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Osaka, Experience the Birth and Growth of the Urban Development Area
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Joined 2024
The development of Osaka began in the 16th century when Osaka Castle and the castle town were built on a hilltop. In the 19th century, some railway lines were constructed in the city. Houses, commerce, and entertainment functions necessary for a big city have been provided around the railway stations. Thanks to the convenient location, new high-rise buildings and old wooden houses are used for shops, galleries, and cafes, and attract locals and visitors.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel or any convenient place in Osaka City
Development and redevelopment area around Osaka Central Station
>Umeda Sky Building/a 360-degree panoramic view from the open roof of 173 meters high connecting buildings
>Grand Front/Grand Green Osaka (22ha/54 acres)/the newest luxury hotels and restaurants zone with a vast grass square opened in March 2025
>Daimaru Department Store (13 Floor)/Nintendo Osaka, the official store for Nintendo brand items such as Mario, Pokémon, One Piece, etc.
>Nakazaki-cyo/10 minutes’ walk from Osaka Station, some 100-year-old townhouses are renovated into a clothing store, gallery, café for international tourists
Osaka Castle Park (105ha/260 acres)
>Osaka Castle Tower/originally built in 1585 by a feudal lord,TOYOTOMI, who tried to make it the center of a unified Japan
>The Garden of the former Kisyu Palace/the beautiful Castle Towe, can be seen from here
>Hokoku Jinja Shrine/dedicated to TOYOTOMI, built by order of the emperor to honor a great feudal lord who contributed to the unification of the country
Namba Parks Garden & Yasaka Jinjya
>Namba Parks/an office and shopping complex with the terraced rooftop garden, 100 thousand trees and flowers harmonize the building with nature, a 120-tenant shopping mall including SUMO Entertainment Show Hall (requires reservations)
>Namba Yasaka Jinjya Shrine/enshrined the guardian deity who protected locals against epidemics, a stage structure with the shape of a lion’s head attracts lots of worshippers
Ending Point
At your hotel or any convenient place in Osaka City
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
>guide fee, hotel pick up in Osaka City
>transportation fee (you and guide/per adult)/ subway and train (some 1500JPY), taxi(undecided)
>admission fee (you/per adult)/Umeda Sky Building(2000JPY), Osaka Castle Tower(1200JPY)
>short break/lunch /dinner
Tour Important Information
>Please wear comfortable shoes.
>There are stairs to climb and descend at the tower.
>The above extra fees are often asked with CASH on the spot, so please bring some JPY.
>This tour is not insured, so I hope you get travel insurance.
Important message from the supplier
>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).
>Our tours aim to cover the spots efficiently and enjoyably. We will combine trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups), but will require occasional transfers. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
>Please note that we may skip, change, or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.
>The tour does not include insurance, so I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
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 2024
About Tour Guide Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page.
I'd love to guide you to three ancient capital cities, each with a 1,000-year history of urban development and a 100-year history of filmmaking. I grew up in OSAKA and earned a Master's Degree in Engineering in KYOTO. I worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for national and local governments in TOKYO and OSAKA, dedicated to creating cities that were safe and comfortable for residents and attractive for visitors.
Then I became a freelance urban planner with a Nationally Licensed Professional Engineer. I've visited urban development sites and filming locations in 90 cities in 30 countries, sharing the unique cityscapes of these cities on social media.
OSAKA, KYOTO, and NARA established a metropolitan area centered around the Imperial Palace with political, economic, and cultural hubs from the 7th to 19th centuries. Even today, locals continue to maintain beautiful cityscapes, preserve historical heritage, and celebrate traditional events. Many travelers visit these three cities to experience them in person.
The three cities are all within a one-hour ride by intercity train. The cities have an extensive subway, tram, and bus network, allowing you to access many tourist spots in a short amount of time. I am also a Nationally Licensed Guide Interpreter and Certified General Travel Service Manager, and I will create a memorable travel plan comprising places and stories based on your requests. I will also ensure that you get around efficiently using the appropriate means of transportation within the limited time you have. Please feel free to contact me.
Reviews
James S.
“Great Guide!”
Yosshi was a great guide. He had vast knowledge of the sights we visited. Very friendly and payed attention to our needs as we explored. I would book with him again. Thank you Yosshi.
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Yosshi S.
Dear James San. Thank you for your review. I was happy to share my experience with you as you have an interest in Osaka's history. Hearing about your hometown has added to my bucket list. The day was sunny, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, so I was able to show you ancient, medieval, and early modern sites. We were also able to go up the Osaka Castle Tower and the Tsutenkaku Tower for a bird's-eye view of Osaka's topography. Osaka's long history has been supported by its citizens. Next time, I'd like to guide you to markets and theaters where we can experience the vitality of its citizens. Thank you for yesterday. Yosshi
Drew B.
“Cultural tour of Kawachi/Osaka ”
Yosshi san created a unique tour to introduce us to the history of Kofun burial mounds and Haniwa clay pottery. We had an amazing day despite the weather visiting Shin-ike Haniwa Factory Park and the Imashirozuka Museum. Yosshi san has amazing knowledge & excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the day with. Also Yosshi san is a master of navigating Osaka transport, very impressed!! Thank you again Yosshi san for looking after us so well, Drew & Annie.
Yosshi S.
Dear Drew & Annie san Thank you so much for sending me your generous review. You read the explanations, took photos, and asked questions to the museum guide during the tour. I was impressed by your deep interest and knowledge, and it was a great honor to guide you. However, it's unfortunate that today's tour didn't go as planned due to the heavy rain all day. Here is the only imperial mausoleum in Japan that we can enter, so if we have another opportunity, I'd like to stroll around the 350-meter burial mound on a sunny day and discuss the Kofun age with you. Thank you so much for today. Regard Yosshi
James K.
“Nara park and Todai-Temple Tour”
Wonderful tour with Yosshi. Really enjoyed both Nara Park and the Todai-ji Temple. Yosshi customized the tour for our needs, and made the travel to and from Kyoto seamless.
Yosshi S.
Hello James san Thank you for your heartwarming review. I was so happy to see you and your mother enjoying the deer in Nara Park. I was also touched by how much you always cherish your mother, and I learned a lot from you. I'm glad I was able to show you around Nara Park and the Great Buddha Hall. On the train ride there and back, you and your mother told me stories about your town and asked me many questions, which broadened my horizons. I hope you and your mother are in good health. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you. Yosshi
$204/ per group
More tours by Yosshi S.
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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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Nara, Stroll through Nara Park led by the Deer
We go around a must-visit temple and shrine in Nara Park. In the 8th century, the emperor built a new capital (Heijo-Palace) and the Statue of the Great Buddha. A powerful aristocracy built a shrine adjacent to the Palace. They prayed for the Buddha to bring stability to the country and peace to the people. In the 19th century, their vast grounds were incorporated into Nara Park, creating a unique space where residents and tourists can freely interact with the sacred deer.
Nara, Stroll through Nara Park led by the Deer
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Nara, Mixed Scenery with Temples and Mountains
The poem in the 8th century wrote that NARA is a province with supreme beauty enclosed by mountains. IKARUGA began as the temple town of Japan's oldest temple, Horyu-ji Temple, and preserves a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. NARAMACHI was a post town on the grounds of Gangoji Temple in the 18th century. Locals continue to make efforts to preserve the old townscape now. We feel the quiet and rich charm while strolling through the old town area.
Nara, Mixed Scenery with Temples and Mountains
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Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.
Eastern Kyoto, Short Hike in a Peaceful Temple and Forest
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