Osaka Castle park and visiting a shrine
This tour lets you see, walk, and experience history:
Explore the castle tower and museum
Walk the stone walls and park
Ride a historical Gozabune
Visit the shrine honoring Hideyoshi
You will learn about Japan’s leaders, castle architecture, and cultural beliefs in one visit.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
Osaka castle park station of JR line or station of Metro
- Depends on your location, the nearest station changes
Osaka castle main tower
The castle was first built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a famous leader who united most of Japan 400 years ago.
The main tower you see today was rebuilt in 1931 and is now a museum.
Inside, you can learn about Hideyoshi, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and the history of the castle.
Gozabune boat experience
Gozabune Boat Experience for 20 min
Enjoy a ride on a Gozabune, a special decorative boat used by lords long ago.
The boat was used for safe travel and ceremonies, and it shows the power and culture of that time.
Look for protective stones, which were believed to keep away evil spirits and bring safety.
Stone Wall Museum
This museum shows the original Hideyoshi-era stone walls and archaeological finds.
You can learn about the differences between Hideyoshi’s round stones and Ieyasu’s square stones.
The exhibits explain how stones were cut, placed, and even decorated with masons’ marks.
Toyokuni Shrine
A shrine built to honor Toyotomi Hideyoshi.
You can pay respects and see statues, gates, and offerings that celebrate his life and achievements.
It connects the history of the castle with cultural and religious traditions.
Ending Point
Guest's convenient station
Want to personalize this tour?
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This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Guide fee
Admission fee for the main tower of Osaka castle and stone wall museum (1200yen per person),
Gozabune experience 1800yen per person,
Transfer fee
Tour Important Information
This tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
About Tour Guide Ryoko T.
I was born and raised in Osaka, so I’m a true local! I love traveling—both around Japan and overseas—and discovering new places, cultures, and of course… delicious food!
In addition to being a guide, I also run my own office as a certified labor and social security attorney in Japan. Thanks to this professional background, you can feel assured that I’m a trustworthy and responsible guide who can flexibly arrange tours to fit your needs.
Before starting my own practice, I also worked as a tour conductor for domestic bus tours, traveling all around Japan for a year. This experience gave me the chance to visit many regions and learn how to take care of guests in different travel settings.
I can take you on food tours to hidden local bars and restaurants loved by Osakans, or guide you through Japan’s rich history with visits to shrines, temples, and castles. Whether you want to experience Osaka like a local foodie or dive into cultural traditions, I’ll create a tour that’s perfect for you.
I’m also a photography enthusiast, so you’ll get some great photos taken by me as a souvenir from our tour!
Let’s enjoy Osaka together—just like locals do!
Reviews
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Rowena S.
“Thank you Ryoko san”
Thank you Ryoko san
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Ryoko T.
Thank you very much for your kind review. I also received a lovely message from George, and I’m truly delighted to know that they enjoyed the tour. I really appreciate the opportunity to guide for your guests again. Thank you so much.
Dennis F.
“Food and culture Ryoko knows Osaka ”
I had the pleasure to have Ryoko as my guide and she is a charming, intelligent, and very knowledgeable native of Osaka. The lady knows the city. The best part of our tour was walking around the neighborhoods and seeing all the different aspects of the city and culture. She also took me to an excellent barbecue restaurant which made my day. I highly recommend her for a guided tour of specially if you seek food and culture.
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Ryoko T.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! You have such a great sense of humor, and I truly enjoyed spending time with you as well. I’m so glad you appreciated both the neighborhoods and the food—especially that unforgettable barbecue Please do come back to Osaka again, and next time I’ll be happy to show you even more hidden gems!
Rahul K.
“amazing trip !!! ”
Had a fabulous time with Ryoko. She planned every part of my customised itinerary to the detail.
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Ryoko T.
Hi Rahul, Thank you so much for your excellent review. I’m really glad to hear you enjoyed spending the full day with me, and I truly appreciate your kind words. I hope you also had a wonderful time with your family in Japan. Best regards, Ryoko
$224/ per group
More tours by Ryoko T.
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Hidden gems in South part of Osaka, Kishiwada castle and cultural day tour
Visit Kishiwada Castle, a quiet castle in Osaka, offering a peaceful alternative to crowded Osaka Castle. See nearby shrines and temples and learn about Japanese culture. Enjoy a Japanese set lunch by a Japanese garden, appreciating the beauty of each dish. Finish at Kishiwada Danjiri Hall, where you can see festival floats up close and, depending on timing, try playing the Japanese drums.
Hidden gems in South part of Osaka, Kishiwada castle and cultural day tour
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Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh Falls Hiking & Relaxing Onsen Day Trip
Start the day by taking a bus from Minoh Kayano Station to Katsuo-ji Temple. Explore the temple’s history, hidden spots, and learn how to purchase a daruma doll. Trying an omikuji (fortune slip) is also recommended. Next, enjoy a hiking trail to Ryuanji, ending at Minoh Waterfall, where you can soak in the refreshing natural atmosphere. From there, take a taxi to a day-use Onsen. Guests with tattoos will need to cover them with stickers or book a private room.
Katsuo-ji Temple, Minoh Falls Hiking & Relaxing Onsen Day Trip
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Japanese Sake tasting & Sushi night walk tour
Discover Japan through food, drink, and nightlife! Begin with a guided sake tasting, sampling three varieties paired with a traditional obanzai dish. Then, enjoy authentic sushi crafted by an itamae, experiencing the artistry of fresh nigiri. Finally, dive into Japan’s nightlife: choose a lively New Half karaoke bar or a cozy local snack bar, both offering unlimited drinks and singing. A night of flavors, fun, and unforgettable memories awaits!
Japanese Sake tasting & Sushi night walk tour
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Osaka
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Minoh LIGHT-UP Waterfall & Daruma Blessing at Katsuoji
Enjoy a relaxing evening tour combining two beautiful spots near Osaka. First, we visit Katsuo-ji Temple, famous as the “Daruma Temple,” where thousands of red daruma dolls are placed for good luck. Then we head to Minoh Waterfall to see the magical seasonal light-up. This tour is perfect for people who want to enjoy nature, peaceful temples, and unique Japanese culture away from the busy city.
Minoh LIGHT-UP Waterfall & Daruma Blessing at Katsuoji
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Taste and Tradition: A Guided Food Walk near Osaka Tenmangu
Experience the heart of Osaka in this immersive half-day walking tour that blends history, culture, and local life 9:30: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine 10:00: Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street Walk Take local favorites like Takoyaki and Croquettes 12:00: Explore Nakazakichō for a taste of old Osaka charm and retro vibes. *If we have time, let’s do some shopping in Umeda!
Taste and Tradition: A Guided Food Walk near Osaka Tenmangu
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Tour of Osaka-jo Castle
(Highlights) The present castle building looks beautiful, powerful and in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment. However, it was the venue of hegemony, bloody conflicts and natural disasters for many centuries. Once you visit the castle, you will be amazed at the magnificent structures, huge moats and the beautiful natural environment. The view from the top of the eight-storied donjon is splendid. You can reach there either by going up the steep stairways or taking an elevator ride. The castle is in the heart and the landmark of Osaka city, where many modern buildings stand. (How to enjoy) You can enjoy a leisurely walk along the one-kilometer road leading to the castle after you get off the train and, once inside the precincts, you cannot spare even a moment without marveling at the sight of an ancient technology and human wisdom, as well as the huge rocks building up the protection walls. Not only seeing the buildings, you can also sit on the grass and enjoy having lunch with your family members or friends. (Others) The entrance fee is 600 yen per person and the JR Osaka Loop Line train fare is 300 yen for the ride from Osaka to Osaka-jo-koen station. The fare for the ride between Kyoto and Osaka, meanwhile, is 510 yen.
Tour of Osaka-jo Castle
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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
You can experience a time travel to the feudal period to encounter Samurai, Japanese warriors. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds.The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609.
Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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