Osaka is unlike any other Japanese city, with its own distinct cuisine, culture and pace of life. Osaka is also one of the least expensive of Japan’s great cities to visit — and cost-savvy travelers can save even more money by going on a free walking tour in Osaka.

Not only will this help you save a couple of bucks, but you’ll also enjoy the company of an enthusiastic local Osakan — while learning more about this fascinating city and the Osakan way of doing things. Together, you and your guide will explore the colorful streets, and taste the famous local fares, transforming you into a local with every step.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most worthwhile sightseeing tours in Osaka.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Osaka have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Osaka?

As a city, Osaka is as vibrant and diverse as it comes, and this is reflected in the free walking tours available in this metropolis. Visitors may choose from a selection of tours, each exploring a unique part of Osaka, or concentrating on a specific focus.

Downtown Osaka free walking tour

This tour is a great way to get an overall sense of what Osaka is all about, especially if you’re traveling from Tokyo or arriving from Kyoto. You’ll soon realize that Osaka is completely different from the rest of Japan, and your passionate guide will lead you through its vibrant streets.

During your exploration, you’ll learn more about Osaka’s traditions, history and do’s and don’ts. The mission of the tour is simple — helping you orient yourself in the big city while granting you the confidence to navigate the streets on your own.

To achieve this, you’ll set off from a predetermined destination in Naniwa Ward, where your guide and walk to Namba Yasaka Jinja. You’ll quickly notice that this isn’t your run-of-the-mill shrine as it features a performance stage that’s built to look like a lion’s head. Here, you’ll learn more about the local deities, whilst under the watchful glare of two giant gleaming eyes.

Next up is Dotonbori, the most popular of Osaka’s neighborhoods and the main destination when looking for something delicious or refreshing. You’ll visit the area in the middle of the day, so the neon signs won’t be that impressive — but be sure to come back at night to check out your guide’s recommended bars and restaurants while basking in the neon glow.

Next, it’s shopping o’clock as you head to Kuromon Market and the Nipponbashi shopping district. You might have heard that bargaining is frowned upon in Japanese, but that’s not the case in Osaka — provided that you haggle in the proper way, and your guide will be more than happy to give you some pointers.

Finally, you’ll head to the Tsūtenkaku Tower in the eclectic Shintekai district where your guide will help you make sense of this seemingly random neighborhood.

Osaka free walking tour outside of downtown

People tend to forget that Osaka isn’t exclusively about enjoying delicious street food with a steady supply of drinks and conversation. In fact, there’s an entire world waiting to be discovered just outside of the neon-bathed downtown. This free walking tour aims to explore this world, by slowly ambling through some of Osaka’s most overlooked neighborhoods.

You’ll start the tour in Sumiyoshi district, where you’ll visit a temple that dates back to the 3rd century. Here, your guide will tell you more about the Shinto religion and the role it plays in the day-to-day life of Osakans.

Following this, you’ll travel to Kohama Shotengai, a mercantile street that’s famous among locals and offers visitors a more authentic shopping experience. You’ll also find some mouthwateringly good food stalls here, as well as talkative locals eager for a quick chat.

Speaking of scrumptious things to eat, your next is a headfirst dive into all of Osaka’s specialty dishes — as the tour temporarily transforms into a street food tour with the advantage of only paying for what you want to eat.

Following your quick culinary jaunt, you’ll head to a local Japanese tea house where you’ll enjoy some Wazuka tea and something sweet — before calling it a day and heading back to your hotel.

Free walking tour in Osaka exploring the old and the new

Japan is a land of contrasts where the old and the new exist side by side in perfect harmony. Across the entire country, there’s a never-ending drive to innovate and build the future, while simultaneously honoring and protecting the past — and sometimes even drawing inspiration from it.

This ethos is also evident in Osaka, where skyscrapers and glittering streets stand next to ancient temples, shrines and even an imposing castle. This expertly crafted free walking tour aims to juxtapose Osaka’s old and new attractions while regaling guests with fascinating tales from the city’s history.

As you wander from the famous Osaka Castle, you’ll peel back the layers of the city, discovering how it became the metropolis it is today. While the tour is free, entry into Osaka Castle is not, and you’ll be required to purchase an entry ticket.

In which languages is it operated?

Free walking tours in Osaka will be conducted by a multilingual guide and finding a trip in your preferred language will depend on the timeslot. Generally, most of Osaka’s free walking tours are either available in either English or Spanish, with Japanese as a third language.

Where does it start?

Your free walking tour in Osaka will usually start from an attraction in the Dotonburi district, which is also sometimes referred to as “Downtown.” These attractions will typically be some of the city’s lesser-known sites, with popular landmarks like the Osaka Castle saved for later during the tour.

Tours that explore areas outside of Osaka’s downtown will generally use a public transport terminal or a local convenience store as the departure point. Your guide will usually wear a colorful t-shirt with a noticeable slogan on it to help you spot them. If you are unsure about the free walking tour’s starting point, you should confirm with your guide.

How long does it last?

Osaka’s free walking tours usually last for 2.5 hours, making it the ideal length for a stroll through the city — without becoming boring or exhausting. The duration also makes it possible to combine your free walking tour with another activity, like an Osaka pub crawl or food tour.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, some of Osaka’s free walking tours are wheelchair friendly and can accommodate persons with reduced mobility.

However, while Osaka and Japan have seen various programs to improve overall accessibility, certain individual locations might still present a challenge. You should consider confirming the accessibility of the attractions visited with your tour guide.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Osaka?

The best time for free walking tours in Osaka is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Morning tours during the week are usually less crowded than afternoon or weekend ones.

Should you book tickets online?

Booking free walking tours in Osaka online ensures your spot, as they are popular and get booked up very quickly. These tours also have limited spots available to ensure the quality of the tour— with some maximum capacities being limited to as few as 10 people.

Reserving your spot on a tour is completely free and can be done with a few simple clicks through the online booking platform. Arrive in Osaka with your tour already booked and make the most out of your time.

Free Walking Tours in Osaka