The city of Osaka is considered Japan's economic powerhouse having 2.7 million people. Many tourists say Osaka is more relaxing compared to other big cities in Japan. That's because Osakans have a good sense of humor. You will see old and new in this city: Osaka Castle built in the Samurai era, Shitennoji Temple founded 1400 years ago, modern Umeda Sky Building, etc. Also Osaka is the number 1 gourmet city! It used to be called Japan's kitchen.
At your hotel in Osaka or Central Gate of JR Osaka Station
It's a symbol of Osaka and the most visited site by tourists. The castle was originally built in the 16th century by Hideyoshi Toyotomi, who uniformed Japan as a nation for the first time. The castle has massive stone walls and moats. The main tower contains a museum displaying historical items such as Samurai helmets and armors.
One of the oldest temples in Japan founded by Prince Shotoku. It has a history of 1400 years. Although the temple was burnt down several times, you can still see the typical layout of temple structures when Buddhism was introduced to Japan.
Dotombori is a southern center of Osaka. The place is always crowded with locals and people around the world to enjoy food. A lot of people take photos of the Glico and Kanidoraku billboards on the Ebisubashi Bridge. I recommend Okonomiyaki or Kushikatsu for lunch if you like to try local dishes. I will also take you to nostalgic Hozenji Alley and some shopping streets.
Please choose a modern Umeda Sky Building near Osaka Station OR old Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine founded in the 3rd century. The shrine is located down in the south.
At the last destination or your hotel
guide fee,
hotel pick up
transportation for you and guide
admission fees for you, Osaka Castle (600 JPY/person), Umeday Sky Building (1,500JPY/person), Shitennoji Temple (300JPY/person)
lunch for you and guide
I will pick you up at your hotel in Osaka. We will use public transportation unless you like to use taxis.
At each spot there will be a lot of walking. Please cover guide's transportation fees during the tour as well as yours. If you wish to visit other spots such as Kuromon Market, Kaiyukan Aquarium, etc., please let me know.
Also, please inform me if you have food restrictions.
I accept a tour request until 2 days prior to the tour date and a group of 2 persons up to 10 persons.
“Kyoto 9 Hour Tour on April 14”
We recently booked Mari for a shore excursion from Osaka to Kyoto. Despite our numerous questions prior to the trip, she was always very patient in her responses. Through her thoughtful planning, our party of 6 got to experience travelling via a variety of local transportation and navigated the busy tourist areas with ease. We would not hesitate to recommend Mari and would book her again if we visited Osaka/Kyoto/Kobe (her home town) again. Thank you Mari!
Mari N.
(126 reviews)Dear Chris, Thank you so much for your kind review. I had such an enjoyable group and had fun myself. It was my pleasure answering your questions. I hope to see you again in the near future! Mari
“Very pleasant day in Kobe”
Mari knows Kobe well and shared a very pleasant day with us visiting the Nunobiki herb garden, Kitano Foreign Residence Area, lunch at lovely teppanyaki restaurant and a visit to the very peaceful Sorakuen Japanese Garden. Thank you for a lovely day, Hedi and Bruce.
Mari N.
(126 reviews)Thank you so much for taking time to write a Kobe tour review. I also had a wonderful time with you and Hedi. Regards, Mari
“Interesting and enjoyable day in Osaka”
Thank you very much for an interesting and enjoyable day in Osaka. We enjoyed the historical sites of Osaka castle, Shitennoji temple and the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, as well as Namba and the Dotomnori markets. And your choice for lunch was excellent, thank you. We are very much looking forward to our next visit with you. All the best, Hedi and Bruce.
Mari N.
(126 reviews)Thank you very much for your thoughtful comments. I was so thankful for showing your interest in our history. I’m also happy to know you enjoyed our local food! Best regards, Mari