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Osaka Castle Walking Tour with Golden Boat & Shrine Visit
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Joined 2025
We will stroll through the castle park while I share stories about its history. Then, enjoy a ride on the Golden Osaka-jo Boat, where I will explain the massive stone walls up close.
Next, we will visit the Main Tower to explore its samurai exhibits and enjoy panoramic city views.
Finally, we will stop at Hokoku Shrine to learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi and how to pray at a Shinto shrine. I will also take memorable photos for you during the tour.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station
- We will meet in front of the 7-Eleven on the 2nd floor of JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station. I can also meet you at your hotel for your convenience!
Stroll through the castle park
As we explore the castle park, I will guide you through the dramatic history and secrets of Osaka Castle.
Golden Osaka-jo Boat Ride
Step aboard the shining golden boat and glide around the castle moat. From the water, you will see the massive stone walls up close while I explain their history, unique construction techniques, and the role they played in protecting Osaka Castle.
Osaka Castle Main Tower
Enter the iconic Main Tower and step into the world of samurai. Inside, you will find exhibits showcasing weapons, armor, and artifacts of Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Osaka’s dramatic past. From the observation deck at the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city — a true highlight of the castle experience.
Hokoku Shrine
Visit Hokoku Shrine, dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan’s most famous historical figures. Learn about the shrine’s history, its cultural significance, and proper Shinto prayer etiquette. This stop gives insight into the life of Hideyoshi and the spiritual traditions of Osaka.
Ending Point
JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
English guide
Golden Osaka-jo Boat: JPY 1,800 per person plus JPY 1,800 for the guide
Osaka Castle Main Tower admission: JPY 1,200 per person plus JPY 1,200 for the guide
Transportation if hotel pick-up is requested: Train or taxi fare from your hotel to JR Osaka-Jo Koen Station
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
Joined 2025
About Tour Guide Kotomi M.
Hi, I’m Kotomi, born and raised in Sakai City, Osaka – home to Japan’s only UNESCO World Heritage site, the Mozu Tombs.
During my student years, I studied abroad in Malaysia and traveled to more than 15 countries, which deepened my love for history, culture, and food around the world. After graduating, I worked at a trading company in the textile industry, visiting international exhibitions and working with people from many countries. Eventually, I decided to become a tour guide because I wanted to share the beauty and charm of my hometown, Osaka, and the Kansai region with travelers.
I love talking about temples and shrines, Japanese customs, and even anime culture. I also know plenty of delicious local restaurants around the Namba area. While Osaka is my main focus, I can also guide you through Kyoto, Nara, Wakayama, and Shiga.
My goal is to make your trip to Japan an unforgettable and truly authentic experience. Let’s explore together!
Reviews
David I.
“Osaka Castle and lunch”
Kotomi acted as our guide (family of four - children age 18 and 14) earlier this month at the Osaka Castle. Kotomi is enthusiastic, well-informed and intellectually curious. We really enjoyed the morning with her - both her insights on the Castle but also her willingness and ability to share and answer questions about modern day Japan as well. The tour was about 3 hours and was capped off by Kotomi's restaurant recommendation at a nearby noodle place that we would have never found on our own. We highly recommend Kotomi!
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Kotomi M.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! I’m truly happy that I had the chance to meet your lovely family through this tour. Please come visit Japan again from Thailand someday! I wish you all the best and much happiness in the future. Warm regards, Kotomi
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Katrina P.
“Lovely experience ”
Had a fantastic morning at Osaka castle with our guide. She was so good with communication and a meet up spot. She took us around the castle and explained some of the history of it before we went inside. She graciously asked or found the answer to anything we asked and was super lovely to our kids. Thanks again.
Kotomi M.
Thank you so much, Katrina, for your wonderful review! It truly made me happy. I was so impressed by how much respect and interest your family showed toward Japanese culture and history. It was such a pleasure guiding you around Osaka Castle. I hope you’ll visit Japan again in the future — I’d love to welcome you back!
Nshan B.
“Osaka Castle Tour”
It was a great and fun experience! I learned a lot about Japanese history surrounding Osaka castle and much more.
Kotomi M.
Thank you so much! I could tell you’re really interested in Japanese history — it was such a pleasure to guide you and share all those stories around Osaka Castle. I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
$173/ per group
More tours by Kotomi M.
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Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Osaka
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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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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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Perfect Trip in Osaka
There are many interesting and exciting places to visit in Osaka. But it might take at least a few days to visit all the popular places. So I chose the best places to visit in Osaka and I will take you to all in 1 day!! You will enjoy the culture and history and food of Osaka. And I'm sure that you will be in love with Osaka by the end of the tour ;)
Perfect Trip in Osaka
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