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
- 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
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 | ||
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!
Jul 30, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We spent half…
Jul 30, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We spent half a day with Sachiko Ogura seeing the Osaka castle, the garden on 16th floor, Sumiyoshi Taisha shrine and Dotonbori. Sachiko was on time (in fact, early:-) and well prepared (we have communicated in advance) and gave us an excellent tour.
She can be highly recommended!
Jul 12, 2026
angiegI1120DY
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great tour! Great guide!
Sachi was a great guide. She customized…
Jul 12, 2026
angiegI1120DY
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Great tour! Great guide!
Sachi was a great guide. She customized our tour for us and even made a last minute adjustment due to the rain and switched us to an indoor activity to visit the Japanese museum of living which was gave us a very nice insight on how the Japanese lived way back when. She’s very knowledgeable and was able to answer any questions we had. She also went out of her way to make sure our kids also enjoyed the tour. What really impressed me was that she never sat down or rested during the whole tour. Even on the train, she didn’t sit down!
Jul 8, 2026
surferbikerdude1
We Miss Osaka Already
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Sachiko O. was our guide…
Jul 8, 2026
surferbikerdude1
We Miss Osaka Already
Tripadvisor review: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Sachiko O. was our guide for the day around Osaka, and what a wonderful experience we had in this amazing city. Even with a rainy day she provided an itinerary that included history and culture with shopping and, of course, food. It provides us with a taste of a city that we hope to return to in the near future.
Jun 23, 2026
Relax64382499520
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A memorable experience!
Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura,…
Jun 23, 2026
Relax64382499520
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A memorable experience!
Wonderful experience with an amazing guide! Ms. Sachiko Ogura, a kind, respectful, and knowledgeable guide made our 4-hour tour efficient and interesting. We visited several places including the Osaka castle. She provided detailed information on the places we visited in addition to attractions along the way.
I highly recommend her to everyone who desires the best exposure to Osaka.