Osaka in Half a Day: Osaka Castle and stay there — Guide Yuki

What Is a Private One-Day Osaka Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The travel agency acting as an intermediary between the guests and [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) had recorded the wrong messaging app number, and the email on file belonged to the agency itself, so despite being the intermediary they never sent any communication. As a result, I suddenly had to meet the guests directly at the hotel, but I was relieved that they appeared in the hotel lobby right on time. They had just arrived at Shin-Osaka from Tokyo, and if the timing had been off, we might have missed each other. The guests were traveling in Japan and were aware that their registration information with the travel agency was incorrect.

Since they would spend only one day in Osaka and were heading to Kyoto the next day, we first went to Osaka Castle. I borrowed their smartphone and took many photos of them. They also asked other tourists to take photos that included me, saying they would keep them as memories. The weather in Osaka today was warm and pleasant, and since it had been cold in Tokyo, they were very happy. They come from a region where the seasons are the reverse of Japan's, so the warmth was a nice change.

At Dotonbori, I realized they liked traditional Japanese things, so we went to Hozenji Yokocho, which delighted them, and they took many photos there as well. They also poured water over the Fudo statue and made a wish. We had talked about stopping by the Umeda Sky Building on the way back, but as we came near Ebisubashi, they spotted a restaurant serving cuisine from their home region and were drawn to it with a sense of nostalgia. They did not have much cash, but since the place accepted cards, they decided to have a meal there. It was just past 17:00, so after that I gave them directions and guidance on which trains and transfers to take, and they planned to visit the Umeda Sky Building on their own before returning to their hotel near Shin-Osaka.

When I mentioned that [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) might use their photos for promotion, the guests said they would send me some good ones and sent several. They thought the photos with me were nice too, but asked that I use the ones where they appeared slimmer rather than fuller. (laughs)

Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Yuki

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.
If you stay in Osaka for 3 days, you can go to Koyasan for one day, or even for a day trip, so I recommend sightseeing at Koyasan.
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.