GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
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GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
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Tour of Osaka Tenjin-matsuri Festival / Cruising on the rivercover image

Tour of Osaka Tenjin-matsuri Festival / Cruising on the river

Osaka
4 hours

(Highlights) Held in the evening of July 25 each year, this festival attracts more than a million spectators. Dozens of rafts full of invited, kimono-clad people towed by small boats go upstream the major river in the heart of Osaka, while on-lookers watch from the river bank, nearby bridges and the pier. There stand stalls selling varieties of food, filling in every nook and corner of the river bank. Thousands of fireworks are shot up into the night sky to the great enjoyment of visitors. (Origin of the festival) The myth says that in the year 951, two years after God descended from heaven and settled in the Tenmangu Shrine, they flowed a sacred float in the river from the nearby beach and a funeral hall was built and "misogi" purification ceremony held at the shore where the float reached. Then, those living near the shrine and worshipers built a ship to contributed to the shrine. (How to enjoy) You can see rafts full of "yukata"-clad people in the festive mood on board slowly going upstream the river, while being soaked in the cool evening atmosphere. After dark, fireworks setting the skies ablaze make you sigh in joyful excitement. You can have whatever food you like at the stalls built in the riverbank. (Transportation) The JR train fare from Kyoto station to Osaka station is 560 yen and the subway fare, 180 yen. (Others) Since the venue is very crowded, please do your utmost in protecting yourself from being bumped by others and from theft. If you are there on the days other than the festival day, you can enjoy cruising on board a sightseeing ship called "Osaka water-bus" for a fee of 1,700 yen for one-hour ride. You can see the landscape of Osaka city from different angles as the ship sails along the river. Daytime only, however.

FROM$144/ per group
Japan Tour Guide - Tatsuhiro N.
Tatsuhiro N.
4.56 / 5
(62 reviews)

Osaka Shore Excursion Tours

Osaka Tour Reviews

Pop Culture Tour with Kazu

We had a great time going in and out of shops, especially those selling retro toys and manga. He helped my son find the items he wanted, and at the last shop he took us before the tour ended, I found a Doraemon item that I have been looking for, for quite a while. Thank you Kazu for showing us around.

Rachel L.

Kazu Y.

Thank you so much for joining my treasure hunting tour! I'm glad you found what you were looking for!

Excellent guide to see Osaka if you are short on time

Makoto was excellent guiding us to see the main spots of Osaka since we were limited on time. He was very informative on all the major sights that we saw and my family including 2 teens enjoyed the tour very much! Highly recommend him! Thank you Makoto.

Mitul P.

Makoto Y.

Dear Mitul, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you and family enjoyed the tour. This tour was done in the limited time frame, so please come back again with enough time frame next time. I assure that you will enjoy more. Thanks again for your choosing me for your guide. Makoto

Friendly, knowledgeable, exceptional guide.

Naoki was an incredible guide! He was super friendly and made it easy to strike up conversations. He showed us around the city, so we could really take in the sights without a care in the world. Plus, learning about Osaka's culture and history from him was such a treat. If you’re feeling unsure about who to choose, Naoki is definitely your guy. I'd book him again just to hang out and explore more!

Matthew E.

Naoki H.

Dear Matt, Thank you so much for spending your precious time posting a great review. It is very very kind of you. I am so glad that you enjoyed the tour and it was such a great honour and pleasure for me to guide you in the city! I hope to see you again sometime in the future. Please have a wonderful week. Best Regards Naoki

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Private Tours in Osaka

Travel like a real local. With our lineup of varied tours we want to help you customize and realize your ideal tour in Osaka. Our guides can arrange for you to visit areas specific to your interests, so there will be no filler in the itinerary! Browse all the tours we offer in Osaka, and find the perfect one for you. The tours come in a variety of categories and lengths, so chances are you will be able to find the tour for you. Looking for something you couldn’t find in our lineup? Go ahead and send a message to one of the guides, they will create your tour for you! Teaming up with a local guide and getting their help in planning the itinerary is the smart way to travel, so let them sort everything out for you.