Explore Osaka by vintage tram and dive into local life!

Known as the "nation's kitchen," Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city. Its bustling commercial vibe keeps the city lively at all times. Local dishes like okonomiyaki, takoyaki, udon, kushikatsu, and yōshoku (Western-style Japanese food) are everywhere. To sample these B-grade delights along the way, hop on a retro tram operated by Hankai Tramway for an authentic taste of local life!

The Hankai Tramway, boarding at "Tennoji-mae" in southern Osaka, is the last remaining streetcar in the Osaka area. This vintage tram has been running on Osaka streets since the 30th year of the Meiji era (1897). Since its route doesn’t pass through major tourist spots, most passengers are locals, offering a genuine glimpse into everyday Osaka life. The scenery along the way to Sumiyoshi is full of nostalgia, and even the small stations along the line have a retro charm.

Riding this old-fashioned tram that makes a nostalgic clanking sound will take you to another important spiritual site in Osaka — Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The Sumiyoshi deity is akin to the Chinese goddess Mazu, revered for protecting maritime travelers. As an island nation surrounded by sea, shrines dedicated to Sumiyoshi can be found throughout Japan. Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Taisha, with over 1,800 years of history, is the head shrine among all Sumiyoshi shrines in Japan. Having survived multiple damages and relocations, the current structures were built over 200 years ago. The First, Second, and Third Main Shrines are aligned in a straight line, each constructed in the unique “Sumiyoshi-zukuri” architectural style — the oldest form in Japanese shrine architecture history.

The most distinctive feature of Sumiyoshi-zukuri is its roof, made by layering cypress wood manually. The vivid red pillars contrast beautifully with the pure white walls, while the straight-line kirizuma-style entrances and the unique “Sumiyoshi torii” gate at the front of the shrine contribute to its traditional aesthetic, earning it the status of a national treasure. The vast shrine grounds also feature numerous cultural and natural highlights, including over 600 impressive stone lanterns. The reflection of the red Taiko Bridge on the water creates a captivating scene, once poetically referred to as the “reverse bridge” by famed author Yasunari Kawabata, adding to its allure.

Beyond riding the vintage tram, visitors looking to explore Osaka extensively can make great use of the incredibly good-value Osaka Amazing Pass. With just one card, you get unlimited access to Osaka’s municipal subway, buses, and private railways for a full day, plus free entry to Osaka’s most famous attractions. These include taking in panoramic views of the city from the Umeda Sky Building’s Floating Garden Observatory, cruising the waterways on a sightseeing boat, immersing yourself in the historic charm of Osaka Castle, or venturing into the fun-filled themed food park “Dotonbori Kuidaore Town” to savor authentic Osaka flavors. Nearly 70 attractions and restaurants also offer special discounts. Whether you're eating, drinking, shopping, or having fun, the pass lets you experience the rich and diverse sides of Osaka.

Read more: Osaka’s street food favorite — Takoyaki (provided by Tripass Attractions)