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
- 8:30 Pick up at Hotel Osaka
- 8:30-10:30 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
- 10:30-11:30 Shitennoji Temple
- 11:30-12:20 Kuromon Market
- 12:20-13:10 Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho Alley
- 13:10-13:20 Go back to their hotel in Tanimatchi 9
- Around 13:20 End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Osaka Castle and stay there. at 8:30, Shitennoji Temple at 10:30, Kuromon Market at 11:30, Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho Alley at 12:20 and Go back to their hotel in Tanimatchi 9 at 13:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tanimachi 9-chome to Tanimachi 4-chome by train (190JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by train (190JPY); Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka to Nipponbashi by train (190JPY); Namba to Tanimachi 9-chome by train (190JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 760JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Osaka Day Tour Covering Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, Kuromon Market, and Dotonbori? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors who did not mind walking or climbing stairs and moved along quickly. Shitennoji Temple had not been part of the original plan, but since we finished viewing Osaka Castle early, we added it. Because we arrived right after Osaka Castle opened, it was not yet very crowded. We first took the elevator up to the 5th floor, then went to the observation deck on the 8th floor, and explained each floor on the way down, which was very efficient. At Shitennoji Temple, monks in colorful robes happened to be performing a ceremony, and I quietly took some photos. In the main hall, we were able to see chanting up close, which was wonderful. The guests also held a memorial for their own ancestors by writing a name in English on a large 600-yen candle. Since they only ate in the morning and evening and did not have lunch, we mainly enjoyed sightseeing at Kuromon Market and Dotonbori. Since the guests were worried about getting lost, they asked to be taken back to their hotel at the end of the tour, so we returned to the front of the hotel near Tanimachi 9-chome. Overall, the walking distances were short and we were able to get around efficiently.
Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Tanimachi 9-chome～Tanimachi 4-chome | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 190JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Nipponbashi | 190JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Namba～Tanimachi 9-chome | 190JPY |
| Total | 760JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Osaka Castle and stay there., Shitennoji Temple, Kuromon Market, Dotonbori / Hozenji Yokocho Alley and Go back to their hotel in Tanimatchi 9.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 760JPY 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?
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.
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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！