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
- 9:10 Meet up @Hotel Osaka
- 10:00 Osaka Castle
- 12:45 Shitennoji Temple
- 14:00 Kuromon Market
- 15:20 Hozenji Temple
- 15:30 Ebisubashi Bridge
- 16:00 Disband @Namba Parks
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Osaka began at 9:10, when the guide met the guests at @Hotel Osaka, and finished at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Osaka Castle at 10:00, Shitennoji Temple at 12:45, Kuromon Market at 14:00, Hozenji Temple at 15:20 and Ebisubashi Bridge at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Namba to Tanimachi 4-chome by Free Pass (620JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by Free Pass (0JPY); Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka to Nipponbashi by Free Pass (0JPY); Nipponbashi to Namba by Free Pass (0JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 620JPY per person.
What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Kuromon Market
I guided a group visiting from North America on a private day tour of Osaka. Since we took things slowly and without rushing, I paced the tour gently throughout the day. At Osaka Castle, the guests took a genuine interest in its history. As it happened to be the final day of the year the castle was open, it was extremely crowded, but they still enjoyed viewing the exhibits inside the castle with great interest. At Shitennoji Temple there was not much of a crowd, and we were fortunate to be able to observe a Buddhist memorial service taking place.
At Kuromon Market, which we visited by request, prices were rather high even for locals, but the guests said the food was very delicious. Finally, we returned to Namba, where they enjoyed the water-splashing Jizo statue at Hozenji Temple and striking the Glico pose at Ebisubashi Bridge. We said our goodbyes at Namba Parks, which was near the Hotel.
Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Free Pass | Namba～Tanimachi 4-chome | 620JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | Tanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Free Pass | Nipponbashi～Namba | 0JPY |
| Total | 620JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @Hotel Osaka at 9:10, and the tour finished at @Namba Parks at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 50 minutes in total, from 9:10 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, Kuromon Market, Hozenji Temple and Ebisubashi Bridge.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 620JPY 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?
Ito 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.
Hello! My name is Tatsuya Ito.
I have been national government licensed guide interpreter since 2017. I have guided Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya and other cities and rural areas of Japan. I love travel with trains, and talking with many people from all over the world.
I can guide any places you want to go. If you don’t have any ideas, I recommend some nice spots where you can enjoy.
Japan has many beautiful places and original culture. I want to introduce them as much as I can.
I hope you will have great memories in Japan.
Let’s enjoy traveling with me.
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Big thanks