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- Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (With Dinner Option)
Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours (With Dinner Option)
Explore the non-touristic areas of Osaka on this internationally recognized award winning tour (Voted # 1 in the whole of Japan on all the big review websites), where the veil of "perfect Japan" will be lifted.
Get an unfiltered understanding of how the city really functions in the abandoned buildings area, retro zone, alleys, redlight district, gambling dens, yakuza strongholds and more.
Andy kenji M.
Meeting Point
Daikokucho Station, Exit 1, at the top of the stairs in front of the Family Mart
Daikokucho Station, Exit 1 (at the top of the stairs in front of Family Mart).
Meet at Exit 1, at the top of the stairs outside the Family Mart.
A peek at the Retro Zone
Shinsekai will give up all its secrets here on an interesting view of early 1900's life.
Abandoned Houses Area
Detailed explanation of how it all came to be. In which other city around the world can you find such a place so central?
Visit Delicious Stall & Eat Local Side Dishes
The glorious food of Osaka...unchallenged as the king of food in Japan!
Explore the Gritty Backstreets
Unearth the deep Osaka by traversing the back alleys. The only way to fully understand Osaka and its people
Step into the World Governed by the Yakuza
A Yakuza stronghold is the red light district. The incredibly unique area is a step back in time and the only area of Osaka completely preserved from the Taisho area. Yes this is history....real authentic history and we will explain the underbelly of Osaka. (Note: if you dont want to visit this area we have a fantastic alternative).
Second Eatery Visit
Takoyaki is what you eat when you come to Osaka. Visit our hidden, tasty joint and get those tastebuds firing!
Visit the Entertain District where only the Locals Go
Fishing for you dinner in restaurants, Pachinko machines, quirky rifle shooting stores, illegal gambling palors. All the norm for the hidden neighbourhood gathering spots. Feel like a local here
Join us for Dinner at the most Authentic of Izakayas.
If interested in the dinner, please choose the "extras" secton. We'll give you a drink & 5 amazing dishes to fill your belly.
Ending Point
at the front of Dobutsenmae Station.
What to Expect
-Hear historic facts and anecdotes from this gritty region completely unknown to tourists
-Venture into the intriguing abandoned buildings area with a controversial past
-Visit the unique, traditional Taisho-Era, incredibly-preserved historical red light district
-Eat delicious, local side dishes in back-alley stalls full of character
-Discuss taboo topics and get to fully understand the scope of this amazing city.
Begin by getting a feel for retro Osaka. Be transported back in time to a Japan barely recognizable. Jump into retro video game parlors, old-fashioned markets, and more. See how the locals entertain and are entertained by night, from games unique to Japan, to crazy fishing restaurants, to a peek in a Osakan theater.
Your next stop will be within some of the most amazing back alleys you'll ever see. Interact with your surroundings, feeling the profound energy and history of the area. Sample a snack from two different stalls here.
A stone's throw and you're within an area filled with untouched, abandoned properties, which provides a truly surreal experience in the middle of the city. Afterwards, you'll have the option to walk through the red light district, or to skip it and go on a separate path.
This Taisho-Era red light district is incredibly preserved from that period, and consists of UNESCO-listed buildings important to Osakan culture. Finally, you'll have the option to eat a full dinner at a tasty, tradition restaurant after the tour has ended.
Want to personalize this tour?
- Our tours can be customized according to your needs and preferences
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Inclusions & Exclusions
Complete guide of said areas.
Dinner and all food is not included. If you want the dinner option, please write in the comment before or after booking your tour here.
It is just 3500yen for a course menu....to be paid at the start of the tour in cash to the tour guide. It includes 5 delicious & authentic Osakan dishes, 1 drink & desserts.
No Hotel pickup (its a very very central, easy to find starting location).
Important Information
We can guide you everyday.
This tour is not necessarily recommended for all; if you are intrepid, well traveled, and seeking glimpse into an unfiltered, honest side of Osaka, it is a good choice for you. Note that this tour exposes the good, the bad, and everything in between. It includes taboo topics as well, which are very important in forming a complete picture of Japan and its people, such as Yakuza, sexism, war, illegal gambling, sex work, illicit businesses, pachinko, homelessness, welfare, and more. Note also that this tour will not go through the homeless district. Your guides are always respectful should people who are homeless also be traveling the same route as the tour.
As we will walk for about 5km on flat terrain, please bring flat, comfortable shoes.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Frequently Asked Questions
You visit the red light district, so is this like a sleazy tour?
Absolutely not. If you are interested in just rudely staring at the women, we don’t want you to come. We go here because the very unique ambiance created...its like nothing you have ever seen and definitely not sleazy nor objectionable. Buildings in this area have a rich history cause they are completely preserved from the Taisho era. In the year 2000 some buildings have been listed as "Japanese Cultural Property". It’s real Osaka culture…..yes culture!!
Are some of the areas in the tour dangerous?
No, I’m a former police officer of 8 years. I would never put our clients in danger. If you don’t do anything reckless then everything will be fine. We have done more than 1200 tours in these areas and nothing bad has ever occurred.
Can Children join this tour?
No. Anyone under the age of 15 years old, can not join this tour.
Im vegetarian, can I join the dinner option?
Yes, there are tasty food options for guests who are vegetarians.
Reviews
Olman M.
“ This tour made us realize we HAVE to come back to Osaka. ”
There are not enough words or time to express the awesome time we had enjoying all the delights Osaka has to offer. Thanks for coming through Andy. You made it happen better than expected.
Olman M.
“ Osaka magic, an unforgettable experience! ”
A stellar experience in deep Osaka! Thanks for making it happen. A definite highlight of our adventures through Japan.
Kathy P.
“ Flexible and fun ”
Did the tour with Adam because Andy was under the weather the day of our booking. I had requested a custom tour because I was with my 88 year old parents and it was the peak Sakura week and I was concerned about crowds. Andy and Adam made sure we hit the main highlights requested by my family and customized accommodating the pace of the tour and navigating with two wheelchairs. Highly recommend!
Kathryn B.
“ Interesting and informative ”
Andy was a great guide, and our family of 5 adults thoroughly enjoyed our tour wiith him. Andy's enthusiasm for, and love of Japan was evident throughout the tour. He was easy to understand and was happy to answer any questions we had. I highly recommend Andy's deep back street Osaka tour if you want to see and learn about a part of Japan off the 'beaten path'.
Andy kenji M.
Kathryn, the pleasure was absolutely mine. Great night out and thoroughly enjoyed answering the queries from an open-minded, intrepid family:) Happy travels and I hope that the memories will last for a long time to come. Andy-Kenji