Osaka

Viewing Points

Discover The Umeda Sky Building, also known as the "New Umeda City" and enjoy this spectacular high-rise building in the Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda Stations.  The 173-meter tall building consists of 2 towers that are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. In the basement you find a restaurant floor that replicates a town of the early Showa Period, while offices occupy most other floors.

Explore the Kansai region, the spiritual heart of Japan which is home to some of the country's most interesting cities. Once you’ve picked up your pass, you’ll be able to ride the JR West railways and buses throughout the Kansai region down to Hiroshima.  Discover the vibrant city of Osaka and its amazing food scene. Visit the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto. See Nara's natural beauty, try the beef in Kobe, visit Himeji castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or connect with nature in the forests and waterfalls of Wakayama. Walk the UNESCO Kumano Kodo in Kishi, admire the best dunes in Tottori, relax in the Kinosaki Onsen's hot spring, or take amazing photos in the top Japanese garden of Okayama's Korakuen.  Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site Atomic Bomb Dome and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima by ferry. Take the road-less traveled and use the JR West bus network to see cities such as Kyoto, Shiga, Tsuruga, and Iga-Ueno.

Enjoy a sight-seeing cruise in the Osaka Bay with a view of magnificent scenic spots. Take in a unique atmosphere while relaxing onboard.  Board the iconic Santa Maria boat that will depart every hour from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Santa Maria is modeled after the ship of Columbus journeyed to the American Continent and the size is twice larger than the ship at the time. Enjoy the view of Tempozan Bridge, Ferris wheel, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, and Universal Studios Japan from unusual angles.  After 45 minutes, the cruise will come back to where you board.

Meet your guide at JR Osaka station and then take the train from there to Osaka Castle. First, you will visit the Osaka Museum of History. You'll see a replica of the great council hall of Naniwanomiya Palace and learn about the history of Osaka. Then, visit Nishinomaru Garden. This is a great spot to take some photos with Osaka Castle in the background. Next, you'll head to Otemon, the main gate of Osaka Castle where you'll marvel at the gigantic stones used to build the castle walls. In the main castle area, you will also visit Osaka Castle Tower, see the reconstructed golden traditional tea ceremony room, and admire the amazing view from the observatory. Don't miss the authentic Samurai uniforms that they used to wear into war. After your visit to the castle, have lunch at MIRAIZA OSAKA-JO, and then enjoy a cruise on the castle moat in an traditional boat to view the high stone walls and the gardens from a different perspective.

The Hanami spirit during Cherry Blossom season in Osaka is celebrated in many parts of the city but, perhaps the best place to see the blossoms is around the Osaka Castle area. Experience this walking tour of the castle grounds, exploring the gardens and surrounding neighborhood. You'll taste local treats and beverages from festive street stalls, explore the history of the district, and finish up with an amazing Japanese lunch at a delicious Soba restaurant. Sakura season is short, lasting for about one month from the first tiny buds to the finish of the season, with the peak being about two weeks. It is impossible to predict exact dates each year, but this limited-edition tour is offered in the time period which is the most famous for Hanami. Along with your guide, you'll learn about the history of the area as well as the meaning and reason behind the Sakura season. You'll also taste local specialties that are bound to be pleasing to the eye and to the palate. You'll will try local snacks and enjoy a special Hanami seasonal lunch at an amazing Soba restaurant.

Experience an unforgettable stroll through the historical food streets of Osaka and eat like a local in the city known as “Japan’s Kitchen”. Your local expert will take you on an unforgettable eating excursion through the busy streets and the hidden, less-frequented parts of South Osaka. The tour kicks off in the busy Doutonburi area where you will learn about "Glico man", a Filipino sprinter named Fortunato Catalon who inspired a nation and a company. Similar to Shibuya (its counterpart in Tokyo), the sights and sounds of Dotounburi often lead you astray to overly-commercialized restaurants with queues of tourists outside. Your guides will take you to places which you would certainly miss without a local's assistance. You'll travel down secret alleys not long after you begin the tour, making your way towards a shrine which is hidden from sight for the average passerby. You will sample Kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and vegetable skewers) as well as a local take on Yakitori, before being taken to a Michelin-rated street-food stop for Osaka’s favorite snack: Takoyaki. Next, travel down more narrow alleys and see some of the more unconventional restaurants and pubs. Your guide will then lead you to a local lunch spot of an "Izakaya" (or local gastro-pub), with seasonal dishes and lunch sets that will be sure to intrigue and delight you. From there you’ll explore other nearby local neighborhoods before finally finishing off with a tasty local street-food dessert.

Discover how Osaka has centuries more history than Tokyo and a merchant culture that still strongly resonates today on this full-day guided tour by private vehicle.  First stop is a visit to the Osaka Castle, where you will explore the grounds and enjoy the view of the castle’s exterior. Then, visit what is said to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, Shitennoji.  Next, head to Shin-sekai. A short stroll around the area will show you typical foods, games, and Osaka's famously bad fashion sense. After lunch, visit the Harukas building to admire views across the city as you soar up a glass elevator. At the basement of this tall building is a local marketplace with some of the finest foods on display, such as Kobe beef and high end sushi.  You will then explore Dotonbori, sometimes compared to New York's Times Square. Explore the side streets and hear interesting stories from your guide. Finally, visit the market of Kuromon Ichiba, where there's a deep history and unique vibe.