Our most recommended things to do in Osaka Prefecture

Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

1. Kyoto and Nara 1 Day Bus Tour from Osaka/Kyoto

Depart from the exclusive VIP waiting rooms of Osaka or Kyoto, heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Designated as an Important Cultural Property, the main shrine building contains five shrines together, these five pillars of Fushimi Inari Taisha are named for the great virtues of Inari Okami that they embody. Inari Okami is known as a deity of business prosperity, the prosperity of industries, the safety of households, safety in traffic and improvement in the performing arts. The 'Senbon Torii' or 1000 torii gates are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator's name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. Then you will head to Arashiyama, which changes with the seasons and you can enjoy the scenery any time of year, with cherry blossoms in the spring, boat festivals in the Summer, red leaves in Autumn and snow white mountains in the winter. Arashiyama is also filled with temples and shrines including the match-making Shrine you can visit, during your walk through the famed Bamboo grove. There are a variety of restaurants to choose right near the Togetsukyo bridge, including vegan and Halal. Proceed to the symbol of Kyoto, Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, also named Rakuon-ji: one of the most popular buildings in Japan. Finally, move on to Japan’s old capital, Nara: you will have the time to explore its park, cuddle the worldwide famous deer and enter the biggest wooden building of the planet, Todai-ji Temple, another UNESCO world heritage site. Here you will find yourself in front of Japan’s biggest Buddha statue, 15 meters tall.

Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour

2. Osaka: Shinsekai Food Tour

Explore the hidden gem of Shinsekai with your guides and discover the real Osaka. Osaka’s Shinsekai district is a vibrant place combining modern and traditional cuisine. Fill your belly with some of the best food you will have in Japan. Discover hidden, original establishments which have been chosen by two local expert guides. Wander in and around the markets that serve traditional Osakan food for an authentic local experience.  Make your way to the first eatery, a takoyaki, or battered octopus balls, stall. Then visit an Izakaya restaurant and sample some authentic Osakan kitsune Udon along with japanese style chicken wings. Also taste the locally invented kushikatsu, which are lightly deep-fried vegetables, meats and seafood on skewers. Head off the beaten path and visit a cosy, traditional Japanese restaurant you will get dishes of mouthwatering nikudoufu or beef and tofu stew, original yakitori or skewered beef assortments, plus an alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverage. Then visit specialized delicious gyoza dumpling establishment. The last dishes of the night will be at a unique Japanese eatery. Enjoy a tonpeiyaki, or pork omelette plus an abundance of edamame and karaage, Japanese fried chicken with spices. Another drink of your choice here is included. Finish off the night at a market eating Japanese castella cake shaped as the local mascot of Shinsekai.

Osaka: Universal Studios Japan 1, 1.5, or 2-Day Entry Ticket

3. Osaka: Universal Studios Japan 1, 1.5, or 2-Day Entry Ticket

Discover the world-renowned attractions at the Universal Studio Japan park in Osaka. Enjoy interacting with rides in 10-themed zones including the Mario and Harry Potter zones. Engage the whole family with Minion-themed attractions.  Experience the world's first Mario-themed area at the Mario Kart: Koopa's Challenge™ attraction which received two Thea Awards. Get lost in a magical world at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ attraction.  Make the little ones happy with attractions like the the "Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem" ride and the "Hello Kitty's Cupcake Dream ride." Have access to a variety of tasty foods and drinks at vendors in the park.  Play exciting games and win fantastic prizes that are themed after your favorite characters.

Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration

4. Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration

Begin by getting a feel for retro Osaka. Be transported back in time to a Japan barely recognizable. Jump into retro video game parlors, old-fashioned markets, and more. See how the locals entertain and are entertained by night, from games unique to Japan, to crazy fishing restaurants, to a peek in an Osakan theater. Your next stop will be within some of the most amazing back alleys you'll ever see. Interact with your surroundings, feeling the profound energy and history of the area. Sample 2 delicious side dishes from two different stalls here. A stone's throw and you're within an area filled with untouched, abandoned properties, which provides a truly surreal experience in the middle of the city. Afterwards, you'll have the option to walk through the red light district, or to skip it and go on a separate path.  This Taisho-Era red light district is incredibly preserved from that period, and consists of UNESCO-listed buildings important to Osakan culture. Finally, you'll have the option to eat a full dinner at a tasty, tradition restaurant after the tour has ended.  This tour is not necessarily recommended for all; if you are intrepid, well traveled, and seeking glimpse into an unfiltered, honest side of Osaka, it is a good choice for you. Note that this tour exposes the good, the bad, and everything in between. It includes taboo topics as well, which are very important in forming a complete picture of Japan and its people, such as Yakuza, sexism, war, illegal gambling, sex work, illicit businesses, pachinko, homelessness, welfare, and more. Note also that this tour will not go through the homeless district. Your guides are always respectful should people who are homeless also be traveling the same route as the tour.

Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

5. Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

Osaka has many defferent names, such as the city of foods, the city of marchants, the city of comedy, the city where the Sengoku period ended . It means she is very diverse, tolerant , the people there are so entertained and adventurous. That is reason why so many foreigners are fascinated by her. Well, Let’s start the walking tour with us to find the real Osaka at a walking pace, from the perspective of a walker. We shall visit Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights with expierianced local English guide; (1) Osaka Castle Museum : Many highlights such as cultural asset exhibitions and the restored golden tea room. (2)Dotonbori : One of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, check "Running Man" above Ebisbashi bridge ! (3)Kuromon Market : A covered public market that dates back to Edo period. Enjoy streetfoods ! (4)Tsutenkaku Tower : Osaka’s symbolic tower. The statue of the good luck god Billiken is on the tower's top observatory. (5)Shitennoji Temple : One of the Japan's oldest Budist temples, the first ever to be built by the state. Also try very tasty Ramen for lunch !

Osaka: Main Sights and Hidden Spots Guided Walking Tour

6. Osaka: Main Sights and Hidden Spots Guided Walking Tour

Osaka is known for great food, quirky characters and an urban history much longer than Tokyo's. Get under the skin of this unique city on this guided walking tour with a professional English-speaking guide.  Start off with a visit to Osaka Castle Park. You won't go inside the castle, but will get to admire the grand and imposing exterior, and will stroll around the surrounding park.  Here you'll learn about the history of Osaka and how it was almost robbed from the Japanese 400 years ago.  A quick train ride takes you to Tsuruhashi, to explore the maze of Korea Town. Explore the narrow streets and alleys of this pre-war commercial district.  Another quick journey by public transport will take you to modern Harukas building. Enjoy the view from one of the high floors, then head underground to explore the food hall of the department store underneath. See high quality products for sale like killer puffer fish and Kobe beef, amongst others.  Not far from Harukas is the traditional district of Shin-sekai. See the slightly crumbling local highlights, perfectly frozen in time.  Next, head to Namba, considered to be the center of Osaka's present-day shopping, dining, and entertainment culture. Visit Dotonbori, Osaka’s version of Times Square in New York, and explore the quirky back streets with their own individuality and surprises in store. You’ll visit Kuromon Ichiba, a fresh fish market that's played a pivotal role for more than 150 years.  Finally, explore Doguyasuji, a kitchen and cooking district. Look around at the wax food models, Japanese "noren" (curtains that hang at kitchen entrances) and giant pottery pieces. 

Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka

7. Kansai Airport (KIX): Private One-Way Transfer to/from Osaka

Enjoy a safe and reliable private airport transfer with a 24-hour service between Kansai Airport and your accommodation in Osaka City Center area. Avoid long taxi lines, busy public transport, Get help with your heavy bags and skip confusion with a professional meet and greet service. Choose between a nighttime or daytime transfer options to or from the Kansai Airport. Find your driver with ease, as they will be holding a sign with your name on it. Save yourself from having to carry heavy bags all by yourself with the included luggage assistance.  Climb aboard a vehicle that is regularly maintained to high-quality standards. Travel directly with this private service. our driver will track your flight, so you won't have to worry in case of a flight delay. Transfer worry-free knowing that you get 60-minutes of free waiting time for arrivals, 30-minutes of free waiting time for departures, 120-minutes of free waiting for flight delays. Let your driver take care of local traffic for you while you admire the city. 

Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

8. Osaka: Tea Ceremony Experience

Visit a traditional tea house located in Dotonbori in the hear of Osaka's Namba/Shinsaibashi district. Take part in a Japanese tea ceremony and taste delicious matcha tea. Listen as your instructor teaches you about the culture, traditions, and etiquette of the tea ceremony. Be shown how to make matcha (green powdered tea) whilst you drink matcha and eat delicious Japanese sweets. Learn from a tea master that has over 10-years experience making tea in a tea house like none other in Osaka. Children are also welcome, and caffeine-free matcha milk is provided. Take photos and videos during the authentic tea ceremony experience to capture memorable family moments.

Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori

9. Osaka: Ramen and Gyoza Cooking Class in Dotonbori

Ramen has become a world-famous Japanese dish alongside sushi. Gyoza is another Japanese dish that has been rapidly gaining popularity in recent years. In Japan, it is standard to order ramen and gyoza as a set at a ramen shop. In this hands-on cooking class, you will make ramen and gyoza. Ramen is made from scratch using wheat noodles and chicken bones and dried sardines. There are many types of ramen, but in this cooking class, the most standard one is soy sauce ramen. You can add various toppings as you like, or add miso to the soup to make miso ramen. When you finish making it, you can eat your own original ramen that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Trip

10. From Osaka: Himeji Castle, Arima Onsen & Mt. Rokko Day Trip

Join this bus tour from central Osaka to visit the best of historical landmarks and natural beauty in one single day. Enjoy a relaxing bus transfer with guided commentary as you travel between the stops. Discover the most beautiful castle in Japan, Himeji Castle, and the Kouroen Former Residence Park. Visit Arima, known for it's historic hot springs. and Mount Rokko, a popular spot in the Kansai region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and savor the tranquility of this mountainous retreat. This exciting journey will take you through some of Japan's most iconic destinations in just one day. Itinerary: 08:30 - Depart from Osaka Namba We will start our journey from VIP Villa Namba in Osaka. 10:00 - Himeji Castle Our first stop will be Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and one of Japan's national treasures. Also known as "White Heron Castle," it boasts impressive architecture and a rich history dating back centuries. 11:40 - Kouroen Former Residence Park After exploring Himeji Castle, we'll visit Kouroen Former Residence Park, where you'll have some free time to enjoy lunch at your leisure. 14:00 - Arima Onsen Excursion Next, we'll head to Arima Onsen, one of Japan's three famous hot springs. Relax and rejuvenate in the healing waters of this ancient onsen, known as the oldest hot spring in Japan. 16:00 - Mount Rokko Our final destination will be Mount Rokko, a popular spot in the Kansai region, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and savor the tranquility of this mountainous retreat. 18:30 - Return to VIP Villa Namba We'll wrap up the day and return to Osaka Namba, where our memorable journey ends. Join us on this unforgettable day trip and witness the captivating charm of Himeji Castle, the relaxation of Arima Onsen, and the enchantment of Mount Rokko. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the best of Japan in one day!

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What people are saying about Osaka Prefecture

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 924 reviews

My wife and I are currently visiting Okinawa and didn't want to pick up a sim card so we decided to try an eSIM. We both have UNLOCKED Galaxy Fold 3's from the United States. First, I should say, I am not very tech savy however, my wife was tired and fell asleep! :( I tried to use only the QR code-that didn't work properly. My phone showed me connected to docomo carrier but I still didn't have internet. I spent a lot of time trouble shooting and watching YouTube tutorials. I feel like I became an expert changing APN settings. Finally, I went back through the get your guide app and followed the APN settings under the details tab then chose IIJ network carrier (I think). Once I did that, it worked great! I did a google search test to verify my connection. I almost gave up all hope!

This was a great experience! Deuce was super fun and knowledgeable. He offered a fantastic outlook and amount of information on the local drinks and dishes in the area. It was a fantastic experience! I think I can easily say we all had a great time!

Levy was a great tour guide! We will definitely tell our friends to book this food tour! We we’re definitely stuffed with alcohol and food by the end of the night!

Amazing and it was my memoriable trip and day in Japan. Thank you Mike (our tour guide) for making my day wonderful.

Amazing experience. 100% recommended. Not as immersive as Team Labs in Tokyo but wonderful in it's own right.