Explore a side of Japan few tourists see. Discover Osaka’s gritty past and evolving culture in Shinsekai, Nishinari, and Tobita Shinchi—on this eye-opening and informative walking tour.

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Highlights

Explore the hidden and lesser-known neighborhoods of Osaka with a local guide
Visit the city’s largest red-light district, Tobita Shinchi, and understand its place in modern Japan
Discover the Shinsekai district, inspired by Paris and New York in the early 1900s
Learn about the “getto” (ghetto) area of Nishinari and its working-class roots
See Tsutenkaku Tower and experience Osaka’s nostalgic charm at night

Full Description

This walking tour is designed for travelers who want to understand a deeper and more nuanced side of Japanese society. Led by a local guide, you’ll uncover Osaka’s unique history, including its marginalized districts and red-light area, often omitted from guidebooks.

Your journey begins in Shinsekai (meaning “New World”), a district developed in 1912 with ambitious Western influences. Modeled after Paris and Coney Island, Shinsekai once represented modern progress. Today, it’s a time capsule of Japan’s Showa era, known for its neon lights, standing bars, and retro charm.

Continue to Nishinari, a historically working-class neighborhood that was once home to Osaka’s day laborers. Over the years, it has slowly transformed into an area of interest for budget travelers and cultural explorers.

Visit Jyanjyan Yokocho, a nostalgic alleyway filled with old-school eateries and game arcades. The name comes from the sound of shamisen music and reflects the area’s deep roots in Osaka’s entertainment history.

The final stop is Tobita Shinchi, the largest and most famous red-light district in Osaka, with origins tracing back over a century. Its architecture and formal structure are unique in Japan, operating under strict local regulations. While the area remains discreet, the tour offers historical context and cultural insights into how it fits into Japan’s urban fabric.

This tour is a respectful and educational exploration of areas that reflect the complexities and contrasts of Japanese society.

Itinerary

Meeting Point:
Under the Giant Penguin in front of MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai
3 Chome-4-36 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka

Tour Stops:

Shinsekai District – 30 minutes
Nishinari Area – 30 minutes
Jyanjyan Yokocho – 10 minutes
Tobita Shinchi Red-Light District – 20 minutes
Tsutenkaku Tower (End Point) – 20 minutes

Duration: Approx. 1.5 hours
End Point: Tsutenkaku, Osaka

Pricing

From ¥3,200 per person

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Includes

English-speaking guide
Walking tour of Shinsekai, Nishinari, and Tobita Shinchi
Commentary on Osaka’s urban, social, and cultural history

Meeting Point

Under the Giant Penguin at MEGA Don Quijote Shinsekai
Look for a guide holding a “GetYourGuide” sign
Address: 3 Chome-4-36 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa Ward, Osaka, 556-0002, Japan

Reviews

“Very interesting and well worth the money to enjoy the history of Japan.”

“The tour was really great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the area and Japan in general. Highly recommend.”

“Enjoyed going to areas we wouldn’t normally visit, especially seeing the red-light district. A bit more time for photos would have been great.”

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