Osaka Sightseeing Tour Description

Osaka sights, authentic Osaka neighborhoods and harbor views while hopping from island to island on Osaka’s intricate river systems, anyone? Our Harbor Cycling tour goes beyond the city and at 40km it’s long enough to get a workout and short enough to make it back for afternoon tea.

The RBRJ Osaka Harbor Cycling Tour tour starts on the lovely Oo River outside of RBRJ at Kema Sakuranomiya Park before following the riverside cycle path up to the Kema lock gate on the Yodo River. The riverside cycle paths of the Oo River and Yodo River, gives the rider a chance to get use to riding a Road Bike without any traffic around. 

After a nice 5 kilometer stretch along the Yodo River, we cross over to the North side of the Yodo River, taking in the impressive views of both the river and Osaka from the Sugahara Shirokita Oohashi Bridge. (FYI: The Yodo River and its cycle path can lead cyclists all the way up to Kyoto and beyond.)

As we make our way back along the north side of the Yodo River, we take in a nice panoramic view of the forever changing cityscape of Osaka’s commercial and business hub, Umeda. The stand out landmark here is, the Umeda Sky building. 

Leaving the Yodo River, we weave our way across to Universal Studios and the first of our mini ferry rides. Before boarding, you’ll have a great view of the big ferris wheel at Tempozan and the Osaka Aquarium. Not so easy to see is Japan’s smallest mountain, Mount Tenpo.

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Some pictures from the tour

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After a quick coffee and cookie break at 9 Borden, we begin the hardest climb of the day, over the Namihaya Bridge. It’s a tough climb but you are rewarded with a wonderful 360 degree view of Osaka and its harbor. This is followed a walk up the Chitose Bridge and a roll down into the quaint Kitamura Minami Park. Check out the kids artwork along the way.

After the park, we weave our way over to the second mini-ferry ride to cross the Kizu River. From the other side, we begin making our way over to the Tsutenkaku Tower through the gritty streets and shopping arcades of Nishinari. The Tsutenkaku tower offers a glimpse of the post-war economic boom and is surrounded by Shinsekai which harks back to an older, local and very authentic Osaka.

Leaving Shinsekai, it’s time for a temple and the delightful Shitennoji, with its 5-story pagoda and turtle filled ponds. The road then leads us north to Osaka’s main attraction, Osaka Castle. With its impressive walls and surrounding moats, cycling through the castle grounds in a great way to complete the tour before the final ride along the Oo River back to RBRJ HQ.

What’s included in the RBRJ Osaka Harbor Cycling Tour

Cycling Route

Details

Distance: 45.9km
Elevation Gain: +314m/-315m
View on Strava >

To read more about the area and alternative routes please see our Osaka Harbor Cycling Guide and Route.

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Keep these in mind

Cancellation policy

Any tour booking can be cancelled and fully refunded up to 5pm of the previous day that the tour will start. If you cancel after 5pm of the day before, we offer a 50% refund.

Guest requirements

Guests must be at least 145cm in height. We unfortunately don’t have bikes for people shorter than 145cm. Ability to ride a bike and basic fitness is also required. The route is fine for beginners but we will cycle up a couple of hills.

Payment

We kindly request that all bookings and payments be made through our website. In some cases we can accept cash payment at our shop but get in touch in advance.

Questions

If you have any questions about the tour, the guides or Road Bike Rental Japan please get in touch via email or social media and we’ll be happy to help.