Tastes of Downtown Osaka

This excursion is no longer available.

Excursion
Authentic experiences Expert guides Flexible schedules Excellent value
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  • Cuisine
  • Culture
  • History
  • Family

Overview

Learn all about Osaka's history and learn how to make its most famous local delicacy: takoyaki.

Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of vibrant Osaka and enjoy a tram ride on Osaka's only tram line. Visit one of Japan's oldest shrines, Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine, and walk under the symbol of Osaka, the Tsutenkaku Tower. Along the way, you'll have plenty of opportunities to taste Osaka's delicious street food, and for lunch, you will participate in making your own takoyaki – Osaka's soul food.

Itinerary

08:50

This tour starts at Tourist Information NAMBA, where you'll meet the tour leader and the group. Please arrive 10 minutes before pick-up time. From here, you'll walk to Nankai Namba Station and take the Nankai Line towards Sumiyoshi Taisha Station.

You'll arrive at Sumiyoshi Taisha (also known as Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine), one of Japan's oldest shrines. Every New Year, around 2,000,000 visitors make their way to this site to pray for prosperity and good health. Learn about the shrine's history, and soak up the natural beauty and peaceful spiritual atmosphere of the site.

Next up, it's time to experience old-world, vintage Osaka with a ride on the only tramcar in Osaka, which is over 100 years old. The tram will bring you to Ebisu-cho Station.

Time for a stroll in the retro Shinsekai district famous for its street foods, lively shopping streets, local izakayas, quirky game centers, and nostalgic vibes.

For lunch, immerse yourself in Osaka’s culinary culture with a hands-on takoyaki-making experience. Takoyaki is a popular Japanese street food—crispy, savory batter balls filled with octopus, green onions, and pickled ginger.

While learning the art of takoyaki making, enjoy other iconic local dishes like kushikatsu skewers, all prepared and served freshly alongside your homemade takoyaki.

13:00

After lunch, you'll stroll through the scenic neighbourhood that connects to Dobutsuen-mae station before taking the train back to Namba station where the tour ends.

Important information

What is included

  • English-speaking government-licensed interpreter
  • Transportation costs
  • Lunch
  • Admission fees

What is not included

  • Pick-up and drop-off service
  • Drink charges

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