Osaka Duck Tour

Osaka was once called the city of water, latticed by rivers like the lines of a net. While many have been filled today, waterways still all but hug the city center, setting the stage for picturesque illuminations along the bridges and neighboring buildings. With the Osaka Duck Tour you can enjoy all the sights and more of the former city of water, by riding a bus across land and water.

The cruise course form Mar. 20th to the end of Nov. runs for 45 min. on land and cruises for 30 min. From December to March 19th. You can ride on land for 30 min. and cruise the sights along the water for 30 min.

After leaving the River Station Hachikenya near Tenmabashi Station, you’ll first swing by sights like Osaka Prefectural Government Building Main Building, the oldest government office building still used in Japan today and Osaka Castle, built in 1583 by Toyotomi Hideyoshi. From there you’ll make your way to Sakuranomiya and down the slope before splashing into Ogawa River. The duck boat will shift into cruise-mode and ferry you to Osaka Mint Bureau, known for making the medals used in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, and the Nagano 1998 Winter Olympics. If everything is timed just right you might even catch a glimpse of the Nakanoshima fountain! Afterwards, there’s a special spot for you to snap all 3 of the Naniwa Bridges, Tenmabashi, Tenjin Bridge and Naniwa “Lion” Bridge all at once. You’ll finally make your way back on land to cut across Tenjinbashi-suji Shotengai, the largest shpping arcade in Japan, to reach your final destination. Your exact tour route my differ slightly based on the water height of Ogawa River.

One special treat on this tour is the unique chats given by your guide. Don’t miss there rare chance to enjoy so many of Osaka’s greatest hits from both the land AND water!