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
- 10:00 Meet at Swissotel Nankai Osaka
- 10:00-11:40 Move to Kuromon Market and stay there
- 11:40-12:00 Move to Shitennoji by subway.
- 12:00-12:45 Stay at Shitennoji Temple
- 12:45-13:30 Aizendo festival
- 13:30-14:00 Move to Osaka station by subway (Pokemon center)
- Around 14:00 End of tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kuromon Market and stay there at 10:00, Shitennoji by subway. at 11:40, Stay at Shitennoji Temple at 12:00, Aizendo festival at 12:45 and Osaka station by subway (Pokemon center) at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nipponbashi (Osaka) to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by subway (190JPY); Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka to Umeda (Subway) by subway (240JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 430JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests wanted an experience a little different from the standard tourist spots, so from the Hotel we walked to Doguyasuji, Namba Grand Kagetsu, and Kuromon Market (the souvenir shops on the way had many character goods, which they enjoyed). To show their courage, the guests tried fugu (blowfish) sashimi together. It was a bright and friendly group. They had an Osaka sightseeing pass that could be read by QR code, so they could use it for the subway, Shitennoji Temple, and later the Umeda Sky Building as well. We stayed at Shitennoji until 12:45, and when we came out to the main street through the stone torii gate, the portable shrine of Aizen-do was just returning from Tennoji, so we walked along with it. The guests enjoyed shaved ice from the food stalls along the way, and we went into Aizen-do to see the specially unveiled principal image and the eight Aizen maidens before moving on to Umeda. The Aizen-do festival marks the earliest start among Osaka's July festivals, so the guests were able to experience a Japanese festival at just the right time. At the Pokemon Center and Nintendo store in the Daimaru at Osaka Station, the group was delighted. They mentioned that, given the time difference, it still felt like nighttime for them, so they weren't hungry yet, but I introduced them to places such as the restaurant floor in the basement of the Umeda Sky Building. To let them enjoy shopping at their leisure, we parted ways there.
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 | Nipponbashi (Osaka)～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Umeda (Subway) | 240JPY |
| Total | 430JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kuromon Market and stay there, Shitennoji by subway., Stay at Shitennoji Temple, Aizendo festival and Osaka station by subway (Pokemon center).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 430JPY per person across 2 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.
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.
Jun 23, 2026
Shelley_E
Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
There is much to do in…
There is much to…
Jun 23, 2026
Shelley_E
Viator review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
There is much to do in…
There is much to do in Osaka so carefully choose 3 or 4 sights to visit. Yuki was a great tour
guide and she communicated with us before the tour to find out what we wanted to see
and do. She was knowledgeable about the city and its history.
May 28, 2026
Duncan_R
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Great Tour of Kyoto
The tour was both very informative and…
May 28, 2026
Duncan_R
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Great Tour of Kyoto
The tour was both very informative and incredibly picturesque, while also serving as some good exercise. The guide was pleasant throughout and easy to understand so the experience was a lot of fun overall. We would recommend the tour to anyone looking to see the sights of Kyoto through the lens of someone with a deep understanding of Japanese culture.
May 28, 2026
ignaciosilenzi
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
Miyuki was…
May 28, 2026
ignaciosilenzi
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Licensed Guide
Amazing day in Koyasan with Miyuki
Miyuki was an amazing guide. She was very attentive and shared all the historical details
and information we needed to know. Thank you, Miyuki, for such a beautiful family day in
Koyasan.
May 23, 2026
189mirjamf
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
Sehr nette und…
May 23, 2026
189mirjamf
Tripadvisor review: Mt. Koya Sacred 6hr Private Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Grandioser Einblick in eine fremde Kultur
Sehr nette und informative Führung. Inklusive vorheriger Organisation von leckeren
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！