How to Plan Your Osaka: Deep Backstreets Exploration Tour

If you’re looking for a unique and off-the-beaten-track experience in Osaka, the Deep Backstreets Exploration tour is an excellent choice. This tour will take you to some of the most intriguing places in the city that are completely unknown to tourists. You’ll get a chance to venture into abandoned buildings, traditional red-light districts, and try delicious local side dishes in the back alley stalls full of character.

In this blog post, we’ll guide you on how to plan your Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour step by step.

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step in planning your Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour is to book your tour. You can book your tour from Get Your Guide. The tour is offered by a third-party company, and you can book it by clicking on this link.

Step 2: Know the Highlights of Your Tour

The Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour is an amazing opportunity to experience the city’s grittier side. Here are some highlights of the tour to give you an idea of what to expect:

Venture into the Intriguing Abandoned Buildings Area with a Controversial Past

You’ll get to explore some of Osaka’s abandoned buildings. This area has a controversial past that contributed to the region’s current energy and history.

Hear Historic Facts and Anecdotes from This Gritty Region Completely Unknown to Tourists

You’ll get to hear historic facts and anecdotes from the gritty region completely unknown to tourists. This experience will enrich your understanding of Osaka’s cultural and historical background.

Visit the Unique Traditional Taisho-Era Incredibly-Preserved Historical Red Light District

You’ll get a chance to visit the traditional Taisho-era historical red light district, which is incredibly-preserved. This unique experience will give you insight into the city’s culture and tradition.

Eat Delicious Local Side Dishes in Back-Alley Stalls Full of Character

The Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour is not just about exploring the region’s history, but also a food adventure. You’ll get to try delicious local side dishes in back-alley stalls full of character.

Discuss Taboo Topics and Get a Deeper Understanding of How Osaka Operates

You’ll get to discuss taboo topics and get a deeper understanding of how Osaka operates. This experience will give you an insight into the city’s social and cultural norms.

Step 3: Plan Your Day

The Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour is a half-day tour, which lasts for around 4 hours, with a maximum of 8 participants. The tour starts at 5 PM and ends at 9 PM. You should plan your day around the tour, so you have enough time to explore other attractions in Osaka.

Step 4: What to Wear

The Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. You should also dress appropriately for the weather.

Step 5: What to Bring

You should bring a small backpack to carry your essentials, such as a water bottle, camera, and phone. You should also bring cash to buy local side dishes and souvenirs.

Step 6: Meeting Point

The meeting point for the Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour is Nipponbashi Station, which is easily accessible from all parts of Osaka. The tour guide will provide you with more information about the meeting point after you book your tour.

Conclusion

The Osaka deep backstreets exploration tour is an exciting way to experience the city’s history, culture, and tradition. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you’ll be able to plan your tour with ease. Remember to book your tour early, plan your day around the tour, wear comfortable shoes, and bring essentials such as water, camera, and cash for local side dishes and souvenirs. Have a great trip!

The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to Osaka: Beyond the Tourist Spots

Osaka is a dynamic city that has something for everyone. From world-class cuisine to rich cultural heritage, this city has it all. But if you want to experience the real Osaka, you must explore beyond the conventional tourist spots. In this insider’s guide, we’ll take you on a journey of Osaka’s deep backstreets, uncovering hidden gems, local eats, cultural experiences, history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions that only locals know.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems Worth Exploring

While places like Osaka Castle, Universal Studios Japan, and Dotonbori are famous attractions, there is so much more to explore in Osaka. Head to the Nakazaki-cho neighborhood to see a unique blend of old and new architecture with quirky cafes, galleries, and vintage shops. Take a stroll down the Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, the longest shopping street in Japan, for authentic local shopping experiences. Don’t forget to visit the Abeno Harukas skyscraper, the tallest building in Japan, for breathtaking views of the city.

Dining Spots: Exploring Osaka’s Food Culture

Osaka is known for its street food, and there is no shortage of it in the city. Instead of heading to the popular tourist spots, explore the streets for hidden gems that only locals know about. Try takoyaki (octopus balls) from a street vendor, okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) at a traditional restaurant, and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers) at a local hole-in-the-wall. In Osaka, food culture is not just about what you eat, but also how you eat it. Experience communal eating at izakaya (Japanese-style pubs) and try local dishes like fugu (blowfish) and motsu (offal).

Cultural Experiences: Immersing in the City’s Heritage

Osaka’s history and culture are fascinating and varied. To fully experience the city’s tradition, visit the Shitennoji Temple, the oldest officially administered temple in Japan, and immerse yourself in Buddhism. Attend a Kabuki performance at the National Bunraku Theater, where you can see an centuries-old art form that is unique to Japan. Discover the city’s modern art scene at the Nakanoshima Museum of Contemporary Art. If you’re lucky enough to visit during the summer, experience the Tenjin Matsuri festival, one of Japan’s top three festivals, and witness the colorful and vibrant energy that the locals bring to the celebration.

Local History: Captivating Stories of the Past

Osaka has a rich and diverse history that begs to be explored. Visit the Osaka Museum of History to learn about the city’s changing landscape since ancient times. Explore the Osaka Castle, which was once a symbol of power and intrigue during the feudal era. Take a stroll through the Fukushima Ward, where you can still find the remnants of ancient shrines and traditional architectures. And, be sure to visit the Sumiyoshi-taisha Shrine, one of the oldest shrines in Japan, which has stood the test of time for more than 1,800 years.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Suggestions: Unforgettable and Unique Experiences

If you’re looking for something unique and unforgettable, try visiting the Horie neighborhood, also known as the fashion district, for artisanal goods, jewelry stores, and one-of-a-kind cafes. Take a trip to the suburban town of Sakai, where you can see traditional handmade Japanese knives and learn about the Samurai heritage. If you’re an animal lover, visit one of the cat cafes in the city. Or travel to Minoh City, just outside of Osaka, and visit the Mino Waterfall and Park, a great spot for hiking, bird-watching, and experiencing the natural beauty of Japan.

In conclusion, Osaka is a city that is full of hidden gems, local culture, traditional history, and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the usual tourist spots. By exploring the deep backstreets and embracing the local culture, you’ll truly understand Osaka’s soul. We hope that this insider’s guide has given you some ideas for your next trip to the city and that you’ll be inspired to go off the beaten path for an unforgettable experience.