We kicked the evening off at a cozy Izakaya bar. Takuya, of course, ordered a great mix of dishes for us. We then hit a variety of restaurants in all sorts of neighborhoods. We tried foods we never would have tried, in restaurants we never would have visited.
Foodie Heaven
Fun City VIbe
EXPO 2025
HOST of EXPO 2025, OSAKA, KANSAI
On this Osaka day tour, you will experience the bright lights and unique charm of Osaka, Japan’s second-largest city, with a knowledgeable local tour guide. I go beyond the typical guidebook to showcase the most interesting and vibrant places Osaka has to offer, whether you’re exploring during the day or enjoying the city at night.
Discover Osaka’s rich history through engaging, in-depth explanations about the city’s historical significance and its development into one of Japan’s most important commercial hubs. As Osaka prepares to host Expo 2025, now is the perfect time to explore its innovative spirit, cultural heritage, and bustling atmosphere.
For food enthusiasts, I offer a customized foodie itinerary, highlighting the finest Japanese cuisine and Kappo dining, as well as world-class international restaurants. You can also explore the city’s unique dining traditions, such as the birthplace of conveyor belt sushi. Whether you’re looking to visit famous landmarks like Osaka Castle or want to discover hidden gems in the city’s back alleys, I will guide you through this dynamic metropolis and provide an unforgettable experience.
Highlights
See the preserved canals of Osaka and see why it is called the Venice of East Asia
Explore the back alleys and narrow streets of this grand and historical Japanese city
Visit Osaka Castle and learn about how it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century
Taste the delights of the world-famous Osaka cuisine and visit the famous Cup Noodle museum
Sample street foods such as Takoyaki (octopus ball), Okonomiyaki, and Kushikatsu
At night, discover the exciting nightlife of Japan’s second largest metropolis by heading to the famous canalside district and taking part in karaoke
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Trip Details
Trip Details
Price
Departure time
Full-day: 9 AM
Half-day: 9 AM for the morning tour, 1 PM for the afternoon tour
Meeting point
1-1-2 Shibata, Kita-Ku, Osaka. We will meet in front of Big Man, the popular TV screen, right by Kinokuniya Book Store at Hankyu Umeda Station in Osaka. Upon request, I can pick you up at your hotel, a pier, or an alternative place at your convenience. Please feel free to contact me.
Availability
All-year, but no half-day tour is offered during the peak season (mid March to May). Please inquire about availability first before booking.
Duration
- Full-day – 8 hours
- Half-day – 4 hours
Group size
1-4 people (for larger groups please contact me)
Included
Guide fee
Not included
- Transportation
- Entrance fees
- Meals
What to bring in Autumn
- Camera
- Warm clothes
- Umbrella
- Cash
Recommended Sample Itineraries
My private Osaka day trips in the city are carefully tailor-made for you. I usually craft your itinerary by combining your top points of interest with unique destinations that will amaze you. I can choose these places for you based on your tastes and seasonal availability. I would like to make sure that your private tour is a memorable experience.
Please keep in mind my recommended sample itineraries are just a taste of what I have to offer. I will always strive to create the best possible itinerary to match your needs and desires.
Check out the most popular destinations of Osaka on this comprehensive day tour:
- Osaka Castle
- Douton-Bori (Hozenji Yokocho)
- Ohatsutenjin
- Umeda Sky Building
Plentiful, affordable, and great tasting dishes – those three aspects have seen Osaka nicknamed as The Kitchen of the World. With this in mind, I have designed a foodie oriented tour:
- Cup Noodle Museum in Ikeda
- Umeda Sky Building
- Shinsekai & Janjan Yokocho
- Dotonbori & Hozenji Yokocho
- Ura-Namba
I understand that not everybody will have the time or budget for a complete day tour of Osaka, so I’m also happy to offer this half-day tour where you will visit these three recommended spots:
- Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine
- Abeno Harukas
- Tsutenkaku & Shinsekai
See What My Previous Guests Say
Our family for 4 had the good fortune of having Takuya-san as a guide in Osaka for a day. Since language is a barrier to self planning in Japan, having Takuya helped immensely, especially since we had some unusual requests like visiting a pet beetle shop and watching the Keren Show.
As the foodie in the group, I’m particularly grateful for the last minute Michelin caliber dinner in Osaka!
If you are traveling to Japan and are looking for a local that is fluent in English and that will be able to give you an inside look to amazing food, culture, history plus anything else you may want to know about the country, look no further. Takuya is the one for you.
Our trip was supposed to end with Takuya dropping us off at our restaurant, but we invited him to join us and he graciously did. Having him there made a great deal of difference as he order off of the Japanese menu and not the “Tourist English” menu.
