City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5.0 (183)

Osaka Unlocked: A 3-Hour Introduction to the City

Jumpstart your Osaka journey with an immersive experience! Navigate easily, explore vibrant streets, and get insider tips on culture and key districts

Osaka has its own distinctive dialect so although you might've practised your

What makes this experience special

Experience Osaka like a pro from day one. Navigate the subway, uncover cultural customs, and explore the city’s electric energy. Your host shares must-know insights, from Dotonbori to Hozenji Yokocho

Key highlights

  • Learn to navigate Osaka’s subway system with ease, making the city feel accessible from day one.
  • Explore must-see sights like Dotonbori while uncovering hidden gems like Hozenji Yokocho.
  • Pick up essential etiquette tips to confidently navigate Osaka’s cultural customs.
  • Sample Osaka’s street food at Kuromon Market with optional tastings of local specialties.
  • Get insider tips on where to eat, what to see, and how to make the most of your stay.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience May use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Namba Station, 5-chōme-10-1番60号 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8503, Japan

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience - please bring a travel card or small amount of cash for fares.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Namba Station, 5-chōme-10-1番60号 Namba, Chuo Ward, Osaka, 542-8503, Japan

Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Namba Station (Central Exit)

Begin Your Osaka Journey at Namba Station

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Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Your day begins at Namba Station, the city’s major transport hub. Your host will introduce you to Osaka’s subway system, explain transit cards and share navigation hacks to help you navigate the city

Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Takashimaya Department Store & Orientation

Osaka Essentials: Shopping, Food & Daily Life

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Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Step into the elegant Takashimaya department store & explore its bustling depachika (food hall). Here, you’ll get a crash course in Japan’s department store culture and discover must-try Osaka treats

Osaka Unlocked: A 3-Hour Introduction to the City

Kuromon Ichiba Market (Iconic Foodie Hub)

A Taste of Osaka at Kuromon Market

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Osaka Unlocked: A 3-Hour Introduction to the City

Immerse yourself in Kuromon Market, where sizzling skewers, fresh seafood, and sweet treats await. Your host will guide you to hidden favorites. Optional tastings are available

Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Dotonbori River Walk (Vibrant Energy)

Discover Dotonbori’s Iconic Energy

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Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Feel the energy of Dotonbori as you stroll along its neon-lit streets. From the iconic Glico Running Man to the moving crab, your host will share the stories behind Osaka’s entertainment district.

Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Hozenji Yokocho (Hidden Gem Close to Dotonbori)

Unwind in Hozenji Yokocho’s Lantern Glow

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Kickstart Osaka: a three-hour crash course

Steps away from Dotonbori, Hozenji Yokocho offers a peaceful escape. Walk through this historic alley & visit Hozenji Temple, where locals splash water on the moss-covered Fudo Myo-o statue for good luck.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Stepping into History with a Local Host!

Stepping into History with a Local Host!

Striking the Famous Glico Pose!

Striking the Famous Glico Pose!

Shooting, Games and Smiles in Osaka's Nostalgic Alley!

Shooting, Games and Smiles in Osaka's Nostalgic Alley!

Drinks, Laughter and Local Stories!

Drinks, Laughter and Local Stories!

Riding Through Osaka Like a Local!

Riding Through Osaka Like a Local!

Cozy Dining in Osaka's Best-Kept Secret!

Cozy Dining in Osaka's Best-Kept Secret!

Ice Cream, Shopping and New Friends!

Ice Cream, Shopping and New Friends!

A Family Adventure at Meiji Shrine!

A Family Adventure at Meiji Shrine!

Local Stories and Big Smiles!

Local Stories and Big Smiles!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience

Shayna, Mar 2025

Super fun tour! Maria (guide) was caring, knowledgeable, and gave great insider tips on how to get around the city. She definitely considered our input to the itinerary and we packed a lot in our two hours, including some wonderful and unexpected hidden gems. Taking a tour with a guide really saved us from trying to figure out how to get from site to site on our own most efficiently.

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Denny, Mar 2025

Saw a lot more of the city than expected in the short amount of time we had booked.

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Shayna, Mar 2025

We loved our time on the tour. Maria was super knowledgeable, friendly, and was very open to our input in designing the tour. She gave us just enough interesting info about key sites so as not to overwhelm w/info, and had great answers when we asked for more details. We really enjoyed her local/insider take on train tickets, shopping, and photo areas. We did a lot and she was very generous with her time! She even sent us photos after our tour was done of other things to check out in the area. Highly recommend this tour!

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Janus Allen, Mar 2025

Me and mom had a great start with the help of Max Yahagi from City Unscripted that guided us on our first trip at Osaka. We were toured on most of the tourist spots around area, including how to travel using the train and knowing spots that are not too common for tourists. Will definitely book again.

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Beverley, Mar 2025

Our walking guide, Fumiko, was absolutely wonderful—friendly, easy to chat with, and incredibly knowledgeable about Osaka. She also had a great sense of humour, which made the experience even more enjoyable. We would highly recommend her to anyone looking to explore the city.

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Camilla, Feb 2025

I had a great tour with Fumiko. She was friendly and knowledgeable and incorporated all the possible interested I listed in the questionnaire. I enjoyed her company and the tour.

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I request a specific host?

You can request a host, but since most hosts have other commitments, we can't guarantee they'll be available. However, we carefully match you with a host based on your interests and preferences, making it feel like exploring with a friend rather than a stranger.

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

How much walking is involved?

This depends on the experience, but your host can adjust the pace to suit your comfort level.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.