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.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:30 Meet up @Hotel Osaka
- 11:00-11:50@Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine
- 12:15-12:30@Harukas Garden
- 12:50:13:30@Sumiyoshi Taisha
- 14:00 Disband @Namba Station ticket gate
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Osaka began at 10:30, when the guide met the guests at @Hotel Osaka, and finished at 14:00. The day ran to 3 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine at 11:00, Harukas Garden at 12:15 and Sumiyoshi Taisha at 12:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shinsaibashi to Tanimachi 4-chome by subway (190JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Tennoji by subway (240JPY); Tennoji Station Front to Sumiyoshitorii-mae by train (230JPY); Sumiyoshi Taisha to Nankai Namba by train (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 900JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private New Year's Day Tour in Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe. On the evening before the tour, they had traveled from Tokyo through Kyoto and arrived at their hotel in Osaka. Since they were scheduled to return to Tokyo by shinkansen at 3:00 on the day of the tour, they had to move around carrying their overnight luggage as well as a large plush toy they had won at a game arcade in Dotonbori the previous day, which looked a bit inconvenient for them. However, the weather was blessed with clear, bright skies, and although they were surprised by the long line of worshippers at Sumiyoshi Taisha, they enjoyed a typical Japanese New Year experience. To make sure they would not miss the 3:00 shinkansen, we ended the tour a little earlier than planned.
Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shinsaibashi～Tanimachi 4-chome | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tanimachi 4-chome～Tennoji | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Tennoji Station Front～Sumiyoshitorii-mae | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Sumiyoshi Taisha～Nankai Namba | 240JPY |
| Total | 900JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @Hotel Osaka at 10:30, and the tour finished at @Namba Station ticket gate at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 3 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:30 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Osaka Castle, Hokoku Shrine, Harukas Garden and Sumiyoshi Taisha.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 900JPY 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?
Sachiko 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.
I’m Sahiko Ogura, Sachiko literally means ‘happy child’, please call me Sachiko or Sachi for short. I was born and raised in Osaka. I’ve been guide for 6 years mainly in Osaka, Kyoto and Nara after having worked far trading company. I love traveling and visited about 30 countries, where I had a great time and experienced something new and exciting. I also like sports, tea ceremony and gardening, I’m growing veritable and flower in my garden. Please let me know your interest and anything what you would like to do during your tour. I’m happy to make an itinerary customized for you.
I’m looking forward to meeting you and exploring in my home town!
Sep 26, 2026
Y
yolanda552
Sachiko the best tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sachiko was our tour guide…
Sep 26, 2026
Y
yolanda552
Sachiko the best tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Sachiko was our tour guide and she is one of the best we have had. Not only did she show us Osaka in the rain, she went above and stayed with us 45 minutes past the tour time to make sure she brought us back to our hotel and taught us the trains to take and the restaurants around. We highly appreciate her.
Sep 9, 2026
peteraI5718XP
My First Visit to Osaka
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s…
Sep 9, 2026
peteraI5718XP
My First Visit to Osaka
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
I enjoyed seeing Osaka through Sachiko’s eyes and experience. She showed me what was special about Osaka, answered my numerous questions about life in this city and in Japan. The tour was long enough to see the city and although it rained throughout the day, I had a very nice time. I would recommend Sachiko and TripAdvisor to friends
Sep 4, 2026
S
satchithh
Hasabnis family
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a…
Sep 4, 2026
S
satchithh
Hasabnis family
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Sachiko or Choko Ogura is a fantastic guide who not only explained the importance but also the backgrounds and histories in details of the locations we visited.
She is extremely proficient in English but is lovely lady with very helpful and pleasant nature. She guided us about what to do and what not to do.
She is highly recommended and we will be definitely recommending her to our relations and acquaintances.
Aug 3, 2026
G6602NEeduardoa
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Osaka Tour with Sachiko
We had a great Osaka…
Aug 3, 2026
G6602NEeduardoa
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Osaka Tour with Sachiko
We had a great Osaka tour experience with an excellent tour guide Sachiko Ogura. Highly recommended