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 Hotel Keihan Tenmabashi Ekimae
- 9:00-12:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
- 12:30-13:30 Shitennouji Temple
- 13:45-14:10 Tsutenkaku Tower
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Osaka Castle and stay there. at 9:00, Shitennouji Temple at 12:30 and Tsutenkaku Tower at 13:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tanimachi 4-chome to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by subway (190JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 190JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Shitennoji, and Tsutenkaku
The group enjoyed a private tour together. From the hotel in Tenmabashi, we walked to Osaka Castle. When we entered through the Otemon Gate, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and the guests took many photos. One of the guests seemed very interested in architecture and examined the structures carefully. Today, for the first time, we were able to see the stone walls from the Toyotomi era at the Toyotomi Stone Wall Museum near Miraiza Osaka, which was very moving. Since the admission fee increased, this exhibit was added, and we also watched a short movie, which made our stay at Osaka Castle even longer. The guests looked at the 400-year-old stone walls with great interest. It is precisely by carefully explaining the story of the first and second Osaka Castles that the value of these underground stone walls becomes clear. On the way out, we also came across a bride and groom taking photos inside the castle grounds, and the guests took pictures as well. At Shitennoji Temple, they also listened with interest to stories about the Buddhist statues, the structure of the temple complex, the ancestral memorial rituals, and the turtles. We also rang the bell for ancestral memorial. From there we walked to Tsutenkaku, and when we stopped by the Tower of Knives, one of the guests was delighted to look at the knives. Because the group was so enthusiastic, our schedule ran a little late. At Tsutenkaku, I showed them how to take the subway back, and we parted ways.
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 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 190JPY |
| Total | 190JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Osaka Castle and stay there., Shitennouji Temple and Tsutenkaku Tower.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 190JPY per person across 1 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！