Travel Guides Recap: Best Things to Do in Japan (Osaka and Kyoto)

Konnichiwa! The ‪Travel Guides experience some of the best things to do in Japan – one of the hottest travel destinations right now! From bustling Osaka to historical Kyoto, they got a taste for the country's fantastic food, culture, and unique activities. ‬

And, if you haven’t heard already, Travel Money Oz Currency Pass is the official currency card of the Travel Guides, so we’ve been recapping their adventures each episode! You can have a squiz at our previous recap blogs here.

Without further ado, let’s jump into what the Travel Guides got up to in Japan!

Where can I get Japanese Yen?

Just before we recap the Travel Guides' Japanese holiday highlights, let’s talk shop for a moment.

The official currency of Japan is the Japanese Yen (JPY), and while travel cards, like our Currency Pass, are accepted throughout the country, cash is still widely used, so you will need some Yen in your wallet.

Lucky for you, we’ve got all the Yen you need, and multiple ways to get your hands on it, including same-day delivery or click-and-collect, or come swap currencies and travel stories in one of our Travel Money Oz stores Australia-wide.

Travel Guides’ Japan Holiday Highlights

From go-karting around the streets of Osaka to making traditional matcha tea in Kyoto, the Travel Guides only scratched the surface of the endless things to experience in Japan.

Let's find out what they did!

Go-Kart Around Osaka in Japanese Style

Go-karts? Pikachu onesies? Let’s go!

If you’ve ever researched fun things to do in Japan, this must-do activity is likely one of the first to pop up!

The Travel Guides donned character onesies, buckled in, and go-karted along the streets of Osaka – even high-fiving with the locals! While a little nervous to be out amongst the traffic, the Guides enjoyed the unique experience.

COST:

Street Kart Osaka starts from about ¥12138 per person (approx. AUD $130).

Explore the Shinsekai District

Translated to ‘New World,’ in Japanese, the Shinsekai District is brimming with nostalgic charm and modern motifs. The district was modernised after 1903 with the Northern end of Shinsekai modelled after Paris, with the Southern area made to look like Coney Island in New York!

The area is also dotted with a smiling doll symbol called the Billiken – a symbol of good luck popular among merchants. The Guides soaked up the culture of the area, spotted Billiken’s, and stopped in to grab some sweet treats from the many traditional vendors along the way.

COST:

It is free to explore the Shinsekai District.

Head to the top of the Tsutenkaku Tower

Right in the heart of the Shinsekai District is the Tsutenkaku Tower – a treasured symbol of Osaka for locals. Rebuilt in 1956 and standing at 103 metres tall, the tower is hard to miss, especially at night, with its retro, neon signage.

The Guides made their way to the top of the tower and out to the glass-floored observatory deck to get a stunning view of the city.

COSTS:

Tower entry is about ¥933 per person (approx. AUD $10) and an additional ¥280 per person (approx. AUD $3) to enter the outdoor observation deck.

Try Traditional Japanese Food at Kuromon Market

Dubbed the ‘kitchen of Japan,’ the Kuromon Market has around 150 shops that sell fish, meat, traditional sweets, and souvenirs. It’s a must-visit for foodies, and a perfect place to get a taste of Japan’s signature cuisines and street food.

The Travel Guides were led around the marketplace by an expert tour guide who gave them the low-down on traditional Japanese dishes and recommendations on what to branch out and try, including sushimi.

COSTS:

Kuromon Market is free to enter and walk around.
Osaka Joner Market Tours start from about ¥5882 per person (approx. AUD $63).

Discover the Nightlife of Dotonbori

One of the best places to explore Osaka at night is Dotonbori – Osaka’s answer to Times Square. With hundreds of hidden bars and clubs, bright neon signs, unique activities, and endless food options, Dotonbori is a district that seemingly never sleeps.

The Travel Guides walked around the district, stopping by the iconic Glico Running Man sign, and soaking up the vibrant culture.

To level up the action, the Guides popped into Crash Box Shinsaibashi to you guessed it…smash things! Armed with safety gear, a bat, and very smashable items in a room, they learned how to release stress the Japanese way – a very cathartic experience!

COSTS:

Dotonbori is free to enter and walk around.
Crash Box Shinsaibashi starts from ¥4855 per person for a 15-minute session (approx. AUD $52).

Make Traditional Matcha Tea in Kyoto

Next on their Japanese adventure, the Travel Guides caught a quick 15-minute train ride to Kyoto. Interestingly, Kyoto served as Japan’s capital city from 794 until 1868, when Tokyo took the crown.

The Guides’ first pit stop in Kyoto was the Asakusa District to experience a 1000-year-old Japanese tradition – matcha tea making.

They got dressed up in traditional kimonos and made their way to Maikoya Karasuma Shijo teahouse to take part in the ceremony of making matcha tea.

COST:

The Maikoya kimono tea ceremony starts from around ¥7003 per person (approx. AUD $75).

Ride Around the Arashiyama District and Bamboo Groves

The Arishiyama District is situated on the western outskirts of Kyoto and is a popular tourist hotspot with its landmarks such as Togetsukyo Bridge and Bamboo Groves, restaurants, and shops.

To cover more ground, the Travel Guides hopped into rickshaws and were pedalled around Kyoto, learning about the city's rich culture and history from their driver-guides along the way. They loved the experience, especially riding through the peaceful 20-metre Bamboo Groves!

COST:

30-minute Ebisuya Rickshaw tours start from around ¥9897 for two people (approx. AUD $106).

Become a Ninja Warrior in Kyoto

Want to become a ninja for the day? Who wouldn’t!

Next on the itinerary, the Travel Guides headed to the Samurai and Ninja Museum to suit up and learn the tricks of the trade. The hands-on experience taught the Guides how to master ninja skills like shuriken throwing and blowgun techniques, while wearing traditional ninja attire.

They enjoyed the unique experience that mixed education with interactive fun.

COST:

The Maikoya Ninja Experience costs from ¥5822 per person (approx. AUD $63)

Eat a Bowl of Flaming Ramen

If there’s one cuisine you have to try while you’re in Japan, it’s ramen. At Kyoto’s hottest ramen restaurant (pun intended!), Menbaka, the dish is dramatically set alight right before your eyes to enhance the flavour and aroma.

The Travel Guides were blown away as their steaming bowls of ramen were set ablaze in front of them – a unique experience they won’t forget. If you love ramen, this is an experience you should add to your itinerary!

COST:

Fire ramen dishes at Menbaka start from ¥3300 (approx. AUD $35).

Fall in Love at Nara Deer Park

Last on the Travel Guides Japanese adventure was the city of Nara, a 45-minute train ride from Kyoto. Nara is known for its temples, shrines, and the 14,000 sacred wild deer who wander around the streets and sites.

They made their way to Nara Park, a tranquil hotspot for seeing the adorable deer. Deer crackers can be purchased around the park, and some deer have even learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed! Karly and Bri described the park as like stepping into a Disney movie, and we can see why!

While in Nara, they popped into Tōdai-ji Temple, which is home to the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue – a must while you’re visiting the city.

COST:

Nara Park is free to visit!
Entry to Tōdai-ji Temple starts from about ¥1120 per person (approx. AUD $12)

Top Japan Travel Tips

By now, you're probably reaching for your passport and locking in flights to Japan. Before you jet off, we've rounded up a heap of handy Japan travel tips to save for your trip:

By Japanese law, you must carry your passport with you at all times for identification purposes. Having your passport on you might also help you score tax-free shopping!
If you plan to catch public transport around Japan, get yourself a Suica card to smoothly tap on and off at stations.
Speaking of public transport, it is super efficient in Japan, but it can be complex. Make sure to download Google Maps to see exact train lines, times, transfers, and platform numbers.
Respect silence and don’t eat on public transport – buses and trains are treated like quiet zones, and eating is considered disrespectful.
As we’ve mentioned above, Japan is still a very cash-friendly society, so make sure to carry Yen with you, as well as a Travel Money Oz Currency Pass. However, don’t tip – it can be interpreted as rude.
Don’t pass up on convenience store food! 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are brimming with delicious Japanese meals and snacks.
Before entering temples and even some restaurants, look out for signs asking you to take your shoes off.
Consider travel insurance that includes natural disaster cover. While earthquakes and typhoons are rare, they are possible, especially in autumn. Insurance is a smart safety net.
Always carry a small trash bag! Public bins are rare, so you’ll often need to carry your rubbish until you find one.
The weather can be a bit temperamental, so make sure to pack layers with you.
Learn a few basic phrases before you go. A simple “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you) or “sumimasen” (excuse me/sorry) goes a long way!

Want more Travel Guides in Japan?

Curious about what else the Travel Guides got up to on their Osaka and Kyoto adventures? Watch the latest episode on 9Now to get their full itinerary.

Check out our Travel Guides recap blogs:

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^{This blog is provided for information only and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation or needs. Travel Money Oz has sought to ensure that the information is true and correct at the time of publication (First Published July 15, 2025). Prices, details and services are subject to change without notice, and Travel Money Oz accepts no responsibility or liability for any such changes, including any loss resulting from any action taken or reliance made by you on any information provided. You should consider whether the information and suggestions contained in any blog entry are appropriate for you, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs. While we take reasonable care in providing the blog, we give no warranties or representations that it is complete or accurate or is appropriate for you. We are not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise, arising from use of, or reliance on, the information and/or suggestions contained in this blog. Daily Cost: All prices are approximations. Your costs may differ depending on where you go, where you shop, and their individual factors. Daily Budget: Costs are estimated per person and do not include accommodation. Terms and conditions apply to Best Price Guarantee, Rate Guard and Cash Commitment. See travelmoneyoz.com for more details.}

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Bob Dinero

<span>Not to be confused with famed actor Robert De Niro. Did you know he's played more villains than any other movie star? Not us though, we're heroes, your knight in shining coin

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Travel Guides Recap: Best Things to Do in Japan (Osaka & Kyoto)

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