osaka walking tour

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THE 10 BEST Osaka Walking Tours

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1. Ultimate Osaka Walking Tour(Osaka Castle, Shinsekai, Dotonbori)

2. Osaka Local Foodie Walking Tour in Dotonbori and Shinsekai

3. Osaka Kickstart: Hotspots & Hidden Gems Tours(Private or Group)

4. Osaka Backstreet Night Tour

5. Osaka Bar Hopping Night Walking Tour in Namba

6. Osaka Half Day Private Tour with Local Guide

7. Hungry Osaka Street Food Tour (15 Dishes) - Feast Like a Local

8. Deep Backstreet Osaka Tours

9. Walking Tour of Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights, with Ramen for Lunch

10. A Tour to Explore the Symbol of Osaka: Osaka Castle

11. Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

12. Osaka Walking Tour

13. Kuromon Market Food Walking Tour in Osaka

14. Osaka Street Food Tour with a Local Foodie: Private & 100% Personalized

15. Absolute Osaka Food Tour

16. Osaka:Satisfy your taste with mouth watering dishes in Shinsekai

17. Osaka Highlight Private Tour: Osaka castle, Dotonbori, Namba etc.

18. 3/4/5 Hours Private Tour in Osaka with Local Guide

19. Hidden Osaka - Yukaku Red Light Tour & Culinary Adventure

20. Best Deep Osaka Nighttime Food-n-Fun with Locals (6 or less!)

21. PRIVATE 4-Hour Best of Osaka Local Walk with Castle

22. Minoh Waterfall and nature walk through the Minoh Park

23. Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide

24. Osaka Custom Half Day Tour

25. Private Vibrant Photoshoot Experience in Osaka

26. Nara : Private Full-Tour with a local guide

27. Full Day Guided Tour to Kyoto and Nara from Osaka

28. Best of Osaka Food and Drink Tour

29. Osaka Nightlife Tour and Bar Hop

30. Kimono photo shoot

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Best of Osaka Walking Tour

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Discover the vibrant life of Osaka with our Best of Osaka Walking Tour . Go on a journey that blends tradition, history, and architecture. Embark on your 5-hour walking tour starting in the retro area of “Amerikamura” or “American Village”. Discover the Namba & Dotonbori neighborhood as well as Hozenji temple – an iconic Buddhist temple. The Kuromon Ichiba Market – famous for its fresh seafood is your next destination. Stroll through Shinsekai’s entertainment district, witness the stunning Osaka Castle, and learn about Osaka’s other hidden gems. See where the past meets the present and enjoy every moment of this stunning city.

For curious travelers who love to explore, our Best of Osaka Walking Tour is a great way to experience Osaka. Go on a journey that ties culture and history while listening to your local expert guide. Book your Osaka 5-hour walking tour today!

Best of Osaka Walking Tour Highlights

• Get the most immersive and unique 5-hour walking tour
• Explore the retro charm of Amerikamura and walk through lantern-lined cobblestone streets
• Marvel at Osaka Castle, dating back to the 16th century
• Experience the bustling energy of Namba, Dotonbori, and the lively Kuromon Ichiba Market

Best of Osaka Walking Tour Itinerary

If you have any questions about our Best of Osaka Walking Tour, please contact us. Our team is standing by and will be happy to help

Available dates are shown in green along with the starting price for that date based on recent searches. Click on a date to move to the next step and customize your trip such as adding airport transfers, choosing your hotel, and adding extra nights.

Customize Best of Osaka Walking Tour and create a private experience for yourself, your family or a group of any size.

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Private Osaka Walking Tour

Private osaka walking tour.

This Osaka half-day tour includes the Castle and Dotonbori, with all sorts of local in between.

Discover the Best of Osaka on a Half-Day Walking Tour

Join us for an immersive Osaka half-day tour combining the city’s famous sights and lesser-known treasures. Our private Osaka walking tour is designed for an intimate exploration of the city, taking you on foot and via public transit to places inaccessible by car.

Our journey includes a must-do Osaka Castle walking tour, where you’ll discover the history and significance of this iconic landmark. We also wander through the vibrant Namba and Dotonbori areas, known for their lively atmosphere. But our tour goes beyond the usual, venturing into quaint old neighborhoods, offering panoramic views from elevated spots, and exploring bustling local markets.

Accompanied by a native or near-native English-speaking guide (or a guide in your preferred language), this four-hour private tour is enriched with fascinating insights and cultural anecdotes. Learn about the distinct lifestyle in Osaka and how it contrasts with other Japanese cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

Osaka’s residents are known for their vibrant personalities and unique fashion sense, adding a colorful backdrop to your tour. Known for their friendliness and outgoing nature, Osakans offer a warm welcome distinctly different from the more reserved Tokyoites. Our tour showcases Osaka’s landmarks and introduces you to the city’s lively culture and people. Join us to experience the true essence of Osaka.

You might also be interested in our Full-Day Osaka Castle Tour and Beyond by car, taking you farther afield throughout Osaka and its surroundings. We also highly recommend you join us in the evening for an Osaka Foodie Tour to tickle your tastebuds and enjoy tachinomi-style dining like a local.

On the Private Tour, enjoy flat rate pricing up to 8 guests. For shared tours, enjoy free or discounted child (<18) pricing!

Pinpoint Traveler  has an average score of  4.7⭐ across over  500  reviews on  multiple review sites . Below is a sampling of some of our most recent reviews for our Osaka Walking Tour

Historic Landmarks

Osaka Castle is the city’s best-known historic landmark. Beyond that, we leave history behind and dive into Osaka’s unique culture.

Professional Guide

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.

Fully-Narrated Tour

Our tours never leave you to wander about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time to answer questions, offer lots of local insights, and make ensure good times.

Easy Access

This tour starts just outside Tanimachi 4-chome subway station, making meeting up an anxiety-free experience. Exact meeting spot provided after booking.

Explore Osaka’s Hidden Layers on Our Half-Day Walking Tour

Embark on our Osaka half-day tour and uncover the city’s multifaceted stories, especially those beyond the striking presence of Osaka Castle. While the castle’s grandeur is immediately apparent, its true intrigue lies in the tales of Osaka’s changing fortunes, its historical significance, and its reconstruction in the 1920s.

A Deep Dive into Osaka’s Unique Culture

Kyoto has heritage and a landscape untouched by World War II. Tokyo has a giant hustle-bustle and is all very international. It’s also very cosmopolitan in the sense that Japanese from all points in Japan flock there by choice or company edict. Osaka, however, is largely a purebred civilization that beats to its own tune. We want to share this with you once we finish our Osaka Castle walking tour and leave the past behind.

One highlight is Osaka’s vibrant Koreatown, the largest Korean community in Japan. We guide you through this lively neighborhood, offering a safe and authentic glimpse into its cultural richness. This part of the tour reveals the diversity and inclusivity that define Osaka’s urban landscape.

A Journey Through Contrasting Facets of Osaka

Prepare for a dynamic journey across Osaka’s contrasting scenes—from the grittiness of historic districts to the glamor of modern developments and from the tranquility of panoramic views to the lively buzz of unique entertainment zones. Our Osaka walking tour offers an array of experiences, providing insights into the city’s past and present.

As this is a small group tour, we provide a personalized experience, ready to answer all your questions and tailor the journey to your interests. Join us to truly understand and appreciate Osaka’s vibrant culture and hidden gems.

If you have any questions, please get in touch .

Osaka Half-Day Walking Tour Itinerary

Of course, we begin our day with an Osaka Castle walking tour; it’s arguably the most iconic spot of great historical significance in Osaka. We’ll traverse the park grounds, too, all the while talking about the history, architecture, and significance of the spot. Since the historically indifferent, rebuilt interior of the castle is rather disappointing, we recommend giving that a miss. Trust us. We spend about 75 minutes here.

When most Japanese think of this Koreatown, they think of yakiniku (meat you grill at the table), but we’ll take you down the rabbit hole. Tsuruhashi is a maze of tiny stores, food stalls, and restaurants; it’s an architecturally striking jumble.

Tennoji is the area where the super tall building known as Harukas can be found. This being the tallest non-tower building in Japan (300m), there are views aplenty. (We in Osaka have heard there is some tower with a height of biblical proportions in Tokyo, but we’re not so interested.) We won’t go up to the top of Harukas, but we go high enough to enjoy a breathtaking view of Osaka for free. On a good day, we can see all the way to Kobe and beyond. We highly suggest a guided walkthrough of the department store food hall. We usually spend about half an hour here.

Fun for all ages! In an odd sort of reality-independent way, this is a must-see while in Osaka. Games, food, fashion (perhaps heavily skewed toward the eye of the beholder), and that generally unmistakable Osaka vibe. No one forgets a visit to Shin-Sekai. We typically spend about 30 minutes here.

Most likely, you will be spending time walking around this area on your own, so on our Osaka walking tour we generally only spend around 30 minutes here. However, if you have a keen interest in seeing the Kuromon Market, which, albeit touristy, has a dazzling selection of high-end foodie happiness, we would be happy to oblige. Or there’s Doguyasuji, our restaurant supply district, which, aside from wax food models and giant pots, has lots of goods catering to regular folks too. If you’re in the market for one of the region’s famous kitchen knives, this is a good spot. A plethora of Japanese ceramics, teacups, chopsticks, and the like are also in full force here. Otherwise, we’ll take you through some backstreets around Hozenji Yokocho, and then on to Dotonbori itself.

Quick Tips for Our Half Day Osaka Tour

There are a couple of things we’d like you to take note of before joining us.

• Please come wearing comfortable shoes. We do a fair bit of walking around Osaka. For those who wish to avoid too much walking, please let us know in advance and we will modify the itinerary to suit your requirements.
• You should buy a day pass for the subway (in Japanese, 大阪メトロ一日乗車券). It will make things easier and more economical over the course of the day. Also, if you have a Japan Rail pass, bring that along too for the one ride we take on JR.

Inclusions:

• All guide costs

Exclusions:

• Your transportation (figure between 600 yen and 930 yen per person)
• Food and drinks. We don’t make a restaurant stop, but there will be chances to buy food along the way if you like
• Pickup can be arranged by request. This means we will gather you about 30 minutes before the tour start (we’ll confirm the timing based on your location). The fees below do not include your transportation cost, but that will most likely be covered by your subway day ticket anyway. Prices are for the entire group.
• Within central Osaka (along or within the JR Loop Line): 4,000 yen
• North of the Yodogawa River, but still in Osaka city (this includes Shin-Osaka area): 5,000 yen
• Port of Osaka, Hyatt, or Universal Studios area pickups: 6,000 yen
• Extensions are available at 4,000 yen/hr. Please inquire.

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

Osaka Castle is the city’s best-known historic landmark. Even if the structure itself is post-war reconstruction, the exterior is true to form, and visiting the spacious grounds adds even more to the appeal. As our day progresses, the landmarks become more a blend of the historical and cultural, with Tsuruhashi Koreatown and then Shin-Sekai, the entertainment district, which, although semi-modernized, has roots in the early 20th century.

If you are arriving by subway, since it’s a fairly sprawling station, please allow 10 minutes at Tanimachi 4-Chome to find the right exit. Our meeting spot is at exit 2 at street level. If you are taking a taxi to the start point, please instruct the driver to take you to Tanimachi 5-Chome intersection, SE corner (谷５交差点の南東角).

Our Tour Guides

We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.

Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).

Pickup Point

We start at the Tanimachi 4-Chome subway station, just a few minutes' walk from Osaka Castle. A hotel pickup option is available at checkout.

Suggested Osaka Full Day Walk

The following is a full-day walking itinerary that explores some lesser-known sites of Osaka which are traditionally frequented by the locals. It covers about four kilometers.

Recommended Additions

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Hotels around Osaka

Experiences around Osaka

Osaka Walking Tour

• Osaka , Tour Reviews , Viator , Walking Tour

The ‘ Osaka Walking Tour ‘ offers a delightful exploration of the vibrant city of Osaka . Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can enjoy the local life and experience the diverse faces of Osaka.

Highlights include a stroll along the lively waterfront of the Dotonbori entertainment district and a visit to the iconic Hozenji temple. With a focus on understanding the city’s culture, this walking tour is perfect for those looking to navigate Osaka and gain a deeper appreciation for its unique charm and energy.

Great News! You can reserve your spot for free with Viator. You can easliy cancel any time up to 1 day before without paying anything.

Quick Takeaways

• The Osaka walking tour allows visitors to experience local life in Osaka and explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods.
• The tour includes a visit to the bustling entertainment district of Dotonbori and the historic Hozenji temple.
• The cancellation policy allows for a full refund if cancelled 24 hours in advance, but no refund for last-minute cancellations or changes.
• The tour has received positive reviews, with tour guides praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and informative introductions to the city. However, some reviewers were disappointed with spending time at Osaka station and the lack of historical sites compared to other cities like Kyoto or Nara.

Not for you? Here's a few more great tours and experiences nearby.

• Private Transfer From Osaka Kansai Airport (Kix) to Maizuru Port
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• Private & Custom Osaka-Nara Day Tour by Land Rover Discovery Sport 2018
• Round-Trip Private Transfer From Osaka Kansai Airport to Kobe

Explore Osaka’s Vibrant Neighborhoods

The walking tour allows visitors to explore Osaka’s vibrant neighborhoods, experiencing the different faces of the city firsthand. With its cultural diversity and rich history, Osaka offers a unique and exciting experience for travelers.

The tour takes participants through lively neighborhoods, where they can enjoy the local atmosphere and discover hidden gems. One of the highlights is exploring the diverse and delicious local cuisine in Osaka. From street food stalls to traditional restaurants, visitors can indulge in a variety of dishes that showcase the city’s culinary heritage.

Whether it’s trying takoyaki, a popular street food snack, or savoring a bowl of savory ramen, the walking tour provides an opportunity to taste the flavors of Osaka while learning about its cultural significance.

Wander Along the Lively Waterfront of Dotonbori

Visitors on the walking tour can wander along and soak in the lively atmosphere of Dotonbori’s waterfront, seeing the vibrant energy of the district. Here are four reasons why this area is a must-visit:

• Food scene: Dotonbori is famous for its mouthwatering array of culinary delights. From street food stalls serving up takoyaki and okonomiyaki to high-end restaurants offering fresh seafood and traditional Japanese cuisine, there’s something to satisfy every palate.
• Shopping options: The district is also a shopper’s paradise, with a stack of options ranging from trendy fashion boutiques to quirky souvenir shops. Whether you’re looking for the latest fashion trends or unique gifts to take home, Dotonbori has it all.
• Iconic landmarks: The waterfront is home to iconic landmarks such as the Glico Running Man sign and the Kani Doraku crab restaurant. These landmarks have become symbols of Osaka and are a must-see for any visitor.
• Nightlife and entertainment: As the sun sets, Dotonbori comes alive with vibrant neon lights and bustling entertainment venues. From lively bars and clubs to traditional theaters showcasing Japanese performing arts, there’s no shortage of nighttime activities to enjoy.

Overall, Dotonbori’s waterfront offers a dynamic blend of delicious food, exciting shopping, iconic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, making it an essential stop on any Osaka itinerary.

Visit the Landmark Hozenji Temple

Keiko always recommends visiting the landmark Hozenji Temple during the walking tour of Osaka. This temple holds great historical and cultural significance in the city.

Hozenji Temple, located in the bustling district of Dotonbori, has a history that dates back over 1,400 years. It’s known for its traditional rituals and practices that have been passed down through generations. One of the most unique features of the temple is the moss-covered statue of Fudo Myoo, the deity of wisdom and fire, which is believed to have healing powers. Visitors can witness locals performing rituals, such as splashing water on the statue and offering prayers, to seek blessings and good fortune.

The serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture of Hozenji Temple make it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Osaka.

Immerse Yourself in Osaka’s Local Life

Enjoy Osaka’s vibrant local culture by exploring its lively neighborhoods and experiencing the city’s unique way of life.

To truly understand the essence of Osaka, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind:

• Local Traditions: Osaka is known for its rich cultural heritage and deep-rooted traditions. Take the time to visit landmarks such as the Hozenji temple, where you can witness traditional rituals and pay homage to the local customs.
• Cultural Immersion: The best way to experience Osaka’s local life is by engaging with the locals themselves. Join a walking tour led by knowledgeable guides who can introduce you to the city’s hidden gems and share insightful stories about its history and people.
• Vibrant Neighborhoods: Osaka is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character. From the bustling business center to the historic cultural hub, explore the different faces of Osaka by strolling through vibrant neighborhoods such as Dotonbori and experiencing the unique atmosphere they offer.
• Unique Way of Life: Osaka is known for its warm-hearted people, delicious food, and sense of humor. Embrace the local way of life by trying regional delicacies, engaging in friendly conversations with locals, and enjoying the lively energy that permeates the city.

Discover the Contrasting Faces of Osaka

However, frequent travelers to Osaka can truly appreciate the contrasting faces of the city, from its bustling business center to its historic cultural hub.

Osaka is known for its vibrant local cuisine, offering a wide range of delicious dishes that reflect the city’s rich culinary traditions. From savory takoyaki to mouthwatering okonomiyaki, there’s something to satisfy every palate.

Along With its delectable food, Osaka is also famous for its traditional festivals. These lively events showcase the city’s deep-rooted cultural heritage and provide a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy the local traditions. Festivals such as the Tenjin Matsuri and the Aizen Matsuri attract thousands of spectators each year, offering a glimpse into Osaka’s lively and colorful celebration of its history and culture.

Whether indulging in local cuisine or participating in traditional festivals, Osaka promises an unforgettable experience that showcases the contrasting faces of this enchanting city.

Uncover the Hidden Gems of Osaka

Visitors can explore the hidden gems of Osaka by venturing off the beaten path and discovering the city’s lesser-known neighborhoods. Here are four unusual experiences in Osaka that offer a unique perspective on this vibrant Japanese city:

• Explore Shinsekai: This vibrant neighborhood is known for its retro charm and delicious street food. Take a walk through the narrow streets and try local specialties like takoyaki (octopus balls) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
• Visit the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum: Learn about the history of instant ramen and even make your own custom cup noodles. This interactive museum is a must-visit for foodies.
• Discover the quirky shops of Amerikamura: This hip neighborhood is often compared to Tokyo’s Harajuku district. Browse through unique clothing stores, vintage shops, and record stores, and soak in the youthful energy of the area.
• Explore the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living: Step back in time as you walk through a recreated Edo-era town. Experience what life was like in old Osaka and learn about the city’s rich history.

These offbeat attractions offer a different perspective on Osaka, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the city’s culture and history.

Experience the Unique Charm of Osaka’s City Life

Exploring the vibrant neighborhoods and bustling streets of Osaka offers a firsthand experience of the unique charm of the city’s lively city life. With its cultural diversity and hidden culinary treasures, Osaka is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Japan.

From the famous Dotonbori entertainment district, where you can indulge in delicious street food and witness the neon lights that illuminate the night sky, to the historic Hozenji temple, where you can find a moment of tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Whether you’re wandering through the lively shopping streets of Shinsaibashi or exploring the trendy district of Amerikamura, Osaka’s dynamic atmosphere is sure to captivate and delight. Don’t miss the opportunity to experience the unique charm of Osaka’s city life and discover its hidden treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does the Osaka Walking Tour Typically Last?

The duration of the Osaka Walking Tour typically lasts for several hours, allowing participants to explore the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, stroll along the lively waterfront of the Dotonbori district, and visit the landmark Hozenji temple.

Is Transportation Included in the Osaka Walking Tour?

Transportation options on the Osaka Walking Tour include walking and public transportation. The tour itinerary is designed to explore different neighborhoods and attractions on foot, allowing participants to fully enjoy the vibrant city.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Osaka Walking Tour?

There are no age restrictions for the Osaka Walking Tour. However, participants should consider any accessibility concerns they may have, as the tour involves walking through various neighborhoods and visiting different areas of the city.

Can I Join the Osaka Walking Tour if I Have Mobility Issues?

Yes, individuals with mobility issues can join the Osaka Walking Tour. The tour provides accessibility options to accommodate different needs, allowing everyone to fully experience and enjoy the tour.

Is Food Included in the Osaka Walking Tour?

Yes, food is included in the Osaka Walking Tour. Participants will have the opportunity to try various local cuisine options and experience the flavors of Osaka while exploring the city with their guide.

To sum it up, the Osaka Walking Tour offers a delightful and immersive experience of the vibrant city of Osaka. Led by knowledgeable guides, participants can explore the diverse neighborhoods, stroll along the lively waterfront of Dotonbori, and visit the iconic Hozenji Temple.

This tour allows visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for Osaka’s local uniqueness, warm-hearted people, tasty food, and sense of humor. With positive reviews highlighting the expertise and friendliness of the guides, the Osaka Walking Tour is a memorable and enjoyable journey through this captivating city.

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The Original Free Walking of Osaka

  > Free Walking Tour Osaka  

Tour Overview

During the Free Walking Tour of Osaka, you will get to experience the rich food culture and history of Osaka. This tour covers all what you need when you visit Osaka. See Osaka from a local perspective and eat & laugh.

Meeting Point: Infront of Apple Store Shinsaibashi

Tour Ends: Namba City.

>> Booking required.

>> Booking available 10-14 days before the tour.

>> Check the  tour schedule  for tour updates.

Tour Details

Please Check Tour Schedule

Duration:  2 Hours 30 Minutes

This Tour is tip based!

Footwear: Comfortable 

Language: English

Tour Highlights

Meeting Point

In front of Apple Store Shinsaibashi

Have A Question?

How long does the tour last and where does it finish?

Tour will take 2.5 hours and finish at Namba Grand Kagetsu .

Where does the Free Walking Tour go?

Please see above for the tour highlights.

What should I bring?

Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat/cap, water and a lot of questions – we love those! An umbrella or rain coat during the rainy season.

Do you offer tours in Spanish, German or French?

All of our tours are 100% in English.

Why are there limited spaces for the Free Walking Tour?

We limit the group sizes for the Free Walking Tour for safety and quality reasons. Walking Osaka with a big group is not a good idea, and our tour guide cannot offer a great service to our guests.

Book This Tour

Free Walking Tour Osaka

Tip Based Tour

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Osaka

Last Updated: June 19, 2023

As Osaka is a large city (being Japan’s second biggest metropolitan area after Tokyo), some of the top sites like Universal Studios Japan , the Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan are quite spread about.

But there are still numerous sites in central Osaka you can quite easily hit in a day by walking.

So if you’re pushed for time, or just really like the idea of walking around Osaka and squeezing in much of it’s offerings in one day, then this self-guided walking tour is for you!

Click here for the Google Maps Walking Directions

Shitennoji Temple

Founded in 593AD , the Buddhist Shitennoji Temple is one of the oldest in Japan. Although most of the buildings are not the originals having been lost and rebuilt many times of the years, but replicated to a finite degree. With the most dominating building being the 5-story pagoda .

It’s a stunning place to wonder around on a nice day absorbing all the ancient Japanese culture. Most of the area is free to walk around, with some of the central buildings, such as the pagoda, having a small entrance fee to enter.

Our kids also enjoyed watching the many turtles you can find in the ponds dotted about.

Tennoji Park

Osaka Castle Park is probably the best known and biggest park in central Osaka, with the huge Japanese Castle being a popular attraction. We decided we weren’t going to hit it on this walking tour due to it being quit an additional distance from our other stops.

So an alternative for this walk is Tennoji Park . Where you can stroll around the traditional Japanese Garden’s and have a chill on the lawns with a snack and a drink.

It’s also the home to the Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts if you wanted to add a bit of culture to the tour.

Shinsekai & Tsutenkaku Tower

Shinsekai is an extremely colourful, hustle-bustle shopping district with the Tsutenkaku Tower casting a dominating shadow over the area.

The tower was originally built with the Eiffel Tower in mind . Although, as UK residents, it seemed to remind us more of Blackpool Tower!

The original was badly damaged by a fire and eventually demolished in the 1940s, but the city decided to rebuild a replica in the 1950s.

This current tower now has a an observation deck you can visit for around 800YEN if you want a panoramic view of Osaka from around 88 metres up.

Back on the ground and you can wonder around the shops or try some of the food at the many eating establishments in Shinsekai . Maybe picking up some kushikatsu , a deep-fried skewered meat and vegetable dish.

Our kids found the giant plastic food displays outside many restaurants particularly amusing!

Namba Parks Roof Garden

Namaba Parks is actually a mall and office complex, but on top of the mall is a nice little roof garden . So you can do some shopping in the mall or just head straight up to the roof to view the gardens.

It’s another good spot to have a rest and let the kids (or you) blow off some steam with a little climbing wall for the to try their luck on. Then you can wonder around the gardens admiring the variance of plants on show whilst also absorbing the view overlooking this part of Osaka.

Namba Yasaka Shrine

This is quite a fun shrine to visit. The shrine itself is not so different from any others, but the main draw here is the huge Lion Head stage.

The Lion’s Head with it’s wide open mouth is said to swallow your bad spirits leaving you with good luck.

We mis-timed our visit and the shrine was closed when we arrived, but we saw the Lion Head peering over us non-the-less! It seemed to remind us of the Cave of Wonders in Aladdin!

Hozenji Yokocho

Hozenji Tokochi is a small hidden alley, much calmer and different than other areas of Osaka with the narrow stone paved street boasting over 60 traditional shops and restaurants.

Many say this hidden gem is where the best food in Osaka is served with some of the best Okonomiyaki (a savoury Japanese pancake usually with shredded cabbage and various other filling) on offer.

The alley is named after Hozenji Temple , with the Mizukake Fudo-son statue being an attraction here.

People usually sprinkle water in the statue and make wishes. Because of this process happening over considerable time the statue is now completely covered in moss. So pay it a visit and carry on the tradition and see if you’re wish comes true!

Dotonbori Bridge

The Dontonbori Area is a lively entertainment district with many restaurants and extravagant signage throughout.

It’s a good idea to make this the the last stop at the end of your day as it is best seen by night with the neon lights almost blinding there are so many!

And the Dontonbori Bridge is a great place to stop and gaze at them as you watch the canal boats cruise underneath with the hoards mingling either side.

Then you can amble around the area and search out your favourite looking restaurant and indulge at the end of your sightseeing day.

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FEATURE: THE WALKING DEAD's Norman Reedus Appears at Osaka Comic Con 2024 Celebrity Stage

“Daryl Dixon’s arm was supposed to be cut off!”

Norman Reedus : Internationally renowned for his role as Daryl, a key character in the series " The Walking Dead " (hereafter TWD). His other notable works include the movie "The Boondock Saints", among others. He visited Japan for the Osaka Comic Con 2024 held from May 3rd for three days. " Osaka Comic Con " is a pop culture festival that provides opportunities for communication with celebrities and exhibits props used in movies. Here, we bring you the highlights of the talk show that he participated in during the event

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[Osaka Comic Con Features]

01 Feature: 9 Celebrities Gathered at Osaka Comic Con 2024 Opening Ceremony

02 Interview : [Osaka Comic Con 2024 Ambassador] Takumi Saitoh→ Coming Soon

03 Feature: Back to the Future 4!? [Doc. vs. Biff] Osaka Comic Con 2024 Celebrity Stage

04 Feature: Marvel’s Loki and Sylvie in Japan! [Tom H. vs. Sophia M.] Osaka Comic Con 2024 Celebrity Stage

05 Feature: The Walking Dead, Norman R. Appears Osaka Comic Con 2024 Celebrity Stage

06 Feature: 11 Celebrities Gathered at Osaka Comic Con 2024 Grand Finale→ Coming Soon

Must-read for fans! [ Scroll down for an uncut more detailed report ]

“Konnichiwa (Hello) !’ Thanks for having me. Ohayo gozaimasu (Good morning) !" Norman Reedus greeted the audience with his own camera, snapping pictures of the crowd. Amid the enthusiastic cries of "Norman!" he responded playfully with several "Hello!" and warmed the audience with his "I love you!" to which he replied, "I love you too!"

He then said, "I just learned this," making a finger heart. "Is that right? I’m not sure if it really looks like a heart, but there you go!” he smiled.

Taking a seat and the Q&A session began.

Q. What do you think is the biggest reason behind the popularity of TWD?

Norman : "I think the show became really popular because those individual type people would have never been together if there weren’t apocalypses. And you have to learn to get along, put the differences aside and fight together in order to survive.

My character always tells the truth. He wasn’t about him. He was about what needed to be done and you could rely on him. He didn't seem like somebody you could rely on right after that. He’s like somebody that might beat you up.

Daryl was originally written as a character that was a racist, and supposed to be the same as Merle (Daryl’s brother). I asked the writers not to have him like that because I grew up in a household like that, and I was ashamed of it. 

And I knew Michael Rooker (aka Merle) was leaving the show so once he left, it sort of gave Daryl an opportunity to stand in his own shoes and become the person that he really wanted to be," he said, smiling as the applause erupted.

Q. What is the most important thing for you when portraying Daryl Dixon?

Norman : “I think it's a continual thing and it grows. When I first started the show, I wasn't sure how I was going to play that character.

I think it was episode three, I hadn't met the cast yet. Sarah (aka Lori), Andy (aka Rick) and some of the cast had been working for a year doing promotion. So there’s already a tight group of people 

In the first scene, I was super nervous. I'm kind of facing away from the cast, and I turned around and all the actors are looking at me. And I sort of took it like ‘You don't like me? I don't like you!’ There’s a chip on my shoulder and I spent the first two or three seasons kind of talking out of the side of my face. 

As the seasons progressed, I slowly turned and faced you. Before if I was going to look at you, I was gonna fight you. But as the group started to trust him, he sort of found a sense of family there. He slowly looked you in the eyes.

I'm playing the character now in Paris on the spin off, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and the second season with Carol. What I’m doing now is trying to take the actors that I worked with, like Hershel, Glenn or Rick. When I come across a problem, I think as Daryl ‘What would Hershel or Rick have done here?’ So I'm trying to take their characters how they’ve influenced Daryl, and get smart about my decisions.

What’s having me do is go from an insecure boy to a man, and I'm growing as I'm doing it. And there're decisions now happening on the show where Daryl season 1 would have messed it up. But now I'm smarter and more mature.” He explained with gestures and enthusiasm.

Q. Steven said that since Glenn was a character from the original comic, he wasn't too shocked about his death scene. But since Daryl is an original character, do you ever worry about when he might die?

Norman : “Yeah! But in the very beginning, they were killing off characters every weekend so I think all of us would get a script and run through to see if we lived.

I talk to Steven all a lot. Actually he's one of my best friends from the show. There're certain characters knew they were gonna go, like Shane and Glenn. Even Rick, they were gonna cut his hand off. 

They also asked to cut my hand off and I was like “cool!” And they made an arm which they originally gave to the character of Aaron because AMC wouldn't let them.

The show now, the spinoff is called “Daryl Dixon” so I don't think they're gonna kill me up. But who knows.” He then crossed his fingers.

Q. Is it true that "The Boondock Saints Ⅲ " will come out?

Norman : "Yeah, it’s true. We’re making a part 3!"

The audience erupted in applause and cheers.

Norman : “That movie was interesting because it made so much money but it was all through word of mouth.

There was nobody would distribute this movie but now finally we're doing a part 3 but in a large scale. We have the same producers do John Wick.

I’ve read the early version of a version of the script and it's crazy! I like the first movie better than the second one. It has the same sort of heart as the first one.” He expressed high expectations.

Q. Are there any openings for extras to play walkers (zombies) in TWD? We'd love to be killed by Norman.

Norman : “Yeah, there's sort of a ‘Zombie School’ but I don't know if you want to be a walker though. You're in makeup for three hours, wear these contact lenses and you can't see. It's a lot of work. I give a lot of respect to the people that play the walkers.

On the spin off, all the walkers are dancers so they bend in these weird crazy ways which is brand new to the show. You don't want to do it, trust me,” he emphasizing it.

Q. Is a Motorcycle Tour with Norman and Fans Possible?

Norman : “Yeah, I kinda have a TV show like that called ‘Ride with Norman Reedus .’ We’ve done 6 seasons and had Keanu Reeves and whole bunch of actors. Actually we did an episode where we went from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Let’s do one in Japan!”

Q. “What's the difference between what you can do in a TV series and what you can do in a movie?” asked by Takumi.

Norman : “It's very unique to be on a television show for this long. The television audiences are sort of different than movie audiences.

They watch you from their own living room every week and become a part of your life. They talk about what's going to happen next week. It’s a continual thing and there's a tighter bond with television.

In a movie, watching a story unfold and then it's over. I'd only done really movies up until I got TWD. But while I was filming the TV show in France, I did a couple of movies;

I did ‘Ballerina’, the John Wick’s spin off. ' The Bikeriders ' with Tom Hardy . It was nice to be on a movie set but it’s different.

In the television as an actor, you think of the long game. You think of planting these little seeds and they turn into a forest behind you. 

In a movie, you have to make a decision right now based on the character of the backstory that you come up with. There are similarities but with TV, I try to think of the long game.”

To everyone here, Norman is a part of their lives. Please come back to Japan again!

Norman : “I’ve always loved Japan. So thank you very much. Arigato gozaimashita (Thank you very much). He greeted, mixing in some Japanese.

Continuing, he said, "I gotta take your picture.” He snapped photos in every direction of the audience.“Super cool,” he said, clearly pleased.

“I was just getting started. I wish I could stay longer.” He then left the stage reluctantly.

One of the charms of Comic-Con is hearing the latest announcements directly from the actors themselves. With “The Boondock Saints Ⅲ,” “Ballerina,” “The Bikeriders,” and “Daryl Dixon,” there's so much to look forward to from Norman.

GREAT NEWS!  

Tokyo Comic Con 2024’s schedule is now announced for December 6th to December 8th. For those who missed this event, keep an eye out.

[Uncut more detailed report]

Taking a seat for the Q&A session, he resumed taking photos of the audience. As a question was being read aloud, he also captured the one of the hosts, Takumi Saitoh who is a famous Japanese actor with his camera. "It’s an honor," Takumi said, smiling shyly.

Norman : "I think the show became really popular because those cast and individual type people would have never been together if there weren’t apocalypses. And you have to learn to get along, put the differences aside and fight together in order to survive.

My character always tells the truth. He wasn't showy. He wasn’t about him. He was about what needed to be done and you could rely on him. He didn't seem like somebody you could rely on right after that. He’s like somebody that might steel your stuff or beat you up.

Daryl was originally written as a character that was a racist and a thief, and supposed to be the same as Merle (Daryl’s brother). I asked the writers not to have him like that because I grew up in a household like that, and I was ashamed of it. 

And I knew Michael Rooker (aka Merle) was leaving the show so once he left, as the season progressed, it sort of gave Daryl an opportunity to stand in his own shoes, fight for the things that he really wanted to fight for, and become the person that he really wanted to be," he said, smiling as the applause erupted.

I think it was episode three when Rick tells me that they handcuffed my brother to the roof, I hadn't met the cast yet. Some of the cast had been working for a year doing promotion. There was Jon (aka Shane), Sarah (aka Lori), and Andy (aka Rick) had been traveling around. So there’s already a tight group of people 

In the first scene, I was super nervous to be honest. I'm kind of facing away from the cast, and I turned around and all the 15 actors are looking at me. And I sort of took it like ‘You don't like me? I don't like you!’ There’s a chip on my shoulder and I spent the first two or three seasons kind of talking out of the side of my face. 

As the seasons progressed, I slowly turned and faced you. But I had to earn that body language. Before if I was going to look at you, I was gonna fight you. But as the group started to trust him and include on him, he sort of found a sense of family there. He slowly squared up to you and looked you in the eyes. I feel like that was the first progression of things I have learned while playing the character.

I'm playing the character now in Paris on the spin off, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon and the second season with Carol. What I’m doing now is trying to take the actors that I worked with that influence Daryl, like Hershel, Glenn or Rick. When I come across a problem, I think as Daryl ‘What would Hershel or Rick have done here?’ So I'm trying to take their characters how they’ve influenced Daryl, and get smart about my decisions.

I love Steven. I talk to Steven all a lot. Actually he's one of my best friends from the show. There're certain characters knew they were gonna go, like Shane and Glenn. Even Rick, they were gonna cut his hand off. 

They also asked to cut my hand off and I was like “cool!” And they made an arm which they originally gave to the character of Aaron because AMC wouldn't let them cut my hand off.

The show now, the spinoff is called “Daryl Dixon” so I don't think they're gonna kill me up. That would be weird but who knows.” He then crossed his fingers.

Norman : “That movie was interesting because we shot that for 7 million dollars and it made so much money but it was all through word of mouth.

There was nobody would distribute this movie because it was very similar to those two characters. But now finally we're doing a part 3 but in a large scale. We have really good producers on this, the same producers do John Wick.

I’ve read the early version of a version of the script and it's crazy! It feels like the first one. I like the first movie better than the second one. It has the same sort of heart as the first one.” He expressed high expectations.

Norman : “Yeah, there's sort of a ‘Zombie School’ but I don't know if you want to be a walker though. You're in makeup for three hours, wear these contact lenses and you can't see. It's a lot of work. I give a lot of respect to the people that play the walkers on the show.

On the spin off in France, all the walkers are dancers so they bend in these weird crazy ways which is brand new to the show. First time I saw it, I was like, ‘Wow!’ It's a whole another ball game. You don't want to do it, trust me,” he emphasizing it.

Norman : “Yeah, I kinda have a TV show like that. It’s called ‘Ride with Norman Reedus .’ We’ve done 6 seasons and had Dave Chappelle , Keanu Reeves , Peter Fonda … whole bunch of actors. Actually we did an episode in Japan where we went from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji. Let’s do one in Japan! That would be great.”

In the way that they watch you from their own sofa, and their own living room in their home every week, they become a part of your life. They talk about what's going to happen next week or what happened this week. It’s a continual thing and there's a tighter bond with television.

I did ‘Ballerina’, the John Wick’s spin off with Ana de Armas . Jeff Nichols ’ ' The Bikeriders ,' a motorcycle movie with Tom Hardy , Austin Butler , Jodie Comer and all these people. So I'd fly back and forth from Paris 

It was nice to be on a movie set but it’s different because in the television as an actor, you think of the long game. You think of planting these little seeds and they turn into trees or  a forest behind you. In a movie, you have to make a decision right now based on the character of the backstory that you come up with. So it's a different animal. There are similarities, of course but with TV, I try to think of the long game.”

Norman : “I love Japan. I’ve always loved Japan. So thank you very much. It’s pleasure to be here. Arigato gozaimashita (Thank you very much). He greeted, mixing in some Japanese.

Continuing, he said, "I gotta take your picture. Hold on one second.” He snapped photos in every direction of the audience. When he heard a fan shout, "I love you!" he responded, "I love you too!" cheerfully. “Super cool, thank you,” he said, clearly pleased. Then, “Wow. There’s a lot of people here,” and took another photo.

“I was just getting started, are we done? Oh man, I wish I could stay much longer. Thank you so much. Bye bye!” He then left the stage reluctantly.

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Photo Credit :[Ⓒ2024 Osaka comic con All rights reserved. /Ayaka Ozaki]

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Swiatek completes comeback against Osaka at French Open, extends Roland Garros win streak

Polish no. 1 saves match point, earns 16th consecutive victory at clay-court major.

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Iga Swiatek played like the current No. 1 and the two-time defending champion at the French Open. No surprise there. That Naomi Osaka looked like the former No. 1 that she is — and on clay, no less — amounted to an announcement that she is still quite capable of elite tennis.

Surging down the stretch as Osaka faded, Swiatek saved a match point and grabbed the last five games to sneak her way to a 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 victory in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday night in a thrill-a-minute contest befitting two women who both own four Grand Slam titles.

"For sure, this match was really intense. Much more intense for the second round than I ever expected. For sure, I'll be more ready next time," Swiatek said. "Naomi played amazing tennis. … I'm happy that she's back and she's playing well."

For Swiatek, this extended her Roland Garros winning streak to 16 matches as she pursues a third consecutive trophy at the clay-court major. For Osaka, who cried when she left the court after letting a 5-2 lead in the concluding set slip away, this amounted to a return to her big-hitting best.

WATCH | Swiatek rallies to advance past Osaka in 2nd round of French Open:

Defending French Open champion Iga Swiatek survives 2nd round scare from Naomi Osaka

They went back-and-forth for nearly three hours as rain loudly pelted the outside of the closed roof at Court Philippe Chatrier — showers forced the postponements of 23 singles matches until Thursday — and a riveted, if hardly full, crowd alternated their support between the two players. Sometimes, spectators called out before a point was done, prompting admonishment from chair umpire Aurelie Tourte during the match. And from Swiatek afterward.

"Sometimes, under a lot of pressure, when you scream something during the rally or right before the return, it's really, really hard to be focused," Swiatek said. "The stakes are big and there is a lot of money here to win. So losing a few points may change a lot. So please, guys, if you can support us between the rallies but not during, that would be really, really amazing."

No regrets for Osaka

Osaka served for the victory at 5-3 in the final set, and was a point away from winning, but she put a backhand into the net. Soon, when Osaka missed another backhand, this one long, Swiatek finally converted a break point on her 10th chance of that set, and they played on.

Maybe the lack of high-level matches caught up to Osaka, because her mistakes continued to mount, including a double-fault that put Swiatek in control 6-5. Swiatek, who has led the WTA rankings for nearly every week since April 2022, then held serve one last time.

• Top-ranked Swiatek dominates No. 2 Sabalenka to claim her 3rd Italian Open title

Still, this was, without a doubt, Osaka's top performance since she returned to the tour in January after 15 months away while becoming a mother. (Her daughter, who is 10 months old now, accompanied Osaka to Paris and recently started walking.)

"I was watching Iga win this tournament last year, and I was pregnant. It was just my dream to be able to play her," Osaka said. "When I kind of think of it like that, I think I'm doing pretty well. And I'm also just trying not to be too hard on myself. I feel like I played her on her better surface. I'm a hard-court kid, so I would love to play her on my surface and see what happens."

Weather affects Wednesday matches

Because of the weather, only nine matches were completed Wednesday, and winners included Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, Sofia Kenin, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev.

It's been a few years since Osaka played this capably and confidently, hammering big serves at up to 197 kilometres per hour and imposing groundstrokes. Her quick-strike capabilities were on full display: Osaka won 82 of the 139 points (59 per cent) that lasted four strokes or fewer, and she finished with a 54-37 advantage in total winners.

All of those familiar mannerisms were back, too. She turned her back to Swiatek to reset between points, hopped in place, tugged at her pink visor's brim and slapped her palm on her thigh. Osaka celebrated points by shaking a clenched fist and shouting "Come on!"

She grabbed nine of 10 games to dominate the second set and lead 3-0 in the third. Then 4-1. Then 5-2.

Swiatek struggles to maintain focus

As one ball or another would fly past Swiatek, zipped near a corner or right at a line, she turned toward her guest box and shot a look of confusion or concern in the direction of her coach and her sports psychologist.

"I felt for most of the match that I wasn't really [in the] here and now," Swiatek said. "My mind was, like, playing around sometimes."

She's not used to this sort of one-way traffic coming head-on in her direction. Normally, it's Swiatek who is delivering lopsided sets at a foe's expense, especially on clay. She now has won her last 14 matches this month, with titles on the surface at Madrid and Rome — a clay double no woman had done since Serena Williams in 2013.

• Top-ranked Swiatek saves 3 match points to beat Sabalenka in Madrid Open final
• Naomi Osaka returns to elite tennis from maternity break, wins 1st match in Brisbane

It was in May 2021 that Osaka withdrew from the French Open before her second-round match, explaining that she experiences "huge waves of anxiety" before speaking to the media and revealing she had dealt with depression. She took time away from the tour for a mental health break, then opted for another hiatus after her title defence at the U.S. Open a few months later ended with a third-round loss.

She helped usher in a change in the way athletes, sports fans and society at large understood the importance of mental health — and prompted those in charge of various sports, including tennis, to take the issue seriously and try to accommodate and protect them better.

Osaka entered with an 0-4 record on the red stuff against opponents ranked in the top 10 and never has been past the third round at Roland Garros. This also would have been her first win anywhere against a top-10 opponent since January 2020.

Instead, though, it is Swiatek who moves on and continues her bid to become the first woman with three championships in a row in Paris since Justine Henin in 2007-09.

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• 'Don't assume' this is Rafael Nadal's final French Open
• ROUNDUP Canada's Marina Stakusic falls short of French Open qualification
• ROUNDUP Andreescu to return from 9-month injury absence at French Open

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Iga Swiatek saves a match point and comes back to beat Naomi Osaka at the French Open

Poland’s Iga Swiatek clenches her fist after scoring a point against Japan’s Naomi Osaka during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts after scoring a point against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka, right, congratulates Poland’s Iga Swiatek with winning her second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Poland’s Iga Swiatek reacts after missing a shot against Japan’s Naomi Osaka during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka clenches her fist after scoring a point against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts after missing a shot against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Poland’s Iga Swiatek plays a shot against Japan’s Naomi Osaka during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka adjusts her cap during her second round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Poland’s Iga Swiatek at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz celebrates winning his second round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Netherlands’ Jesper de Jong at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

People walk under umbrellas during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz plays a shot against Netherlands’ Jesper de Jong during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Sofia Kenin of the U.S. clenches her fist after scoring a point against France’s Caroline Garcia during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

A person poses for a picture behind a photo stand during the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)

Rain interrupted the second round match of the French Open tennis tournament between Japan’s Kei Nishikori and Ben Shelton of the U.S. at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Poland’s Iga Swiatek plays a shot against Japan’s Naomi Osaka during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)

Japan’s Naomi Osaka plays a shot against Poland’s Iga Swiatek during their second round match of the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

Poland’s Iga Swiatek slips during her second round match of the French Open tennis tournament against Japan’s Naomi Osaka at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris, Wednesday, May 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

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PARIS (AP) — Iga Swiatek played like the current No. 1 and the two-time defending champion at the French Open. No surprise there. That Naomi Osaka looked like the former No. 1 that she is — and on clay, no less — amounted to an announcement that she is still quite capable of elite tennis.

Surging down the stretch as Osaka faded, Swiatek saved a match point and grabbed the last five games to sneak her way to a 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 victory in the second round of the French Open on Wednesday night in a thrill-a-minute contest befitting two women who both own four Grand Slam titles.

“For sure, this match was really intense. Much more intense for the second round than I ever expected. For sure, I’ll be more ready next time,” Swiatek said. “Naomi played amazing tennis. … I’m happy that she’s back and she’s playing well.”

For Swiatek, this extended her Roland Garros winning streak to 16 matches as she pursues a third consecutive trophy at the clay-court major. For Osaka, who cried when she left the court after letting a 5-2 lead in the concluding set slip away, this amounted to a return to her big-hitting best.

They went back-and-forth for nearly three hours as rain loudly pelted the outside of the closed roof at Court Philippe Chatrier — showers forced the postponements of 23 singles matches until Thursday — and a riveted, if hardly full, crowd alternated their support between the two players. Sometimes, spectators called out before a point was done, prompting admonishment from chair umpire Aurélie Tourte during the match. And from Swiatek afterward.

“Sometimes, under a lot of pressure, when you scream something during the rally or right before the return, it’s really, really hard to be focused,” Swiatek said. “The stakes are big and there is a lot of money here to win. So losing a few points may change a lot. So please, guys, if you can support us between the rallies but not during, that would be really, really amazing.”

Osaka served for the victory at 5-3 in the final set, and was a point away from winning, but she put a backhand into the net. Soon, when Osaka missed another backhand, this one long, Swiatek finally converted a break point on her 10th chance of that set, and they played on.

Maybe the lack of high-level matches caught up to Osaka, because her mistakes continued to mount, including a double-fault that put Swiatek in control 6-5. Swiatek, who has led the WTA rankings for nearly every week since April 2022, then held serve one last time.

“I don’t necessarily feel like I regret anything,” Osaka said.

Still, this was, without a doubt, Osaka’s top performance since she returned to the tour in January after 15 months away while becoming a mother. (Her daughter, who is 10 months old now, accompanied Osaka to Paris and recently started walking.)

“I was watching Iga win this tournament last year, and I was pregnant. It was just my dream to be able to play her,” Osaka said. “When I kind of think of it like that, I think I’m doing pretty well. And I’m also just trying not to be too hard on myself. I feel like I played her on her better surface. I’m a hard-court kid, so I would love to play her on my surface and see what happens.”

Because of the weather, only nine matches were completed Wednesday, and winners included Coco Gauff, Ons Jabeur, Sofia Kenin, Carlos Alcaraz, Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev.

It’s been a few years since Osaka played this capably and confidently, hammering big serves at up to 122 mph (197 kph) and imposing groundstrokes. Her quick-strike capabilities were on full display: Osaka won 82 of the 139 points (59%) that lasted four strokes or fewer, and she finished with a 54-37 advantage in total winners.

All of those familiar mannerisms were back, too. She turned her back to Swiatek to reset between points, hopped in place, tugged at her pink visor’s brim and slapped her palm on her thigh. Osaka celebrated points by shaking a clenched fist and shouting “Come on!”

She grabbed nine of 10 games to dominate the second set and lead 3-0 in the third. Then 4-1. Then 5-2.

As one ball or another would fly past Swiatek, zipped near a corner or right at a line, she turned toward her guest box and shot a look of confusion or concern in the direction of her coach and her sports psychologist.

“I felt for most of the match that I wasn’t really (in the) here and now,” Swiatek said. “My mind was, like, playing around sometimes.”

She’s not used to this sort of one-way traffic coming head-on in her direction. Normally, it’s Swiatek who is delivering lopsided sets at a foe’s expense, especially on clay. She now has won her last 14 matches this month, with titles on the surface at Madrid and Rome — a clay double no woman had done since Serena Williams in 2013.

But this marked a sudden return to the Osaka everyone came to expect, match in and match out, back when she was at the height of her powers, climbing atop the rankings and gathering two trophies apiece at the U.S. Open and Australian Open from late 2018 to early 2021.

It was in May 2021 that Osaka withdrew from the French Open before her second-round match, explaining that she experiences “huge waves of anxiety” before speaking to the media and revealing she had dealt with depression. She took time away from the tour for a mental health break, then opted for another hiatus after her title defense at the U.S. Open a few months later ended with a third-round loss.

She helped usher in a change in the way athletes, sports fans and society at large understood the importance of mental health — and prompted those in charge of various sports, including tennis, to take the issue seriously and try to accommodate and protect them better .

Osaka entered with an 0-4 record on the red stuff against opponents ranked in the top 10 and never has been past the third round at Roland Garros. This also would have been her first win anywhere against a top-10 opponent since January 2020.

Instead, though, it is Swiatek who moves on and continues her bid to become the first woman with three championships in a row in Paris since Justine Henin in 2007-09.

AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennis