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
- 10:30 Meet at Osaka Station
- 10:30-12:30 Move to and stay at Osaka Castle
- 12:30-14:55 Move to Shitennoji, lunch, stay at Shitennoji
- 14:55 Disband (return to Osaka Station by taxi)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Osaka Station at 10:30, the group explored Osaka until the tour ended at 14:55. The day ran to 4 hours and 25 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered and stay at Osaka Castle at 10:30 and Shitennoji, lunch, stay at Shitennoji at 12:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Osaka to Osakajokoen by train (180JPY); Osakajokoen to Tennoji by train (180JPY); Tennoji to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by subway (190JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 550JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Osaka Day Tour with Limited Walking? A Licensed Guide's Report
The meeting point was changed to Osaka Station, as the guests contacted me to say they would arrive at Osaka Station from Kobe at exactly 10:30. Since one of the guests was unable to go up and down stairs, we first went from Osaka Station to Osaka Castle (viewing it only from the outside). We walked slowly, but enjoyed the nature along the way. The final slope was steep, so one of the guests rested on a bench while the other took photos to show them, and at several spots along the way I took many photos of the group with Osaka Castle in the background. In particular, a single large double-flowered cherry tree still had its blossoms intact, which delighted them and they took photos of it. Normally Shitennoji Temple is close from Tanimachi 4-chome Station, but since we could not go to the opposite side of Osaka Castle, we returned to Osaka Castle Park and went to Shitennoji Temple by taking the Tanimachi Line from Tennoji. Even getting there was a struggle, as we had to search for escalators and elevators, and although it is a place I usually walk to easily, we had to take a long detour. On the 21st, Shitennoji Temple holds a fair for Kobo Daishi with a flea market, and entry to the temple grounds was free, so I took photos of the group with the five-story pagoda as well. At the flea market, they purchased a handmade indigo-dyed bag. For lunch they enjoyed okonomiyaki and beer. We had planned to go to Dotonbori at the end, but since it was nearly 3 o'clock and I was concerned that one of the guests was tired, we decided to return to the Hotel by taxi and parted ways. They seemed to be planning to go to the EXPO from the next day, but I think the travel will be quite demanding.
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 | Osaka～Osakajokoen | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Osakajokoen～Tennoji | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Tennoji～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 190JPY |
| Total | 550JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Osaka Station at 10:30, and the tour finished at (return to Osaka Station by taxi) at 14:55.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 25 minutes in total, from 10:30 to 14:55.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited and stay at Osaka Castle and Shitennoji, lunch, stay at Shitennoji.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 550JPY 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?
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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There is much to do in Osaka so carefully choose 3 or 4 sights to visit. Yuki was a great tour
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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！