• Private Tour
• Family Friendly
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Planning to visit Kyoto from Osaka? Do not worry about trains and directions anymore! I will take you to Kyoto on a day trip! Let's enjoy visiting popular temples, shrines, geisha district, local markets etc.. in this amazing ancient city.

Destination

Osaka, Japan

Category

City Highlight Tours

Duration

5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, 日本語

Included

• Entrance tickets
• Private guide
• Pick-up Included

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with Naoki.

1. Meeting point

   You will be picked up anywhere in Osaka. Your local host will contact you regarding the exact pickup point.

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Hotel pick up

   1. Pick up at your hotel (within Osaka city) and we take a train for about 1 hour from a nearby station to Karasuma station *Train ticket NOT included in the price (approx. JPY 700 per person)

4. Nishiki-Market

   2. Local Fish & Food Market (Nishiki-Market) *Lively and Busy Local shopping street running over 400 years *Enjoy a lot of fish, food & groceries in local atmosphere *Closed at 17:00 (each shop has different working hours)

5. Kamo-river (passing by)

   3. Beautiful Kamo-River (passing by) *Very atmospheric river in nature in the middle of the city! *This river was an important business point connecting from Kyoto to Osaka since we moved the capital to Kyoto in 794

6. Gion Geisha-District (passing by)

   4. Gion Geisha-District (passing by) *A lot of traditional tea rooms, restaurants originally started for those who went to shrines and temples nearby *Geisha and Maiko still walk down the street as they wear traditional costumes and cloths

7. Yasaka-Pagoda

   5. Yasaka Pagoda (passing by) *Very old pagoda named Hokan-ji-Temple originally built in 589 *Famous as a beautiful photo spot taking from the San-Nen-Zaka Hill *We do not go inside the Pagoda

8. Kiyomizu-Hill

   6. Kiyomizu Hill *Very atmospheric hill with many souvenir, traditional food, snacks and sweets shops *The same beautiful scenery kept since 782! *Closed at 17:00 (each shop has different working hours)

9. Kiyomizu-Temple

   7. Kiyomizu Temple *One of the most famous temples in Kyoto originally built in 778 *Named after 3 lines of waterfall in the temple ground and locals pray towards the 3 lines meaning Love, Education and long life *Closed at 17:00 (each shop has different working hours) *Entrance fee included in the price

10. Yasaka-Shrine

    8. Yasaka Shrine *One of the most famous shrines in Kyoto Originally Built in 656 *They are thought to have a large hidden pond known as the dragon hole where the blue dragon lives and the energy gathers

11. We say goodbye

    9. We say good bye in Kawaramachi shopping area so you can enjoy your free time in the centre of Kyoto or we can also take the same train back to Osaka together *Train ticket NOT included in the price (approx. JPY 700 per person)

12. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Michael

7 February 2025

Naoki-san is a great guide. He met us at our hotel in Osaka and took us to Kyoto via public transportation/trains. This was my third trip to Japan and my son's first. We both learned a lot from Naoki-san. He answered all our questions (however bizarre) very calmly and patiently. He navigated the streets and alleys of Kyoto expertly as we visited numerous shrines, temples and gardens. He even found vegetarian/vegan restaurants to satisfy my son. It was truly a fantastic tour. Fantastic tour of Kyoto with Naoki-san.

Ken🇦🇺 Australia

15 December 2024

Family of four (with 2 late teens sons). We booked an Osaka to Kyoto day trip, and Osaka Highlights and Hidden Gem the next day with Naoki. Our sons commented that Naoki felt like a cousin from overseas taking us around. Apart from Naomi’s local knowledge and experience, his genuine warmth and kindness made this a memorable experience! Like travelling with your local cousin

Victoria

7 March 2025

We had a great time with Naoki. He was so knowledgeable and his information and passion was clear from the get-go! We enjoyed some wonderful kushikatsu at the beginning of our tour and then made our way through Namba to Dotonbori. We were shown both a Shinto and Buddhist shrine and educated about the difference between the two. Naoki accompanied us on the subway back towards our hotel and even helped us find a restaurant for dinner after. Cannot recommend him highly enough! Great, informative evening!

Juan🇬🇧 United Kingdom

7 March 2025

We had the absolute pleasure of having Naoki as our guide for our Samurai Heritage tour in Osaka, and we couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From the very beginning, Naoki’s warm personality, deep knowledge, and passion for history made this tour truly special. Instead of visiting the Osaka Museum of History, we explored Osaka Castle, and Naoki made the visit incredibly engaging. He shared fascinating stories about the castle’s history, the samurai legacy, and little-known details that brought the past to life. Beyond the historical insights, Naoki was incredibly accommodating, adjusting the pace and content of the tour to match our interests. His recommendations for other sights and local food spots were also fantastic! If you’re considering booking a tour with Naoki through WithLocals, do it! His expertise, enthusiasm, and genuine kindness will make your Osaka experience unforgettable. We highly recommend him to anyone looking to explore the city’s rich history with a knowledgeable and engaging guide.An Unforgettable Osaka Tour

Deanna

2 March 2025

We had an incredible day with Naoki! He was incredibly knowledgeable about Osaka and gave us some excellent suggestions with detailed recommendations for our remaining time there. He was super flexible and helpful and showed us the highlights of Osaka. He also introduced us to takoyaki and okonomiyaki (delicious!). Do not hesitate-- book with Naoki!Amazing day with Naoki

Kristyn

1 March 2025

After traveling in over 50 countries, my husband and I have experienced a lot of guides, and I can honestly say that Naoki was the very best guide we have ever had! I with I had booked a lot more time with him! We did the 10 tastings of Osaka with Naoki and all the food and drink choices were fantastic, but this was so much more than a food tour! Naoki has an incredible amount of knowledge about Osaka and Kyoto and Japan in general, but we also had so many interesting conversations about his life growing up and our cultural comparisons. As we walked between restaurants, Naoki made sure to make a lot of interesting stops at shrines and other important places in the city. Naoki was also constantly making sure to take photos of us without us having to bring it up. The next day Naoki was also emailing us more information about stores and restaurants we had discussed and responded very quickly when I asked for recommendations in Kyoto. I truly can’t say enough about what a wonderful time we had! It was the highlight of our 3 weeks in Japan. By the end of our night with Naoki, we felt like we had made a lifelong friend! Absolutely Amazing Guide!!!

daniela🇲🇽 Mexico

23 February 2025

We absolutely loved taking the food tour with Naoki! He is such a kind and friendly person, and he took us to truly amazing places to eat while sharing great local recommendations. On top of that, his tour was filled with fascinating insights about Japanese culture, which made the experience even more special. If we ever come back to Osaka, we would definitely love to book another tour with him!Great experience full of great food!

Bruce🇦🇺 Australia

19 February 2025

Naoki was a lovely, softly spoken, humble person, who took us across at least 4 locations in the city giving us a holistic perspective. As someone who grew up in the centre of the city, he knows every part of it. He took us from the Town Hall, local Shinto Shrine, Osaka Castle, Kuromon Market, and Dontonbori. He was so generous with his time, that we went past the 3 hours. (Just make sure you have an ICOCA card for the trains, we travelled by train between locations). We learnt a tremendous amount about the history of Osaka, the Shinto and Buddhist religions, the culture of the city, shopping areas, and of course food. Aoki, as someone who has spent his lifetime in the city, is a great person to lead a With Locals experience. Fantastic insights from an Osaka native

Dushan

28 January 2025

Naoki is super knowledgeable and was very informative. Took us to several local spots and took lots of pictures for us. We really enjoyed the experience and was nice to eat food that wasn’t the standard tourist offerings and more what the locals eat. Amazing time with Naoki!

Sallim🇸🇬 Singapore

27 January 2025

Naomi was always humble and accommodating. He was able to teak the schedule to our needs. Good insights into the Osaka castle area and Dotonburi area. We enjoyed the walk and the history given. Thank you very much. An enjoyable evening in Osaka

remy

20 January 2025

Wonderful guide ! He accepted to change the date at the last miment because our flight was cancel and delayed. He know everythings about Osaka castle and Japan history! And he was very very kind with us all the time ! Thanks Naoki !Amazing guide

Meghan🇳🇱 Netherlands

18 January 2025

The tour with Naoki was great! He was a formidable host! Punctual, kind and super insightful! In addition to the food he also showed us some hidden temples and shrines. He took the time to explain to us the rituals and meaning if those places ! We memorable experience, thank you very much ! discovering Osaka food and little corners

C

17 January 2025

From the moment Naoki met with us, it was clear that this would be a great and personalised experience. The food, drink and venue choices were explained and clarified. All were so tasty and of quality This was such a great way to be quickly introduced to aspects of Japanese / Osaka food and eating culture. But that was only the half of it. Naoki also took us to and introduced us to some non food places of interest with both modern, historic and cultural relevance. A caring and generous host: Naoki provided a perfect welcome to Osaka. Naoki was a perfect host.

Cornelius🇺🇸 United States

12 January 2025

We had a wonderful time with Naoki on the tastings tour. He let us customize our time and asked great questions to ensure a great tour, The tour was amazing - we enjoyed his company, the food, the background information, learning about local history and the food itself. He gave great context and even pointed out small, but wonderful details - like the Kimchi in this restaurant was made with honey - "Osaka style." We're even going back to a restaurant we thoroughly enjoyed with Naoki - and would probably go back to more of them if could stay longer. Naoki was friendly, warm and gracious and even provided some additional restaurant recommendations. He's a gem! Don't hesitate to book with Naoki! Amazing and fun tour

jess🇺🇸 United States

6 January 2025

Naoki was a great guide! We had just a day in Osaka so wanted to make sure we got the full immersion. He customized the tour for us, made sure we were comfortable with travel plans and picked us up from the station. He speaks great English and had lots of fun facts and cultural info to share. Great guide!

Natan

1 January 2025

What a pleasure it was to tour various Osaka neighborhoods and sample local specialties with an interesting, kind and engaging Osaka native. Naoki steered us through the market where we tried fugu, and to simple and authentic local restaurants specializing in cabbage pancakes, octopus fritters and kashi-katsu (panko-breaded skewers). It was all delicious. He shared his knowledge and personal experience of Buddhist and Shinto beliefs and practices, and of what makes Osaka special and how it got this way. He ably accommodated our shopping requests on the fly, too. What made Naoki a truly outstanding guide was not just his expertise and comfortable communication skills, but his ability to exude compassion and patience in all interactions, quickly making everyone at ease with him. Naoki’s enthusiasm for Osaka was infectious, and as a result our day was filled with delicious food, laughter, and spectacular views. Our whole family (two high-schoolers and two college students) enjoyed our time with him very much and would strongly recommend him to other families.

Lucinda🇦🇺 Australia

1 January 2025

We were a group of two families travelling together for the first time to Osaka. I cannot recommend Naoki enough! It was a fabulous introduction to the culture and food of Japan. Naoki has excellent English and was extremely knowledgeable but also made the tour fun for the teenagers. Don’t hesitate to hook this. Excellent experience. The best tour with Naoki!

Marjolein

30 December 2024

Great experience!

Kara🇯🇵 Japan

28 December 2024

We had a great time touring Osaka with Naoki! He did a great job explaining the history and cultural aspects. Naoki provided the most thorough explanation that we've heard of Shinto traditions. He was great with my three kids and very flexible. He went above and beyond ensuring we knew where to get to our next stop after the tour. Top marks and happily recommend his tour!Wonderful tour!

becci🇭🇰 Hong Kong

21 December 2024

My husband and I did the 3 hour 10 tastes of Osaka walk with Naoki. He was a fantastic, knowledgeable and professional guide. We had a great time visiting 3 restaurants with him, eating great food and learning more about local culture and history. He gave us insight into the city and its food which we could not have got without a local. He's a warm and attentive host. Highly recommended. A warm and knowledgeable host

Norm🇮🇲 Isle of Man

21 December 2024

We had a very enjoyable and informative time with Naoki in Osaka. We were travelling with three children, including a toddler which can be tricky and off putting to some guides, but Naoki was extremely helpful and understanding. We even had to stop him from carrying our stroller 😀. Naoki had a very deep knowledge of Osaka and Japan in general, answering all our questions precisely. Very personable and efficient, not just during the tour but in the lead up to our arrival too. Highly highly recommended. Enjoyable time in Osaka

Ken🇦🇺 Australia

15 December 2024

Family of four (with 2 late teens sons). We booked an Osaka to Kyoto day trip, and Osaka Highlights and Hidden Gem the next day with Naoki. Our sons commented that Naoki felt like a cousin from overseas taking us around. Apart from Naomi’s local knowledge and experience, his genuine warmth and kindness made this a memorable experience! Like travelling with your local cousin

Rod🇬🇧 United Kingdom

13 December 2024

We had a wonderful 5 hour Osaka tour with Naoki who struck the right balance between being informative and charming. We hit all the high spots in Osaka - literally with the sky tower and castle and also with the fun of local places to eat, particularly many of the delights of the fish market. Naoki was an exceptional guide and clearly a warm and engaging person. You won’t regret asking him to guide you around Osaka. Thank you Naoki - Highly recommended

Toby

4 December 2024

Our tour with Naoki was absolutely brilliant! The man is a legend and couldn’t do enough for us. Naoki went the extra mile every chance he could. The tour was well thought out and not a dull moment for the whole 3 hours! Please book with Naoki we cannot rate this man highly enough! Thank you Naoki for a wonderful evening! Dont miss out!

Pip

3 December 2024

Naoki was so pleasant and informative - he genuinely loves his home town and sharing it with visitors. We learned a lot both about Osaka and the Japanese people, as well as ate some delicious bites at his favorite local eateries. We especially appreciated that he helped us navigate having a few pescatarians in our group, and my personal favorite was the gyoza shop! Thank you, Naoki!Your friend in Osaka!

Linda🇺🇸 United States

1 December 2024

Great day of touring! Easy to communicate with and he listened to our wishes. He was very professional and punctual. He delivered what he promised and went out of his way to accommodate with spontaneous requests. Had a wonderful time and would definitely use him as a guide if we ever return to Osaka. Perfect English as well. Great half day with Naoki in Osaka

Alexandra🇺🇸 United States

21 November 2024

We had an incredible tour with Naoki. He is so nice and SO knowledgeable. Also he is passionate about sharing his home country with others which really shows. Great guide, I would definitely recommend him.Amazing!

James🇬🇧 United Kingdom

19 November 2024

Both my wife and me had an incredible tour with our brilliant host Naoki, who had a fantastic sense of humour as well. We'd asked for an off the beaten path of Osaka and oh did Naoki deliver!! We saw areas and local spots that we'd not have found in a million years, getting to see the temple that arranges the yearly fireworks festival and hearing awesome facts that we'd never have known, truly made us feel special. We can't recommend Naoki enough and hope to get to meet again!! Have it your way and an amazing time too!

Nathan🇵🇹 Portugal

13 November 2024

My wife & I had a wonderful evening with Naoki and would recommend his tour to anyone interested in Osaka’s street food scene. Naoki is a very kind person who is generous with his knowledge of local history. He took us to several spots that he said he goes to regularly with his own friends and by the end of the night it felt like we were friends too. Very happy to have found this tour and to have these memories. Thank you, Naoki!

hutton.chris🇨🇦 Canada

13 November 2024

Naoki was a great host, and showed us some wonderful local places for some great food. More importantly though, the stops we made between locations and conversations with Naoki are what made the night special. We learned so much about Osaka and Japanese culture from him, which had eluded us in the first 2 weeks of our time in Japan. We would highly recommend you take any tour with Naoki. We definitely will again when we return.More than just a food tour

Diane🇺🇸 United States

12 November 2024

We couldn’t have asked for a better guide for a day in Osaka. Naoki is a delightful person, and speaks perfect English. And he is a true local. He has a great understanding of history as well as current culture and politics. He was wonderful in answering our questions, and showing us things that were particular to our interests. He showed us so many iconic as well as unusual places, and had so many interesting stories. We highly recommend him!A wonderful day with Naoki

Dan🇺🇸 United States

27 October 2024

Naoki was a great host. He was communicative before our trip, on time the day of, spent more than the allotted time with us, answered all of our questions, and offered to continue to be a resource for us after we left Osaka. He was very flexible with our dietary preferences and interests. We recommend him highly.Great Guide

nick 🇬🇧 United Kingdom

15 October 2024

Naoki was a brilliant host. A proud Osakan, he showed his passion for the food and history of his native city and took us to restaurants and eating places where the locals dine. He was generous with his time and the quality of the food we tried was outstanding. Without doubt this was one of the highlights of our holiday and Naoki’s friendly personality was the reason it was so memorable. We can’t recommend him highly enough.A fascinating, fun, foodie tour

Anne🇺🇸 United States

13 October 2024

we were lucky to choose Naoki as our guide for 2 days in Japan. He is very smart and has a great fund of historical and cultural knowledge. His English is perfect as he spent time in the UK. We so enjoyed spending time with Naoki- he is gracious, fun and energetic. He was flexible and let us change our Osaka food tour a bit to include some other highlights. if you are able to book him to be your guide, consider yourself very lucky! Anne K. Chicagofabulous guide in Kyoto and Osaka

Gabriele🇦🇺 Australia

13 October 2024

We had a great afternoon walking tour with Noaki. It was our first day in Osaka so we discovered the everyday Osaka including the longest covered shopping street in Japan, the Dontonburi and some old Osaka with two temple visits and the castle. Noaki had in-depth knowledge of all sites and was very helpful with some shopping tips which he sent the details of after the tour. He is a lovely and considerate person with a friendly and gentle manner. He went well over time when we were meant to finish. I would definitely book Noaki again on our next trip. 20 out of 10!Osaka highlights

Katie

30 September 2024

Words cannot express how much our group of 5 loved our experience with Naoki. He went above and beyond to make sure we had the best possible day in Osaka, even taking us to specialty shops off the tourist track for souvenir purchases we hadn’t checked off our list. We were seconds away from buying him tickets and hotel rooms to spend the rest of our trip with us. We hope his wife appreciates the good thing she’s got because all five of us are willing to drop everything for Naoki. best experience ever!!!!!!!

Melanie🇺🇸 United States

24 September 2024

Naoki took us on an incredible 3 hour tour of Osaka (not just food but also a temple and shrine as well). The food was excellent and showcased his favorite local spots, and also he is so knowledgeable and we had wonderful conversations. Naomi is excellent. Highly recommend!Amazing food tour

Madeleine🇺🇸 United States

21 September 2024

Our group of 3 went on an evening walking food tour with Naoki and it was our favorite experience of our entire trip! Naoki was SO lovely and made the tour so enjoyable. We loved that he had a great balance between telling us about the history of the area we were walking through and sharing more about the culture of Osaka. The 4 spots we went to for our tastings (3 restaurants + 1 dessert place) were DELICIOUS and each unique in their setting and food choice(s). Naoki ordered for us (which was wonderful) and each meal was so tasty; I also think I'll forever dream about the matcha ice cream + custard pastry that we had for dessert. Naoki made us feel safe, welcomed, and at ease; he was an absolutely wonderful guide. Would recommend every time! Our favorite tour in Japan!!

erika🇧🇪 Belgium

11 September 2024

Naoki spreekt vlot Engels. Hij heeft ons geweldige plaatsen laten zien. Hij is zeer sympathiek. Beste gids ooit!

Stacey🇺🇸 United States

8 September 2024

Naoki was such a great tour guide! He is very personable, speaks good English, very accommodating, and informative of the areas we toured. His tour that he did with us was fun because he mixed in the culture of Osaka and the local food. I highly recommend Naoki for your tour of Osaka.Great Osaka Tour

Frank🇨🇭 Switzerland

21 August 2024

We have had many guides on various trips, but we can honestly say that the day with Naoki in Nara was on of the best. Naoki is not only knowledgeable and friendly, but also a true gentleman. He made our day in Nara an unforgettable experience. Many thanks Naoki!Don’t miss a tour with Naoki!

Andrea🇩🇪 Germany

19 August 2024

We spend a wonderful evening with Naoki! He was so friendly, gave us so much information about Osaka and the japanese culture, showed us local restaurants and food. Also our daughter, 11 years old, was very enthusiastic ! He speaks perfect british english ! It was a pleasure to go on tour with him ;-)!Amazing foodtour with Naoki

Elien

3 August 2024

Naoki is a born and raised Osakan who studied in England. He seems to know everything and can explain it in an interesting way (and in clear, understandable English). He's also fun to be around. One of the best guides I've ever had and I've had many. We had a great time!The best!

Kevin🇧🇪 Belgium

31 July 2024

Naoki was great. No effort was too much for him. Communicates very clearly in English, which is very pleasant when it is not your native language. Book him, you won’t be disappointed !

Lisa🇺🇸 United States

15 July 2024

Naoki was such an amazing guide! He met us with a huge smile and showed us the exciting food stalls of Shisekai and Dotonbori. Naoki was very considerate of my hubby's slower pace and told us interesting facts and stories about each area. Naoki took us to a quiet acne serene temple in the middle of Dotonbori. He also offered to take many photos of us, which was a bonus, since we don't have many photos of the both of us. We had takoyaki, okonomiyaki and a refreshing drink at a delicious food establishment at the end of the tour. Naoki even took us to Osaka station and ensured we knew how to get back to our hotel in Kobe before parting ways. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour with Naoki and will refer him to our friends and family, and will request him on our next visit to Japan. Awesome tour with Naoki : )

Tammy🇺🇸 United States

30 June 2024

Naoki was an AMAZING tour guide for our Osaka Tasting tour. Not only did he take us to some amazing restaurants and he also shared wonderful information about Osaka and the culture in the area. Highly recommend you book with Naoki!Osaka Tasting Tour

mduckett394🇬🇧 United Kingdom

15 June 2024

My friend and I had a wonderful evening tour of Osaka with Naoki. He is a great tour guide, imparting excellent local knowledge. We saw some amazing sights in Osaka on our tour and would highly recommend Naoki.Wonderful tour with Naoki

Karen🇺🇸 United States

10 June 2024

My family was lucky enough to experience "10 tastings of Osaka" with Naoki. He took us through Shin-Sekai, Dontonbori, and Samba area in Osaka. Naoki is from Osaka and took us to 3 amazing restaurants and 1 food stand. He not only taught us about the food, but he also took us to some popular spots and temples where he taught us about the history. He was very knowledgeable about all things Osaka. We learned so much on this tour and came out with a better understanding of their culture and history. I can't imagine coming to Osaka and not doing this experience. Naoki was so generous and fun. He was an excellent host and I highly recommend any tour with him. Naoki, Thank you so much for this amazing experience and generosity.Amzazing Experience

Richard🇬🇧 United Kingdom

4 June 2024

We chose Naoki by pure luck, we’re so grateful, he was enthusiastic and knowledgeable, we could not have had a better tour, we ate in 4 separate spots with drinks in each and Naoki’s local knowledge was invaluable. If you are coming to Osaka or surrounding areas choose Naori. His English is amazing, Manchester accent is amazing!Best Guide Ever

Caren🇺🇸 United States

23 May 2024

Our tour with Naoki was both fun and educational! He was also kind , patient and generous with his time and knowledge. We all so enjoyed the tour and our time spent with Naoki.Kind and knowledgeable tour guide!