The 9 Best Shinsekai Tours

1.Shinsekai Food Tour with 13-15 Dishes at 5 Eateries

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 2,204 reviews · 3 hours · from $53Our pick

Spend three hours walking Shinsekai with an English-speaking guide and a group of no more than nine. Stop at five local eateries for about 13 to 15 dishes, including takoyaki, udon, kushikatsu, gyoza and tonpeiyaki, plus two drinks. Guides have included Osaka-born Taka and local food specialists such as Kiko, Mio and Kevin.

“Kevin was amazing!! He made the tour one of a kind and was definitely the best food tour I have ever been on. I learnt so much about Osaka and Japan culture. Highly recommend this tour and Kevin as ur guide.”

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2.Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 985 reviews · from $111Top rated

Walk Osaka’s Shinsekai and Dotonbori with a local guide, sampling kushikatsu, okonomiyaki, takoyaki, and three drinks along the way. The group is capped at seven, and guides such as Aika, Yuma, and Mich have helped visitors connect the food to local customs and history. Expect lively districts, narrow lanes, shrine stops, and a few substantial food servings rather than constant grazing.

“Plenty of good and a nice way to get the lay of the land in the more popular area of Osaka. Though had some challenge keeping up with the guide who was walking quite fast. She did share a lot of great insight into Osaka, providing a very lively conversation”

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3.Tsutenkaku Tower Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 125 reviews · from $8Best value

Enter Tsutenkaku Tower in Osaka’s Naniwa Ward and head to the Golden Observatory for panoramic city views. Meet the gold Billiken statue, a symbol of luck and happiness, and see the tower’s latticework design. The ticket covers one entry; the tower is open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with last entry at 7:00 PM.

“Great place to get a good pic! nice and easy and only 20 mins wait!”

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4.Local Foodie Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 95 reviews · 3 hours · from $108

Spend three hours walking from retro Shinsekai to neon-lit Dotonbori with an English-speaking local guide. Visit narrow historic alleys and a small temple, then eat six kushikatsu skewers, okonomiyaki, takoyaki and three drinks. Guides such as Yuma, Tea and Taku have helped visitors find their bearings and local food spots.

“It was nice to get away from the queues and the crowds to sample the popular foods in Osaka”

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5.Retro Osaka Street Food Tour: Shinsekai

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 77 reviews · from $217

Start at Tsutenkaku at 5:00 pm for a three-hour walk through Shinsekai, with an English-speaking local guide, Osaka food tastings, one included drink, and a chance to make takoyaki. Guides have included Ike, Eki, and Hiro. The tour ends at Sennariya Coffee and is limited to 10 people.

“This was the perfect way to explore Osakas amazing food scene! Ike was an incredible guide. He shared so much knowledge about Osaka and the food we were eating. He also guided us to some incredible food! It was wonderful to spRead more”

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6.Shinsekai Food Tour – 13 Dishes at 5 Local Eateries

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 29 reviews · from $79

Start at 5 pm for a three-hour guided walk through Shinsekai, with 13 dishes at five eateries and two drinks. The route takes in Shinsekai Inari Shrine, Janjan Yokocho, and Tsutenkaku Tower. Guides have included Mike, Bell, Jess, and Victor, though assignments can vary. Gluten-free and vegan diets cannot be accommodated.

“I had a great time and tried many dishes I probably wouldn't have been brave enough to order myself. Bell and Majo were excellent guides that were friendly and knowledgeable.”

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7.Night Soul Food Tour in Shinsekai with a local guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $85

Join an English-speaking guide in Osaka’s Shinsekai at 6 p.m. for a three-hour food walk with dinner and two drinks included. Expect more than 15 local dishes, from takoyaki and kushikatsu to okonomiyaki, plus stories about the retro district. Guides have included Tomoki, Tomoko, and Yukio, though your guide may differ.

“This was a great tour full of great food and an excellent tour guide who provided a wealth of information on food, culture, and history. Thank you Tomoki for making our stay in Osaka memorable and delicious!”

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8.Osaka Morning Tour: Shitennoji Temple, Shinsekai &Doutonbori

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 23 reviews · from $74

Meet your English-speaking guide at Tennoji Station for a private walk through Tennoji, Shitennoji Temple and Shinsekai, with local stories, takoyaki, a drink and a croquette included. Guides such as Ben, Hiro and Sena have led visitors to neighborhood food stops and photo spots. The route is customizable, and extra food and drinks cost more.

“This tour was the perfect mix of history, culture, and amazing local food! Our guide took us to hidden spots and shared great insights about Osaka. If you want a fun and authentic experience, this is the tour to book!”

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9.Let’s Dance Bon Odori Japanese folk Dance near Tsutenkaku

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $19

At Ebisuza, near Tsutenkaku, a professional instructor teaches you Bon Odori’s easy basic steps before inviting you to dance more freely in a circle. This 90-minute Osaka class welcomes up to 15 people and includes your choice of coffee, tea, water, or a canned alcoholic drink. Some sessions have also featured shamisen and taiko.

“It was such a nice experience. Some easy steps to learn. Cool place and very nice people. Good chance to embrace some Japanese culture!”

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