Osaka is the unofficial western capital of Japan, a rowdy and welcoming city of good food and friendly locals. Today’s tour is a journey through distinct stages in the city’s history; from the bloodshed of the samurai era to hopeful post-war retro-futurism and finally the 21st century cityscape. Discover how Osaka is much more than just “another Tokyo.”
Programme Details
The first stop of the morning is at Osaka Castle, one of the most visited places in the city, renowned for its history and architecture. In addition to the artefacts on display and the view of the city from the castle’s topmost floor, the surrounding gardens and moats make the castle a memorable visit.
Return to the modern era with an immersive plunge into the "Osaka vibe" of the long covered streets of Dotonbori, long adored by locals as a hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Explore down the backstreets, where the guide can point out a few hidden gems like a famous Buddhist statue that has been completely covered in moss. There will also be a stop at a small museum showcasing Osaka’s long history of ukiyoe woodblock prints.
A major draw of this area is the food. Enjoy some local street food while strolling, like takoyaki (baked batter with a slice of octopus meat in the centre) or okonomiyaki (the famous pancake loaded with cabbage, meat, and ginger). Upon request, the guide can suggest a sit-down restaurant for lunch.
A short subway ride away is the Shinsekai district, another entertainment and dining hub with an even more retro feel. Rising above the neighbourhood is the iron silhouette of Tsutenkaku tower, a 1956 reconstruction project that revitalized the district amid the postwar boom. Walk the narrow streets of Shin-Sekai to see how mid-century Osakans conceptualized their new world.
Move on to a Buddhist site unlike any other. The roots of Isshinji Temple stretch back to the 12th century, but the current buildings look more like a modern art museum. The futuristic main gate and thousand golden statues are sure to impress. The temple houses six large “Bone Buddhas,” beautiful golden statues made from the ashes of hundreds of thousands of religious devotees.
A short walk through a nearby historic garden gives a preview of today’s final stop. Abe no Harukas, Japan’s tallest building, is reflected in the garden’s wide pond, offering a magnificent contrast of traditional and modern. Finish the tour by ascending the skyscraper to marvel at the view from 300m above Osaka.
Part ways with the guide and continue to explore or return to the hotel via taxi or public transport.
Inclusions:
🥘 Lunch
Notes:
- The tour may be cancelled in case of heavy rain.
- Please contact your Travel Consultant for availability. Please note that all of the services and tours have yet to be booked and that they are proposed for your reference only. We will start making reservations after we receive your confirmation.
- Please inform your Travel Consultant of any special dietary requirements and physical conditions that you may have. We strongly recommend the purchase of a travel insurance that also covers emergency medical evacuation.
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