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
- 9:00 Meet at the hotel
- 9:40 Osaka Castle
- 11:15 Shitennoji Temple
- 12:30 Namba Yasaka Shrine
- 12:50 End of guide
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at hotel at 9:00, the group explored Osaka until the tour ended at 12:50. The day ran to 3 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Osaka Castle at 9:40, Shitennoji Temple at 11:15 and Namba Yasaka Shrine at 12:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tanimachi 9-chome to Tanimachi 4-chome by subway (190JPY); Tenmabashi to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by subway (240JPY); Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka to Namba by subway (190JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 620JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Tour of Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Namba Yasaka Shrine? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from Europe. We started at Osaka Castle. First, they were amazed by the impressive features of Japanese castles that differ from Western castles, such as the size, the moats, the stone walls, and the defensive systems. They were moved by the beauty of the main tower and the exhibits inside. At Shitennoji Temple, I explained the history of Buddhism, the different types and roles of Buddhist statues, and the differences between Buddhism and Shinto. The guests clearly recognized the distinct differences from Christianity. Namba Yasaka Shrine has recently become popular among inbound visitors for its "lion stage." They burst out laughing at its amusing appearance (laughs).
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 | Tanimachi 9-chome～Tanimachi 4-chome | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Tenmabashi～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka～Namba | 190JPY |
| Total | 620JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 9:00, and the tour finished at of guide at 12:50.
How long does the tour last?
About 3 hours and 50 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 12:50.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple and Namba Yasaka Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 620JPY per person across 3 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?
Shuji 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.
My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.
Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto fun
Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge
Jul 15, 2026
P9099TXkennethr
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
A great day
A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached out immediately to make sure that we had a customized tour of what we wanted to see and do in Nara. The level of details in his emails was incredible! Not only did Shuji plan a great tour but he also went above and beyond by explaining the Japan rail system, the public transportation cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and even told us exactly what trains, times and gates to exit so that our meetup was seamless. Been on a lot of tours around the world and have never had this level of communication. Once we started our tour, Shuji was articulate, knowledgeable and so much fun! Nara is amazing and Shuji made it so much better – please request him!
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see everything that we wanted while in Osaka. He even took my 5 year old into consideration and took us to the Pokémon store since he is a Pokémon fan. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide.