Osaka has a diverse culture and unique architecture and parks. It also has a variety of beauty depending on the season. You must feel excited to visit Osaka.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka, harbor, train station
Osaka Castle
There are indeed many kinds of plants in Osaka Castle. In particular, there are many cherry trees, plum trees, and trees with beautiful autumn foliage.
Let's go up to the main tower.
I will tell you about the history and defenses of Osaka Castle.
Aqualiner Cruise
You can enjoy the views of the waterfront of downtown Osaka from the boat.
You can especially enjoy the late-bloom cherry blossoms in the middle of April and the rose garden in May and fall.
It's a one-hour ride.
Lunch at Dotonbori
Dotonbori is one of the largest and most popular food districts in Osaka. Bori" means canal, in which three-dimensional neon signs are reflected. You can try takoyaki or other local foods at the stalls. Of course, there are many local food restaurants.
Hozenji
We walk in the old downtown area of the Minami area.
Umekita Park and Grand Front
Modern shopping area and a new park
Umeda Sky Building
The Umeda Sky Building has a stunning observatory.
You will enjoy the stunning views of Osaka and Osaka Bay.
And you will also surprised to see the fascinating structures of the building. It was once listed as one of the top 20 buildings in the world by the Times.
Nakanoshima Park/ the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living
In May or October, you can choose Nakanoshima Park and Rose Garden.
/ This museum displays how people lived in Osaka during the 1830s. They built the townhouse to the actual size and installed authentic things. If you stay on the street for 10 minutes, you might feel as if you were there, back in 19th-century Japan.
Ending
Ending Point
At your hotel in Osaka, harbor, train station
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
- Guide fee
- Hotel or Port pick-up
- Taxi: about 3000 JPY (only if you need it)
- Or public transport: about 1,000 JPY /per person for you and the guide
- Snack at the stands
- Lunch for you and the guide (about 2000 JPN/ per person)
- Entrance fees (about 3000 JPY/ per person, no guide needed)
If you like, you can use Osaka Amazing Pass 3300 JPY instead of the above.
* This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Please let me know about your food preferences and restrictions.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport.
I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds.
I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature.
I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan.
If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
“Shuji-san's way is the right way!”
First off I wanted to thank Shuji-san for a wonderful experience in Kyoto with my family and friends. We live in Tokyo and decided to take a 1.5 day trip down to Kyoto with out of town guests from the US. Shuji-san was extremely accommodating and was able to help adjust his suggested itinerary with a customized agenda to help ensure that we could see some of the primary sites that were more crowded in addition to the lesser known shrines and areas that across Kyoto. We traveled also with our 2 x boys aged 13 & 10 years old and Shuji-san was also connecting with them to make sure that they were also having a great experience as well. We trusted Shuji-san to help us deliver an experience for our friends and he was able to surpass our expectations. His knowledge and experience was super helpful and our Kyoto visit would not have been the same if it wasn't for him. Even though we have been to Kyoto several times ourselves, this added experience and help navigating the locations was a great way to compliment our exploration. Highlights included an appreciation of the beauty of temples, the fall foliage as noted by the agenda, spontaneous photos and a less traveled aqueduct bridge through one of the temples. Thank you Shuji-san. It was a pleasure meeting you and we hope to cross paths again. ありがとうございました。お時間を割いていただき、会話も楽しめ、素晴らしい経験ができました。どうぞ良いお年をお迎えください。
Shuji O.
Hi Richard, Thank you for a very thorough review. I'm happy I got it. I called this tour 'Less Crowded, Stunning Fall Foliage - Kyoto'. But since you were with your friends who were visiting Kyoto for the first time, I changed it on the spot. But the most exciting thing was that you and your kids chose 'Adventure' from my last suggestions. It was already a little dark, but we enjoyed the last place. You made our tour very great. Yes, I enjoyed it a lot too. Even though you live in Japan, guides can make your trip to Japan different. See you again in the near future again. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
“Shuji is one of a kind!”
I had a wonderful time exploring with Shuji, an exceptional guide. The temples and gardens were stunning and captivating. The experience of walking around the small streets was fantastic. Shuji was eager to share his knowledge, which was both interesting and informative. His expertise and support were beyond my expectations, and I will always be thankful. You are truly the best!
Shuji O.
Thank you for your wonderful words, which seem too good for me! I'm so glad you enjoyed the places and our experiences. Yes, we had an extraordinary time in Kyoto, avoiding the crowds. We rarely have such a special moment. You were so interested in Japanese nature, culture, and heritage. I hope you can visit Japan again and add more Goshuins. See you again!
Alyssa A.
Deep in Nara from Osaka by car ~ Off the beaten track ~
“Enjoy a Historical Tour in Nara!”
Traveling with Shuji felt like going on a field trip, especially with his background as a history teacher. He took the time to explain several major cultural locations, including the art displayed in museums, but also adjusted the tour to include a trip to Nara Park based on my request for my daughter. If you're looking for something different, highly recommend talking to Shuji to personalize your trip!
Shuji O.
Thanks for the great review. We enjoyed the beautiful and historic temples, Hasedera and Horyuji, avoiding the crowds as much as possible. We also enjoyed playing with the deer in the popular Nara Deer Park. We enjoyed wonderful places in the best season of fall foliage. I hope this will be a good memory for your family.
$258/ per group