12 Trip-Defining Activities in Osaka and Kyoto

Welcome to Kansai, where the fun is frenetic and once-in-a-lifetime experiences come thick and fast! The historical heart of Japan, Kyoto and Osaka are Kansai's major cities and have always been a gateway to the best parts of Japanese culture, food, and history.

Whether you’re touring sights or trying sweets, there’s bound to be an experience here that will surprise you. Choose one of these awesome activities as the highlight of your time in Osaka and Kyoto.

12 Unique Activities in Osaka and Kyoto

1. Double Decker Bus Tour of Osaka's Best Sights
2. Authentic Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience
3. The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka
4. Eclectic Evening Food Tour in the Dotonbori Area of Osaka
5. Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Osaka
6. Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Tour
7. Maiko Dance with Dinner in Kyoto
8. Wagashi Japanese Sweets Making Experience in Kyoto
9. Ikebana Lesson in Kyoto with Lunch
10. Wear an Authentic Silk Kimono in a Kyoto Machiya Townhouse
11. Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono Dressing at a Cultural Heritage Site
12. Koto Music Lesson for All Ages in Kyoto

1. Double Decker Bus Tour of Osaka's Best Sights

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Japan does everything by way of public travel. So, what better way to view the sites of Osaka than from atop a double-decker bus that glides through the bustling streets?

Explore Osaka's top sights with a convenient bus tour featuring a multi-lingual audio guide in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Korean.

Choose from morning or afternoon departures to visit landmarks like Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, and more.

Ideal for families with small children, seniors, or those preferring not to walk long distances, this tour allows you to enjoy Osaka's best attractions comfortably from your bus seat on one easy ticket.

2. Authentic Osaka-Style Okonomiyaki Cooking Experience

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Did you know Osaka is a Japanese city famous for its food made from flour? In fact, nothing hits the spot quite like the fluffy batter of Osaka’s soul food, okonomiyaki—a hearty treat bursting with flavor and smothered in savory sauce!

Join a friendly cooking class near Shinsaibashi and try the culinary delights of Osaka. Guests will learn to make Osaka's famous food, the umami-packed pancake, okonomiyaki.
With helpful English assistance, you'll master the art of this delicious treat while making new friends along the way.

Enjoy a warm, welcoming environment as you cook, share and savor the authentic flavors of Osaka.

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3. The Sumo Hall Hirakuza Osaka

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Athleticism, pageantry, and tradition are all prominent qualities of sumo, Japan's most well-known domestic sport. These athletes are more than big guys -- they undergo years of training and a strict diet!
Experience the thrill of sumo wrestling at Hirakuza, an entertainment hall where you can enjoy a meal while watching exciting performance matches by former sumo wrestlers.

Learn about the culture, history, and rules of sumo in English before witnessing intense sumo matches and practice bouts to fully appreciate your experience.
Guests can even step into the ring to interact with the wrestlers, try sumo exercises, and capture memorable photos with these mighty athletes.

4. Eclectic Evening Food Tour in the Osaka's Dotonbori Area

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Known for its nightlife, Dotonbori has no shortage of eateries for the hungry traveler. Osaka's best street food, Michelin-rated venues, and local dives line these lively streets. But, you'll have to join this night-time food tour if you want to taste them all!

Explore Osaka’s food scene on a guided food tour of Dotonbori, starting with its bright lights and the iconic photo-op spot, the
Glico man sign. Savor Michelin Guide-recognized takoyaki, hidden izakayas, and quirky, themed bars off the beaten path.

Enjoy one of Osaka's famous fried dishes, kushikatsu (deep-fried meat and veggie skewers), as well as tempura, and sukiyaki.

Your guide will lead you to eccentric bars, each offering a unique vibe. You will finish your gastronomic adventure with a taste of a local dessert.

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5. Kyoto and Nara Day Trip from Osaka

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One great thing about Osaka is its proximity to other major cities, which are filled with authentic culture, ancient traditions, and historical sites.

Experience the scenic beauty of Kansai with a day tour to Kyoto and Nara, where you'll visit iconic landmarks like Kinkaku-ji (Aka The Golden Pavillion or Golden Temple), Fushimi Inari Shrine, and Nara Park.

This trip leads visitors beneath the vibrant red of Fushimi Inari's one-thousand gate path to enjoy Kyoto's historic tofu cuisine at a century-old restaurant.

In Nara, meet the friendly deer of Nara Park and marvel at the majestic Daibutsu, a giant Buddha statue in the UNESCO heritage site, Todaiji Temple.

6. Sagano Romantic Train and Hozugawa River Boat Tour

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Though you won't see it on many tourist guides, a stunning river runs through the heart of Kyoto. Experiencing the area through its waterways is one of the best experiences to have in Kyoto.

Visitors can enjoy the colors of the seasons as a retro train carries passengers on a leisurely ride from Saga Station to Kameoka Station.

From there, hop on a traditional rowboat boat and marvel at the natural scenery while heading down the Hozugawa River. The river's breathtaking scenery is made even more exciting by some thrilling rapids along the way.

After spending plenty of time in nature, wrap up the day with free time to explore the scenic beauty of Arashiyama.

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7. Maiko Dance with Dinner and Kyoto Night View Tour

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The traditional shows of Japan’s performing class have always been a travel highlight for visitors. These intimate experiences are one of the first activities people think of when planning a visit to Japan.

Complete your time in Kyoto with a mesmerizing maiko dance performance and a traditional kaiseki meal at Shozan Japanese Gardens.

After the graceful performance, snap a photo with the maiko and conclude your evening by visiting Mount Higashiyama, where the lights of modern Kyoto illuminate the ancient city below.

Please note that other than the audio guide on the bus, this tour is conducted only in Japanese.

8. Wagashi Japanese Sweets Making Experience in Kyoto

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Wagashi (Japanese sweets) are delicate, artful morsels that reflect the beauty of nature and the seasons. These sweets are traditionally served as part of tea ceremonies and are all hand-crafted… by you!

Unleash your creativity by making traditional nerikiri wagashi. Visitors use high-quality ingredients and colorful dough made from sweetened bean paste, just like the pros.

You'll create two designs, such as delicate seasonal flowers or simple, rounded shapes while learning about the aesthetic beauty and cultural significance of Kyoto-style wagashi.

After making these edible works of art, enjoy photographing your creations. For an additional 500 yen, guests can enjoy their sweets onsite with a traditional serving of matcha.

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9. Ikebana (Japanese Flower Arrangement) Lesson in Kyoto with Lunch

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What could be better than studying the delicate handiwork of flower arrangement in Kyoto, Japan's cultural mecca? Having a lunch included, of course.

Experience the art of Gomei-ryu Ikebana in Kyoto with a deep dive into the art form's history and practical flower-arranging exercises guided by an instructor.

Afterward, enjoy a kaiseki bento from a premium local restaurant to complete your cultural immersion. This experience introduces guests to traditional Japanese aesthetics through art and cuisine.

Capture memories with a souvenir photo session and receive valuable feedback on your Ikebana creations.

10. Wear an Authentic Silk Kimono in a Historical Kyoto Machiya Townhouse

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Star in your own slice of period drama as you don a silk kimono for this experience at a Kyoto Machiya Townhouse.

Immerse yourself in Kyoto's cultural heritage with a silk kimono dressing experience.  Friendly staff will assist you in putting on the elegant, traditional kimono, ensuring you look stunning and feel comfortable throughout your Kyoto adventure.

After donning several layers and learning to appreciate the complex art of kimono, guests will pose for photos in a 130-year-old machiya! Have your picture taken while strolling among picturesque Japanese gardens in classical attire to capture unforgettable moments in a historical setting.

Explore the intricate details of machiya Tomitaya's architecture and furnishings while learning about the traditional machiya lifestyle. Experience the customs and traditions of Kyoto's merchant families firsthand, which have been passed down through generations and offer a glimpse into the authentic lives of Kyoto's people. 

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11. Kyoto Tea Ceremony with Kimono Dressing at a Cultural Heritage Site, Tondaya

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Tea ceremonies are a true highlight for any cultural connoisseur. They are moving, tranquil events that have been enjoyed for generations.

Experience the serene art of the tea ceremony in a 130-year-old Kyoto machiya, Tondaya, while dressed in an exquisite kimono. Even local Japanese visitors look forward to such a chance for authentic cultural immersion and unforgettable photos.

Step into the tranquil atmosphere of a machiya while observing traditional customs.

Guests remove their shoes upon entry, pass through the traditional doors, and enjoy the tatami-floored room, all to set the stage for a genuine Japanese tea ceremony experience.

With expert guidance, guests take part in the ritual of preparing and appreciating matcha tea. Relax in the tea room's carefully detailed space while taking in the peaceful atmosphere of the machiya. During the ceremony, experts will share insights into tea's rich history and significance in Japanese culture

12. Koto Music Lesson for All Ages in Kyoto

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What is the sound of Japan? Participate in this class to learn for yourself!
Plucking the strings of a beautiful koto harp while in the heart of Kyoto is the closest you can get to time-traveling back to classical Japan.

Discover the harmonious melodies of the traditional Japanese koto in the old capital's serene ambiance. Whether solo or in a group, practiced instructors will help you immerse in spellbinding music of the koto. Guests learn to play the folk tune "Sakura" with expert guidance and all necessary equipment provided.

Engage in a cultural experience that transcends language barriers as you pluck the strings of the 13-stringed koto, practicing the delicate art of playing an ancient Japanese instrument.
Perfect for beginners, this koto experience in Kyoto offers a unique opportunity to delve into Japanese musical heritage by creating beautiful sounds with the iconic string instrument in a peaceful setting.

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Enjoy Your Time in Osaka and Kyoto

The western part of Japan is filled with amazing experiences for both first-time and seasoned travelers. Whether you’re deeply interested in culture, the beauty of the scenery or want to discover authentic ways of life in Japan - these tours have you covered.

Take advantage of the provided links for easy booking; there’s never been a better time to start your Kansai travel plans!

Main image by Pixta