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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
Sujeet M.
“An Unforgettable Experience in Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto thanks to Kotomi!”
Kotomi is simply the best guide we could have asked for in Japan. Touring Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto can be overwhelming, but Kotomi made it seamless. She was incredibly accommodating and took care of all our special food requirements, including making difficult reservations so we could enjoy our meals stress-free. She is also fantastic with children; our daughter absolutely loved her and had the best time exploring. Beyond her kind nature, Kotomi took us to exclusive spots that aren't in the typical guidebooks, giving us a unique experience. Our trip was memorable solely because of her hard work and dedication. Thank you, Kotomi!
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Kotomi M.
Thank you so much for this truly wonderful review. It means more to me than I can express. I am deeply grateful that I had the chance to meet your lovely family at the end of last year and to spend those special days together. We visited many places over the three days, so I know it must have been tiring at times, but seeing all of you enjoying yourselves made me incredibly happy as well. I especially miss the time spent with your sweet daughter—learning new games from her during our travel time was such a joy and is now a very fond memory for me. Please do come back and visit Japan again. I would be absolutely delighted to welcome you anytime. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. Kotomi
Michael C.
“Anime and Food Tour”
My family and I had a great time with Kotomi. We walk through alleyways that can be easily missed. She is was great with my two kids that love Japanese anime and Pokemon. We had good experience trying local foods.
Kotomi M.
Hi Michael! Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Although our time together was short, I was very happy to show you a side of Osaka that you may not have known before. I truly enjoyed spending time with you and your family. Japan and the U.S. are far apart, but I hope you will visit Japan again someday! Kotomi
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Mark J.
“Great Time in Osaka”
Kotomi is a great guide if you are interested in experiencing Osaka nightlife. I really enjoyed the stops we made, especially the karaoke bar where I made some new friends. I highly recommend her!
Kotomi M.
Mark, thank you so much for your wonderful review! I had such a great time exploring Osaka’s nightlife with you. I’m glad you made new friends there! I’m already looking forward to singing karaoke together again next year in Osaka! Kotomi
$172/ per group
More tours by Kotomi M.
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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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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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Osaka, Spiritual Tour in the Temple Town
Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when the first official temple was built on the hilltop. In the Middle Ages, the emperor’s family and aristocrats believed that the Pure Land of Buddha was beyond the sunset and meditated in hermitages on the hill while watching the sun sink into the sea. Locals walked up(temples) and down (residences) regularly, enjoying life in this world and praying for a place in the Pure Land in the next life.
Osaka, Spiritual Tour in the Temple Town
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