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
- 12:00 Meet at IBIS Osaka Umeda
- 12:00-13:00 Nakanoshima rose garden
- 13:10-15:25 Kuromon Market/Dotonbori/ Hozenji Alley
- 15:40-17:45 Move to Osaka Castle and stay there
- 17:45-18:10 Shitennoji Temple
- 18:10-18:25 Tsutenkaku Tower
- 18:30 End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at IBIS Osaka Umeda at 12:00, the group explored Osaka until the tour ended at 18:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Nakanoshima rose garden at 12:00, Kuromon Market/Dotonbori/ Hozenji Alley at 13:10, Osaka Castle and stay there at 15:40, Shitennoji Temple at 17:45 and Tsutenkaku Tower at 18:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Higashi-Umeda to Kitahama by subway (190JPY); Kitahama to Nippombashi by subway (190JPY); Namba to Tanimachi 4-chome by subway (240JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka by subway (190JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 810JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Photography Tour of Osaka? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body: The guests enjoyed photography, so I planned to take them to places in Osaka where they could capture Instagram-worthy photos. It was a bit tight on time, but we stopped by Kitahama and visited the Nakanoshima Rose Garden, a beautiful spot that can only be enjoyed at this time of year. They photographed not only the overall scenery but also each variety of rose they particularly liked, one by one. At Kuromon Market they enjoyed hanami dango and seafood rice bowls, and in Dotonbori they had gyoza and takoyaki. While saying they were not fond of noise, they still eagerly photographed the crowded areas. At Osaka Castle and Shitennoji Temple, they focused mainly on photographing the buildings. I occasionally took photos of the guests as well, though they did not want a photo in front of the Glico sign. As for walking, they said they were fine since they regularly walk a dog, so on the way from Shitennoji we walked to Tsutenkaku while taking photos of the gate of Isshinji Temple along the way. Since they planned to grab something to eat before heading back, I explained the return route and we parted ways near Tsutenkaku.
Click here for more details: Osaka Instagram Spots Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Higashi-Umeda～Kitahama | 190JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Kitahama～Nippombashi | 190JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Namba～Tanimachi 4-chome | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Tanimachi 4-chome～Shitennoji-mae Yuhigaoka | 190JPY |
| Total | 810JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at IBIS Osaka Umeda at 12:00, and the tour finished at of the tour at 18:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 12:00 to 18:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nakanoshima rose garden, Kuromon Market/Dotonbori/ Hozenji Alley, Osaka Castle and stay there, Shitennoji Temple and Tsutenkaku Tower.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 810JPY per person across 4 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.
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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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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！