Osaka: Osaka Castle and stay there. & Shitennoji Temple — Guide Yuki

Can You Do a Private Car Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report on Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, and Shitennoji

This was my first time guiding a private tour of Osaka by car, but thanks to a kind driver, we were able to get around smoothly. Because there are parking restrictions that do not allow the car to be left standing, we would arrange in advance where to be picked up after each sightseeing stop before moving on. It was comfortable, however, since there was no need to go up and down subway stairs, and the walking distances between stops were short.

The travel agency had purchased the online ticket for Osaka Castle and sent it to the guests, but they could not find where it was, so we lost time going back to retrieve another phone and also going to buy an adapter, since the electrical outlet shape was different and the phone needed charging. In Dotonbori we stopped at a large electronics store, so I have included that time and the time spent having a light meal as part of the Dotonbori visit, but the guests also enjoyed looking around the large electronics store.

One of the guests was interested in Japanese history and may have been studying it, as they knew the names of several warlords such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. They listened enthusiastically to the story of the history of Osaka Castle. At Kuromon Market, where we briefly stopped, one of the guests was impressed by the size of the crabs and daikon radishes. In Namba we had a light meal and some sweets. Dietary needs made meals a bit challenging, but the guests said things like cake cream were fine and enjoyed them.

We visited Namba Yasaka Shrine, Tsutenkaku, and Shitennoji in a hurry, mainly just taking photos rather than going inside for a detailed look. Since the guests valued taking family photos, I took many pictures for them.

Click here for more details: Osaka Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Yuki

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.