Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
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; JPY1200
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.
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;JPY2,000 per person. Free observation deck on the 19th floor is opened for tourists.
Umeda Sky Building
Admission to the observation deck; JPY2000per person.
Historical town of Tondabayashi
Tondabayashi is a town that developed centered by a temple in the 16th century.
The good old Japan from the late 19th century to the early 20th century still remains here. Among them, the former Sugiyama residence is a merchant house built more than 300 years ago, we will visit this house and former Tanaka residence, which is a former landlord's house.
It takes 30 minutes one way to Tondabayashi from city center Tennoji.
JPY500 for former Sugiyama residence
Sakai Knife Museum (Sakai Denshokan)
Sakai is famous for kitchen knives. It has a history of 1500 years. We can learn its history and many of my clients buy kitchen knives here.
If you wish, we will visit one of the workshops to observe craftsmen work (subjects to availability, ask for details)
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Admission; JPY2300 per person.
Ukiyoe Museum
Tea Ceremony Experince
From JPY3,900
Ask for details
Hiking to Minoo Waterfall
There is a hiking trail in Osaka. Minoh is a 30-minute train ride from city center Umeda. We will hike for 40-minute from the station to Minoo Waterfall in the green with stops at canyons, shrines, and temples.
It takes four hours for a round trip from city center Umeda.
Katsuo-ji, Darma dolls temple
Founded in the 8th century, this temple is famous for its many Dharma dolls dedicated to praying for victory. It is an hour away from Umeda, the center of Osaka, by subway and bus one way. A seven-hour tour is also possible in combination with Minoo Otaki.
TeamLab Botanical Garden
TeamLab Botanical Garden opens at 7:00pm
JPY1,600
Ending Point
TBD
Want to personalize this tour?
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
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 guests and guide
Lunch for guests and guide
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
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, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was 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.
If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!
Reviews
Jack E.
“Historic Homes and Japanese History with Hiro”
Hiro gave us in-depth historical background on Japan which brought the castle and other landmarks to life. But touring the 300-400 year old traditional homes was the highlight of our Osaka tour.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
I am very glad to know that you liked the Historical Town of Tondabayashi. As I had explained, you were the only international tourists there. It is a hiden gem of Osaka.
Thomas G.
“Amazing tour”
Hiroyuki was incredibly knowledgeable and entertaining. Highly recommend him for a tour.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for reviewing the tour. It was a very hot that day. It was the hottest day of the year. It is very good to know that you enjoyed the tour despite of the heat. Hiro
Michael R.
“Amazing memories is koyasan!!”
He is kind and great guide thank you!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/25006/81709.jpg)
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for reviewing the tour. I will be looking forward to working with you again, keep in touch. Hiro
$284/ per group
More tours by Hiroyuki T.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11687/167349.jpg)
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 Arashiyama 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.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4774/866933a8-fe87-41cb-8a77-94d47f7c86e4.jpg)
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.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/5313/98398.jpg)
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.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/5312/94744.jpg)
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.
Cultural Properties in Ancient Capital of Kyoto- from Osaka
Other Popular Highlights Tours in Osaka
Essential Osaka: Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Umeda & Osaka Castle
Explore the best of Osaka in just one day! From the historic Osaka Castle to the retro charm of Shinsekai, taste local street food by Tsutenkaku Tower, and enjoy sweeping city views in Umeda. Feel the energy, savor the flavors, and experience Osaka your way.
Essential Osaka: Dotonbori, Shinsekai, Umeda & Osaka Castle
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73533/cbed366f-4782-4507-aed1-83e875b0d4ea.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2887/54050.jpg)
Osaka Beginner`s Tour
-The most popular spot Osaka Castle -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 Beginner`s Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11307/ee05ac59-b4d9-4f09-9964-17f7fbb30b99.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20291/2445d972-2238-410a-a6c1-85ebcb82c580.png)
Ein unvergesslicher Tag in Osaka (6h)
Diese Tour ist perfekt, um Osakas Sehenswürdigkeiten mit authentischen Einblicken von einem lokalen Guide zu erkunden! Wir entdecken Osakas Seele abseits der Massen von der Burg bis Dotonbori. Erleben Sie "Kuidaore"-Kultur und Gastfreundschaft der Bewohner. Es ist wie ein Freund, der seine Stadt zeigt, eine persönliche Erfahrung mit Takoyaki und Kushikatsu, die Touristen selten bekommen. Kontaktieren Sie uns bei Fragen!
Ein unvergesslicher Tag in Osaka (6h)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/49707/18bfae56-2606-4ac6-a06b-42c8859eac56.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/708/17611.jpg)
大阪一日精彩遊(看,吃,玩三位一體)
住吉大社(神社)是擁有1800年的悠久歷史的神社,全國所有住吉神社的總本社(總部),是大阪人的保佑神。 在新世界地區,可以親身感覺到地地道道的大阪,通天閣雖然只有100米高,但是從大阪人的心中來說,還是屬於世界最高的一座塔。 在這裡可以品嚐美味的大阪靈魂食品"炸串"(材料為肉,蔬菜,蝦等等)。 難波,千日前與心齋橋商店區屬於大阪兩大繁華區之一,川流不息。 大阪城,不用再解釋,是一座姿態雄偉宏大的美麗的城堡,是由豐臣秀吉於16世紀末營造的。每年二月份可以欣賞很香的梅花(梅林),四月上旬可以欣賞盛開的櫻花。 梅田藍天大樓"空中庭園"可以俯瞰360度的全景,尤其是從這裡看見的夜景特別漂亮。
大阪一日精彩遊(看,吃,玩三位一體)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/1335/16835.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83568.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83565.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/162205.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/163922.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/163921.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/162201.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/162203.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83570.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83572.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/83587.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/199b3e07-1ac5-4284-b395-da9c78adc5b5.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/2740f03b-a2e9-41e2-86e3-ea4237b18667.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/0020c038-5a74-439d-928c-c723ff19fbdf.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/7a72490d-b990-44f6-80e9-9b66dda84a83.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/0f107d05-57da-4d38-928d-afd6ed2fdc54.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/95b34a99-f0e2-4af2-abce-ad3a4e93dafc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/4793/746d9347-d630-488d-895c-de76c9618ad9.jpg)