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

  • 11:00   Meet at Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal
  • 11:00-11:30 Move to Shinsekai
  • 11:30-12:10 Shinsekai
  • 12:20-13:20 Kuromon Market / Dotombori
  • 13:50-14:50 Shitennoji Temple
  • 15:00-17:00 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there.
  • 17:00-17:50 Move back to Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Shinsekai at 11:00, Kuromon Market / Dotombori at 12:20, Shitennoji Temple at 13:50, Osaka Castle and stay there. at 15:00 and Move back to Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal at 17:00.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Osaka Port to Ebisucho by subway (290JPY); Ebisucho to Nippombashi (Osaka) by subway (190JPY); Namba (Subway) to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by subway (190JPY); Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka to Tanimachi 4-chome by train (190JPY); Osaka Castle Electric Car to Osaka Castle Park (300JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Osaka Port by subway (290JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,450JPY per person.

What Is a Private Osaka Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were pleasant from the very first messages we exchanged while planning the tour. On the day itself, they were eager to try out the Japanese phrases they had just learned. I rode the subway together with them and explained how to use it. They were interested in the architecture of Shitennoji Temple and Osaka Castle, and bought a book about armor and weaponry as a souvenir. One of the guests knew about Billiken (created more than a century ago by an artist from North America) and bought a small Billiken plush toy as a gift. They took photos with a ninja figure and struck the Glico pose, showing plenty of playful humor. The guests had a childlike joy for enjoying the experience.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwayOsaka Port~Ebisucho290JPY
Section 2SubwayEbisucho~Nippombashi (Osaka)190JPY
Section 3SubwayNamba (Subway)~Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka190JPY
Section 4TrainShitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka~Tanimachi 4-chome190JPY
Section 5OtherOsaka Castle Electric Car~Osaka Castle Park300JPY
Section 6SubwayTanimachi 4-chome~Osaka Port290JPY
Total1,450JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Shinsekai, Kuromon Market / Dotombori, Shitennoji Temple, Osaka Castle and stay there. and Move back to Tempozan Osaka Cruise Terminal.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,450JPY per person across 6 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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