New Tourism ーOsakaー | Airbnb
Discover New Tourism in Osaka
Vibrant Osaka is known for its bright neon lights, giant billboards and, of course, its food. The 'kitchen of the nation' is famous for its street food, like kushikatsu (skewered pork cutlets) and konamono (flour-based comfort foods). But that's not the whole story – while you can still enjoy the better known sides of Osaka, the port city is energetically reinventing itself once more ahead of Expo 2025 Osaka. We’ve put together this guide to help you explore Osaka’s most exciting trends on your next trip.
What is New Tourism?
In recent years, new styles of tourism have developed all around the world. There’s the rise of the ‘workcation’, the desire for more sustainable travel, as well as the growth of home sharing. More than ever, we want to go off the beaten path when we travel, and get to know local culture as it really is. In Osaka, New Tourism looks like local traditions and culture reinvented by innovative entrepreneurs – café owners, artisans and sustainability pioneers.
What is New Tourism?
In recent years, new styles of tourism have developed all around the world. There’s the rise of the ‘workcation’, the desire for more sustainable travel, as well as the growth of home sharing. More than ever, we want to go off the beaten path when we travel, and get to know local culture as it really is. In Osaka, New Tourism looks like local traditions and culture reinvented by innovative entrepreneurs – café owners, artisans and sustainability pioneers.
Osaka's ‘New Tourism’ trends
Heritage high street × Virtual reality
Meet the man who’s spent his career preserving the history of Namba’s shops, while creating a viable future for the shopkeepers.
Konamono street food × Diversity
Discover konamono (flour-based dishes) in the famous Namba district, updated with a healthy, inclusive twist to suit all tastes.
Second-hand clothing x Stories
Learn about the fashion boutique that’s helping share the personal story behind each piece of second-hand clothing they sell.
Town factories x Upcycling
Be inspired by the young couple in Kujo reinventing the family metal factory by creating a beautiful workplace and repurposing scrap to make unique items.
Read New Tourism magazine
Discover Osaka’s trends and hidden gems through the stories of locals who are redefining what it means to welcome tourists.
Namba
Namba is known as one of Osaka’s most vibrant districts, famous for being a hub for shopping, street food and entertainment. Today this trendsetting area is reinventing itself once more.
West Downtown
West Downtown is located to the west of buzzing Namba and extends north to Kyomachibori, where you will find the lush greenery of Utsubo Park. This area is loved by locals for its characterful alleyways and vibrant small businesses.
Osaka sightseeing tips
Follow the example of those at the center of Osaka's new tourism and ensure our visit has a positive impact on Osaka's society, economy, community, and environment.
Shop for souvenirs
Support the shopping streets loved by locals and meet the friendly shopkeepers.
Stay at a private home
Stay in a Japanese home to experience life as a local and get a taste of daily life in Osaka.
Shop for one-of-a-kind vintage clothing
Do your bit for sustainable fashion while shopping for vintage clothing.
Get around without a car
Enjoy eco-friendly sightseeing by using the bike share scheme, and taking your bike on trains and buses.
Collaborative project between Airbnb and the Osaka City Shopping Streets Association
The Osaka City Shopping Streets Association was founded in 1941 to promote the economy and the stability of Osakans' consumer lifestyles. It has developed into one of the nation's leading business association organizations for the development of shopping districts and the improvement of the status of merchants.