Osaka Castle & Dotonbori: One Day Exploration of History and Shopping in Japan's Food Capital
5.0
6 Ratings
Osaka
Immerse yourself in the history and culture of Osaka with a visit to Osaka Castle. Then, indulge in the vibrant food scene of Dotonbori, Japan's food capital. Book now!
Duration: 7 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Osaka Museum of History - The Osaka History Museum is located in front of Osaka Castle and is built on the site of an ancient palace. The 10th floor of this museum is a great spot to overlook Osaka Castle. Through the windows, you can command a panoramic view of the beautiful castle and get a good understanding of its huge size and the whole structure of the castle.

In addition, the informative exhibits enable you to understand the origin and real history of Osaka deeply. In particular, the diorama of the ancient court and the busy merchants’ town are impressive.

  • Osaka Castle - Osaka Castle, built in the 17th century by the Tokugawa Shogunate, was a solid castle protected by double moats, tall stone walls, turrets, etc and originally was the home of the samurai leader of the Toyotomi family.

The castle is now widely used by Osaka citizens as a park.

After looking at the view from the observation deck of the main tower, you will learn about Osaka and Japan’s history centered on samurai through the exhibits on each floor.

At the facilities in MIRAIZA on the castle grounds, you can also experience ninja knife throwing!

  • Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street - Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street is Japan’s longest one at 2.6 km containing 600 shops, and it is always bustling with a large number of local citizens.

It’s fun just looking around the shops, and as there are a lot of restaurants, we recommend you choose your favorite restaurant here for lunch.

  • Osaka Museum of Housing and Living - The townscape of Osaka about 180 years ago is reproduced in full size, and you can actually walk in it.

You will see, touch, and experience old time Japan, the structure of the houses, the products sold at that time, the utilities and the living habits of the common people.

Why don’t you get a feel for the citizens’ life which is so different from the samurais?

  • Kuromon Market - Osaka’s food culture has developed because of its people who are extremely fond of delicious things since ancient times, and Osaka has come to be called the Food Capital of Japan. In this market, many shops are lined up, and seafood such as crabs, pufferfish, sea urchin, meat such as Wagyu (Japanese beef) and Kobe beef and also various sweets are prepared at the stores. A large number of customers visit here to enjoy all kinds of food while strolling around.

Try to find your very favorite food item, too!

  • Dotombori District - Now Dotonbori is the most popular tourist attraction in Osaka. Originally, this area was loved by the locals as entertainment area with a row of theaters along the canal. Currently, restaurants with colorful billboards line both sides of the canal including, of course, shops selling takoyaki, the octopus balls that originated in Osaka, and famous ramen shops.

Take a photo in front of the well-known Glico-man signboard and enjoy exploring the surroundings. If you are looking for souvenirs, Don Quiote is also nearby.

What's Included
  • Admission Fee
  • Professional Guide Fare
  • Public Transportation Fare
What's Not Included
  • Food & Drink
Additional Information

In this tour, we offer you the most impressive and efficient itinerary so that you can make the best use of your stay in Osaka. Firstly you will experience the living history of the samurai warriors and the common people in Osaka by visiting museums and the castle. Secondly, you will explore Japan’s longest shopping street that is being loved by local people. Then you will visit and explore Dotonbori and find out why Osaka is called Japan’s food capital. Our guide will pick you up at your hotel in Osaka.

Transportation and admission fees are all included and you don’t have to wait in a long queue at Osaka Castle on this tour.

Location
Osaka Museum of History
4-1-32 Otemae,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(6 Ratings)
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Jodi_m
Feb 21, 2024
Great tour and guide - Great tour guide was awesome very informative. Nice pace didn’t feel rushed so many things that we got to see . Very enjoyable!
Review provided by Viator
Phillip_g
Jan 28, 2024
Fantastic, great tour guide - Toshi was a fantastic guide , his English was good he went at our pace . The attractions he took us to were perfect. He went beyond the call of duty for us. Toshi took us to a wonderful and very reasonably priced place lace for lunch . All round great tour highly recommend it!
Review provided by Viator
Feliciacucuta
Jan 10, 2024
Lovely trip exploring Osaka - I had such a wonderful day today, exploring Osaka with Noriko. She's a fabulous guide, incredibly generous and patient. I enjoyed all the places she took me to and, despite the rain, I had a great day which allowed me to learn about Osaka's history and explore its neighborhoods!
Review provided by Viator
Roberta_f
Mar 20, 2023
Perfect Tour. Perfect Guide. - Saori was an excellent guide. She was very caring and accommodating. She adjusted the pace of our tour and the changes our 3-generation family made along the way. She truly listened to our wants and needs. We highly recommend her and this tour.
Review provided by Viator
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