York City, and its art deco architecture is truly a sight to behold.
Shinsekai fell into disrepair following World War II. Today, it is undergoing a revival, with bars and restaurants popping up alongside its old-fashioned attractions. Once you’ve admired the architecture of the neighborhood, head up the Tsutenkaku Tower -known as the Eiffel Tower of Osaka- for some breathtaking views of the city.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Chuo, Osaka 542-0085 Osaka Prefecture
A giant (more than 600 meters!) shopping arcade where apparel shops, character goods, cafés and restaurants line the street. Just about everything a shopper would want is here. Be ready to go back home packed with Osaka-approved souvenirs!
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: America-mura, 1 Chome Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
With its galore of cafes, galleries and shops, Amerikamura has been the centre of American-inspired youth culture in Osaka for decades. With your host by your side, you’ll get the chance to discover this maze of deviant art, indie music, and hipster fashion district where locals gather to enjoy thrift shopping.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Hozenji Yokocho, 1, Namba, Chuo, Osaka 542-0076 Osaka Prefecture
There are over 60 tiny traditional Japanese restaurants and bars in this stone-paved narrow little alleyway. Enjoy the serene quietness that contrasts with the bustling atmosphere of nearby Dotonbori while indulging on all the delicacies Osaka can offer. Look for the statue of Fudomyoo, the deity worshipped at Hozenji Buddhist temple, completely covered in moss and surrounded by visitors pouring water over it in return for its blessings.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Dotombori, Dotombori, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Kinki
Lined with garish neon-covered buildings, the Dotombori Canal is the most iconic sight in all of Osaka. The famous canal network can give you a unique view of Dōtonbori, Osaka's premier entertainment district, before you visit hidden treasures in Dotombori arcade; a street line with shops, restaurants, and incredibly flashy signs for guaranteed Instagrammable photos.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Pass By: Tenjinbashi, Kita Ward, Osaka, Japan
It claims to be Japan's longest shotengai (covered shopping street) in Japan, stretching for 2.6 km where many local businesses line the road, in an old-fashioned vibe you would almost feel you are time-traveling back in Edo period. Browse unique souvenirs, or simply grab some street food and snack while you stroll, taking it all in.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Ura Tenma Tenjin Yokocho, 8-5 Ikedachō, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0033, Japan
Drinking district with lots of amazing bar/restaurants. There're many Japanese lanterns called Chōchin decorated on the ceiling, for a nostalgic Japanese vibe. Get your taste buds ready for some delicious Osaka food, and your phone ready for some Instagram worth photos!
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, 2-1-8 Tenjinbashi, Kitaku, Osaka 530-0041 Osaka Prefecture
This is the heart of the bustling Tenma district. Osaka Tenmangu was founded in 949 for the deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane. There are several shrines around Japan dedicated to his legacy, but Osaka Tenmangu is the main one. The shrine is a peaceful and relaxing place to pray or enjoy the plum and cherry flowers blossoming every spring. However, things get crazy during the Tenjin Festival (on July 24 and 25th) to commemorate Tenjin, whose spirit is paraded around Tenma in a mikoshi (portable shrines).
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Tennoji Park, 1_108 Chausuyamacho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0063 Osaka Prefecture
The grass area of the park is a great spot for picnics with a stunning view of the neighboring high-rise buildings, including Abeno Harukas – one of Japan’s tallest buildings.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Shinsekai, 1 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwaku, Osaka 556-0002 Osaka Prefecture
This unique neighborhood was modeled after Paris and New York City, and its art deco architecture is truly a sight to behold.
Shinsekai fell into disrepair following World War II. Today, it is undergoing a revival, with bars and restaurants popping up alongside its old-fashioned attractions. Once you’ve admired the architecture of the neighborhood, head up the Tsutenkaku Tower -known as the Eiffel Tower of Osaka- for some breathtaking views of the city.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, Chuo, Osaka 542-0085 Osaka Prefecture
A giant (more than 600 meters!) shopping arcade where apparel shops, character goods, cafés and restaurants line the street. Just about everything a shopper would want is here. Be ready to go back home packed with Osaka-approved souvenirs!
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: America-mura, 1 Chome Higashishinsaibashi, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-0086, Japan
With its galore of cafes, galleries and shops, Amerikamura has been the centre of American-inspired youth culture in Osaka for decades. With your host by your side, you’ll get the chance to discover this maze of deviant art, indie music, and hipster fashion district where locals gather to enjoy thrift shopping.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Hozenji Yokocho, 1, Namba, Chuo, Osaka 542-0076 Osaka Prefecture
There are over 60 tiny traditional Japanese restaurants and bars in this stone-paved narrow little alleyway. Enjoy the serene quietness that contrasts with the bustling atmosphere of nearby Dotonbori while indulging on all the delicacies Osaka can offer. Look for the statue of Fudomyoo, the deity worshipped at Hozenji Buddhist temple, completely covered in moss and surrounded by visitors pouring water over it in return for its blessings.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Pass By: Dotombori, Dotombori, Chuo, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, Kinki
Lined with garish neon-covered buildings, the Dotombori Canal is the most iconic sight in all of Osaka. The famous canal network can give you a unique view of Dōtonbori, Osaka's premier entertainment district, before you visit hidden treasures in Dotombori arcade; a street line with shops, restaurants, and incredibly flashy signs for guaranteed Instagrammable photos.
IMPORTANT: As this is a private and personalised experience, the places you visit may differ from those listed and these will be chosen by your host based on your interests and preferences
Additional information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Meeting Point
- Stroller accessible
- Your meeting point is flexible, and to be agreed with your Local Host. Meet-up at your hotel or accommodation can be requested, or your Local Host will meet you at a convenient location close to the start of your experience.
- Service animals allowed
- Cancellation Policy
- Cancel up to 7 days before your experience and get a full refund.
- Near public transportation
- After booking, you will receive a short questionnaire, so you’ll be able to tell us more about your interests and preferences. Based on your responses you’ll be matched with a like-minded Local Host
- Most travelers can participate
- City Unscripted and all City Unscripted hosts follow the WHO (World Health Organization) and local government’s health and safety recommendations at all times. To keep up to date with the latest news we recommend visiting these World Health Organization (WHO) website pages.
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Kevin_M
September 2023
We had a great time enjoying the culture, shopping and great food. Mikiko was an awesome guide. She went out of her way to show us her beautiful city.
We had a great time enjoying the culture, shopping and great food. Mikiko was an awesome guide. She went out of her way to show us her beautiful city.Denise_K
October 2023
We had a great time in Osaka with Loys. He showed us both the traditional side of Osaka as well as the lively city-life. It was a great experience. Loys was very accomodating of our requests and we had great conversation throughout the day, about life in Osaka and the japanese culture. Would high...
We had a great time in Osaka with Loys. He showed us both the traditional side of Osaka as well as the lively city-life. It was a great experience. Loys was very accomodating of our requests and we had great conversation throughout the day, about life in Osaka and the japanese culture. Would highly recommend!CTofa19
July 2019
Brice was incredible. So much knowledge of the history of the city and Japan. Had shown us majority of the city and key locations. His personal touch to the best places to see and experience was awesome. He was easy to understand and was very accommodating for our needs. Took us to his local for ...
Brice was incredible. So much knowledge of the history of the city and Japan. Had shown us majority of the city and key locations. His personal touch to the best places to see and experience was awesome. He was easy to understand and was very accommodating for our needs. Took us to his local for an awesome lunch and gave us further directions for our trip using and understanding the train station system. We wanted to see a lot so we covered roughly 15kms during the day. Was worth the time to see it all. It’s a must for people wanting to learn about culture and little hacks about the city and its people and history.DANIEL_A
March 2023
Our guide was personable, easy to understand and communicate our interests. Wish we had more cultural options than visiting shopping districts; wife loved the shopping districts.
Our guide was personable, easy to understand and communicate our interests. Wish we had more cultural options than visiting shopping districts; wife loved the shopping districts.debro23
October 2019
I had a great tour of Osaka with my guide Aki. She was an amazing guide who showed me a ton of great places for my first day. She not only showed me how to use the metro and advised me on what card to get, but she also gave me recommendations for my stay. She was extremely flexible and during the...
I had a great tour of Osaka with my guide Aki. She was an amazing guide who showed me a ton of great places for my first day. She not only showed me how to use the metro and advised me on what card to get, but she also gave me recommendations for my stay. She was extremely flexible and during the entire day also wanted to know if I was interested in staying longer or seeing something different. Her English was great and a good guide overall. I highly recommend a tour with Aki.Alfonso_gua56
September 2019
We spent 2 full days with Aki while in Osaka. She knows Osaka very well and was able to tailor our 2 days to meet our expectations. We saw what we wanted to see and did the activities that we wanted to do. Aki is very easy going, speaks excellent English and made us very comfortable. Aki was ...
We spent 2 full days with Aki while in Osaka. She knows Osaka very well and was able to tailor our 2 days to meet our expectations. We saw what we wanted to see and did the activities that we wanted to do. Aki is very easy going, speaks excellent English and made us very comfortable. Aki was able to provide suggestions on how to spend the time we had booked. She also took the time to understand what we were looking for to make sure we used our time together well. We were very happy with our 2 days with Aki.