Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
Joined 2019
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Itinerary
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
Osaka Castle
The main castle building was reconstructed in 1931. There still remains 13 buildings of the Edo Era (16th-19th century). 60-90 minutes
Admission to the mail castle building; JPY600
Kuromon Market Food Venders Hopping
Local market with a long history. Visited by 18000 people daily. Fish, fruits, drinks, there are 170 stores here and “order to go hopping” available.
Dotombori Streets
This is the busiest area in Osaka. There are a lot of restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities here.
Shin Sekai and Tsutenkaku Tower
Pictures taken in this area sometimes represent the image of Osaka. Tsutenkaku Tower, Blow fish signboard, Billy Ken Deity and more.
Spend time as much as you want.
Nippon-bashi (sub culture center)
Otaku(geek) Road
“Sacred” place for pop culture like amine, manga and figures . Want to visit some of the stores? Spend as much as you want.
Maid Café
Want to visit a maid café? Need some courage? Do not worry. Have a lot of fun at a maid café. Spend time as much as you want. Cost; JPY1000-3500 per person
Shitenoji Temple
This temple was established in 593 and is the first temple established by the Law.
Admission; JPY500
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and Local Hankai Tramways
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine was established in the 7th century to enshrine the deity of the sea.
Four of the shrine buildings are designated as national treasures. Admission free.
Local Tram ride available to and from Tennoji Terminal.
Abeno Harukas
This 300m high building is the tallest building in Japan. You will have a 360degree view of Osaka from the observation deck on the 60th floor. Admission to the observation deck;1500 per person. Free observation deck on the 19th floor is opened for tourists.
Umeda Sky Building
Admission to the observation deck; JPY2000per person.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Admission; JPY2300 per person.
Ukiyoe Museum
Tea Ceremony Experince
From JPY3,900
Ask for details
Ending Point
TBD
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 Down Town Osaka)
Insurance
Transportation fare for guests and guide
Entrance fees for guestsand guide
Lunch
Drinks
Tour Important Information
As this is a SUBWAY and WALKING tour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Choose 3-4 places from the list that you want to visit, then I will customize a tour for you.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance.
Transportation fare(subway rides), entrance fees, lunch and drinks for GUESTS and GUIDE are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment for these cost will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
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 2019
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Reviews
Mandy R.
“Excellent Guide - Koyasan ”
Hiro was a very knowledgeable guide. He explained the very well the history and central tenants of esoteric Buddhism. All new information for us. He was punctual and answered all our messages in a timely manner. We loved our time exploring this very beautiful and tranquil village. We were also very appreciative of his help navigating the train system. He was very kind helping us with this, in fact he went out of his way to assist. The whole experience felt genuine and authentic. Thank you Hiro for introducing us to Esoteric Buddhism. You did it with grace and charm. Mandy and Shane
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice spending time with you at Koyasan. The ceremony we saw was a ceremony for the new head priest. It is really rare to see it. We were blessed by Buddha and Kukai.
Brigitte S.
“Memorable Osaka ”
If you're looking for a fantastic tour guide in Osaka, look no further than Hiroyuki! We had the pleasure of spending a day with him, and it was an unforgettable experience. Hiroyuki met us promptly at 7:30 a.m. at our hotel, ready to make the most of our short 5-hour window in the city before we had to head back to Kobe for our cruise sailaway. He not only ensured we had a fantastic time but also took pictures of our group at various locations, ensuring we left with great memories. He knew all the "very best picture points" (VBPP) and helped us capture stunning photos that we'll cherish. Hiroyuki is also a great historian, sharing fascinating stories and insights about the places we visited - Osaka Castle, Shitennō-ji Temple, Jodo Garden, and Kuromon Market. At the market, he shared a tip on how to identify the stores that sold authentic Japanese goods! He also taught us the proper way to wash our hands before entering a temple, showcasing his deep knowledge of Japanese culture and traditions. Although we didn't have time to visit Dotonbori and other places due to the limited schedule, it just means we’ll have to return to Osaka to explore some more. Hiroyuki was aware of our ship’s departure time; he took the train with us back to Kobe making sure we got on our cruise ship with plenty of time before sail away. Hiroyuki made our brief stay in Osaka memorable. His professionalism, patience, and in-depth knowledge made him an outstanding guide. Highly recommend him to anyone looking to experience Osaka in a meaningful way!
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It is very good to know that you enjoyed my Osaka tour. Yes, you are right. We didn't have enough time to visit many places in Osaka. There are many attractive places in the Osaka Area as well, Nara, Himeji, Mt. Koya and others. Come back to Osaka in the near future. I will be looking forward to seeing you again. Hiro
Rupal V.
“2 Days in Kyoto ”
Our special thanks to Hiro for a wonderful 2 days spent in Kyoto… he was very patient and adjusted well to the needs of our group, and shared his extensive knowledge ( great insights in to the various religions and practices, shrines & temples and various customs) and gave us a great flavour of Kyoto with visits to Kinkakuji Golden pavilion, Ryoan-ji rock garden, Arashiyama bamboo forest and surrounding area, Nishiki market, Sanjusangen-do temple, sake museum, Byodo-in temple, and Fushimi Inara Shrine. We highly recommend him.
Hiroyuki T.
We had cold days but it was really nice spending time with you in Kyoto. Thank you very much. It is always nice spending time with those who show respect to Japanese culture. Thank you very much for beautiful pictures as well. How many pictures did you take by the way ? Pictures are nice to remember things. I will always remember you with these pictures. Hiro
$267/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
There are a lot of Buddhism temples and Shinto Shrines in Kyoto. This tour focuses on three UNESCO World Heritage temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari Shrine which is famous for a lot of red Torii gates and Bamboo Forest in Arashiyma to feel the profundity of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places which are not listed here, like Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion, Nishiki Market, Sanjusangen-do, Kiyomizu-dera and others, just let me know, I will customize a tour for you.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
In Kyoto, there are a lot of cultural properties. Of them, seventeen temples and shrines are included in World Heritage. On this tour, we will visit some of them from Osaka to feel the profundity and splendor of Kyoto. If you are interested in the places not listed here, for example, if you would like to visit Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Silver Pavilion, Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, Sanjusangen-do and others, just let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Osaka
One day tour of Osaka
Osaka has been developed as international commercial city historically. People have developed the special culture in food, entertainment. This tour covers the historical sight-Osaka castle, Downtown-Dotonbori, and new Osaka station area with Umeda Sky building. We may add some more spots depending upon the interests of the customer. You enjoy the local gourmet dining, entertainment, and historical sights. You will catch the energy of Osaka people as the international city.
Osaka Highlights (Osaka departure)
This Osaka highlights tour includes popular destinations in Osaka, Osaka castle, Kuromon Ichiba Market, Dotonboti district in one day. I believe this tour is suitable for beginner of Osaka travelers.
Osaka Beginner`s Tour
-The most popular spot Osaka Castle and river cruise.-Nostalgic town ‘Shinsekai’ soul food Kushikatu and Doteyaki lunch.-Feel the vibrant city Osaka! Doton Bori area walking-Try some Japanese sake at a local standing sake barThis is my basic Osaka city tour for Osaka beginners!
Osaka Castle, Dotombori, Shin-Sekai
I take you to Osaka Castle, Dotombori, Sginsekai and Shinsaibashi Shopping Street. Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it !! You can commands a panoramic view of Osaka city from the observatory. In Dotnobori you have popular Osaka local foods such as Okonomiyaki. Takoyaki, and Kushikatsu. Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere. We mainly use subway for about 820JPY and Your entrance fee is 600JPY/person.
