This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Pick up at Hotel Namba Osaka Suites
- 8:30-10:50 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
- 10:50-11:20 Move to Shitennoji Temple
- 11:20-11:40 Stay at Shitennoji Temple
- 11:40-12:00 Move to Kuromon Market
- 12:00-13:00 Kuromon Market (lunch)
- 13:00-13:40 Dotonbori
- 13:40-14:00 Move to Hotel Namba Osaka Suites
- Around 14:00 End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Osaka Castle and stay there. at 8:30, Shitennoji Temple at 10:50, Stay at Shitennoji Temple at 11:20, Kuromon Market at 11:40, Kuromon Market (lunch) at 12:00, Dotonbori at 13:00 and Hotel Namba Osaka Suites at 13:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Ebisucho to Tanimachi 4-chome by train (240JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by train (190JPY); Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka to Nippombashi by train (190JPY); Namba to Ebisucho by train (190JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 810JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Dotonbori
Although the booking listed four people, the tour was joined by three members of the group, as one of the guests did not travel to Japan. We were able to start on time and went to Osaka Castle first, but it gradually became very crowded with school excursion students and international tourists. Since they had bought online tickets, we were able to enter without waiting in line, but one member of the group had trouble with their knees and found going up and down stairs difficult, so they waited on the first floor watching a movie at Osaka Castle. The elevator was said to be out of service due to repairs, but a lift for people with disabilities was operating, so I asked a staff member, who told me it was only for people in wheelchairs and similar situations. Since the guest said it was fine, I did not argue further with the staff member, but I was frustrated to think that this was the treatment despite charging an admission fee. Later I learned that another member of the group also had similar knee trouble and found going down stairs difficult. On the subway, too, we used escalators and lifts as much as possible.
At Shitennoji, we only viewed the temple grounds from outside, but we took photos with the five-story pagoda in the background. When I explained that Binzuru-san is believed to heal the parts of the body that are unwell, they rubbed their knees and made wishes. They enjoyed taking photos, and were also happy when I took photos of the group, taking many one after another.
At Kuromon Market, we saw large crabs, oysters, and wagyu beef, and then went into a reasonably priced Vietnamese restaurant. Here too there was a group ahead of us, so we had to wait. After I guided them around Dotonbori, they asked me to see them off to the Hotel, and although we had gone past the scheduled time, since it was close to Namba, I took them there. I was a little worried they might be tired, but rather than returning to their room at the Hotel, they continued sightseeing, strolling around since it was near Shinsekai.
Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Ebisucho～Tanimachi 4-chome | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 190JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nippombashi | 190JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Namba～Ebisucho | 190JPY |
| Total | 810JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Osaka Castle and stay there., Shitennoji Temple, Stay at Shitennoji Temple, Kuromon Market, Kuromon Market (lunch), Dotonbori and Hotel Namba Osaka Suites.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 810JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Yuki is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Osaka itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi! I’m an official English guide in Wakayama prefecture. I’m also a national guide as well. I’d like to expand my guide area to help tourists.
The town of Osaka offers a different atmosphere than Tokyo. I like both exciting Osaka and nature-filled Wakayama Prefecture.
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If you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the big city, the nature of Koyasan will relax you.
I will introduce you to the unique culture, history and must-see sights.
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Bento-Boxes!
「異文化についての素晴らしい洞察（体験）でした。」
とても親切で、情報豊富な案内でした。さらに、事前に美味しいお弁当まで手配してくれました！