Osaka in Half a Day: Shitennoji Temple — Guide Kelly

What Can You See on a Private One-Day Highlights Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests had just checked in from Kyoto, and since this was the final day of their tour of Japan with an early departure the next morning, they wanted to cover the highlights of Osaka efficiently without wasting time.

During the roughly 20-minute walk from the Hotel to Shitennoji Temple, the guests enjoyed the local atmosphere before arriving at the temple.

Since they preferred not to take off their shoes to climb the five-story pagoda, they took many photographs instead. They were interested in the difference in roles between the five-story pagoda and the main hall (Kondo). Having seen many temples and shrines in Kyoto, they were also surprised to learn that Shitennoji is the first Buddhist temple in Japan.

Although they did not go inside Osaka Castle, they were deeply impressed, remarking that they had never seen such a magnificent castle building in either Tokyo or Kyoto.

By skipping the garden at Shitennoji, we were able to devote more time to Dotonbori. On the way there, the guests asked for an explanation of Dotonbori, so I explained that it was once home to many theaters and was a representative entertainment and sightseeing district that flourished with temple visitors. But upon arriving, they said no words were needed — they were overwhelmed, feeling it was unlike anywhere else. The guests happily took photographs of the neon signs, the Kani Doraku crab, Genroku Sushi, takoyaki, and Billiken all around the area.

Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Kelly

Hi, everyone! Nice meeting you! I’m Yoshimi, Japan National Licenced Tour Guide.
I live in Osaka city with my family, working for overseas trade.
I love traveling abroad as well as in Japan regardless urban area or countryside.
So interested in interacting with you through attractive sightseeing spots around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.
Osaka is famous as exciting big city and delicious food, Kyoto and Nara boast more than 1000years history with lots of UNESCO world heritage site.
I also would like to introduce Japanese culture such as Sa-do or tea ceremony, Ka-do, or flower arrangement, Kimono wearing.
What intrigue you in Japan? Depending on your interest, I’m able to recommend anything, anywhere.
Please let me know what kind of thing you’d like to see or experience.
Really looking forward to seeing you soon!