The Experience
◆Juso - the hidden local town just a stone’s throw from the busy downtown
Juso is a unique local area favored by those “in the know”. Despite it being conveniently located right next to the busy Osaka city center, it is a hidden gem mostly unknown among foreign visitors.
It combines the leftover flare from the times when the night culture was booming, with a more modern vibe of urban development of recent years. It is a unique spot in Osaka, attracting young crowds as it continues to gradually modernize and revitalize.
This tour lets you experience the deeply rooted night culture still present in Juso as well as the hip and modern parts of the town, decorated by wall art masterpieces by various local and foreign artists.
・Tour schedule
17:00 Meet in front of the East exit of Juso Station
17:10 First restaurant
17:50 Walking tour of East Juso
18:20 Second restaurant
19:00 Walking tour of West Juso
19:30 Third restaurant
20:30 Conclude the tour in front of the West exit of Juso Station
※The stores visited as well as the menu are subject to change based on circumstances including but not limited to the store availability on day of the tour.
◆A unique atmosphere the moment you step outside the station
The tour starts at the East exit of Juso Station, just 3 minutes by train from the busy Umeda Station. As you exit the station, the first thing to grab your attention will be the local shopping arcade.
▼Meet your guide and start the tour
▼The guide will clue you in on the area so even first time visitors can rest easy
◆First restaurant
The first stop of the day is a local restaurant specialized in gyoza dumplings. Don't be fooled by the appearance of the restaurant; the dumplings on the signature menu are outstanding!
▼The bite-sized gyoza dumplings are easy to eat and popular among female customers
▼A toast with the famous highball from a kettle
▼The restaurant owner is easy to talk to and you can truly feel the sincerity of his character
◆Walking tour of East Juso
After you’ve had something delicious to start you off, we’ll head out and explore the East Juso area for a little bit. There are quite a few things to see in a short time, from quiet residential neighborhoods to local stores and dense back alleys.
▼As you make your way through the residential district suddenly colorful murals come into view
There are multiple murals to stop by and admire. The series of murals was a major project initiated by artists living in Juso.
The whole “Yodo Wall Project” is heavily based on the sentiment of the local artists toward Juso.
▼If the timing is right you might meet interesting locals
◆Second restaurant
At the second restaurant, you will get to enjoy high quality grilled meat.
▼The meal served here is a special menu custom tailored for this tour only
▼The friendly staff add to the whole experience
▼Enjoy the delicious high quality meat seasoned with interesting conversation with the staff
◆Walking tour of West Juso
On your way to the third restaurant you will venture into the West Juso. Divided by the station in the middle, it is unbelievable how different the two sides are.
▼Feel the atmosphere of old Japan, with cozy bars lining the narrow back streets
▼Many murals decorate parts of the west area
The Yodo Wall Project features not only local, but also foreign artists from various countries.
▼The guide will introduce not only the murals, but also the intentions of the respective artists
◆Third restaurant
The final stop of our bar hopping tour will be a popular local standing bar with cheery and chipper staff.
▼The famous charcoal-grilled chicken dishes are made right in front of your eyes
▼The special menu set designed specifically for this tour is just the right serving size
▼As a special treat, the owner of the bar will join in on the fun
◆Summary
This is an intense tour where you can enjoy the interaction with people who love their local community and the unique streetscape of Juso, where the old downtown culture meets contemporary mural street art.
Hop on and enjoy the tour, as we are sure it will make you fall in love with the unique Juso area!