(Highlights)
Dotombori is to Osaka what Gion is to Kyoto. The district is located in the area popularly called "Minami (south)", or south of Osaka city centering on Kintets` Railway Namba station, as compared with "Kita (north)", where JR Osaka station is the hub. On both sides of Dotombori river line business offices, shops, entertainment facilities and all sorts of restaurants and eateries. You can enjoy cruising the 20-minute river on board the yellow-colored boat, which is run two to third times an hour between 1 pm and 9 pm.
(How to enjoy)
Walk along the banks of Dotombori river, spend happy time on board the cruising boat while doing the sites on both sides, or enjoy eating or shopping in the area above the river bank. It would be better for you to be there in the evening in summer when the daytime heat subsides and cool wind prevails. There are many well-known places which have distinctive characteristics: Ebisubashi-suji shopping street, where many shops from Edo period line; Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street, where there are fashionable shops; Soemon-cho Shopping Street good for night life; Dotombori Shopping Street, otherwise called "Kuidaore-no-mahci, where you can spend all your money eating; Sennichi-mae Shopping Street; and Hozenji-yokocho Street, known for the mossed "Mizukake-fudoson" Buddha statue and for the long-running TV drams in former days. All these places are good for eating and walking. By the way, "suji" means a street running from north to south in Osaka.
(Others)
JR transportation fare from Kyoto to Osaka is 560 yen and the subway fare from Osaka to Namba, 240 yen. The fare for the cruise boat ride is 900 yen.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel.
Dotombori river (cruising).
Restaurants known for the popular Japanese term
Ending Point
At your hotel.
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Guide fee, hotel pick-up in Kyoto area
transportation fee (you and guide), lunch, dinner, hotel-pick-up in areas beyond Kyoto area
I would like at least 7 days notice before a booking.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Chris G.
“Awesome Guide”
I'd like to introduce Tatsuhiro, a kind and thoughtful older gentleman who brings with him a deep understanding of Japanese cultural values. He not only embodies these traditions in his daily life but also offers valuable insight into their meaning, function, and relevance. Through his presence and perspective, Tatsuhiro helps us appreciate the richness and depth of Japanese culture. My last visit to Kyoto was back in 1993, and now, in the year 2025, I finally returned. The city has become a global destination, especially during the beautiful Cherry Blossom season, when visitors from around the world come to experience its magic. During this trip, I visited several incredible sites, including the Golden Pavilion Temple (Kinkaku-ji), the 33 Rooms Temple (Sanjūsangen-dō) with its awe-inspiring thousand-armed Buddhas, the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of red torii gates, and the breathtaking Kiyomizu Temple. This was a budget-friendly tour, which meant a lot of walking—something that stood out to me as a North American. We’re so used to driving everywhere, while in Japan, walking is deeply woven into daily life. That lifestyle difference might help explain why the Japanese enjoy longer lifespans, even without relying heavily on advanced medical interventions. Personally, I’d love to see an option for tours with vehicle support, even at a higher cost, to accommodate different needs and preferences. Our guide, Tatsuhiro, was exceptional. He is a kind and knowledgeable gentleman who offers deep insight into Japanese culture and tradition. I highly recommend him to anyone visiting Kyoto—his guidance truly enriched the experience. Chris
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Chris-san, Thank you so much for the kind words. I am really encouraged and inspired by your comments which will be the driving force for me to keep on doing this job. See you again. Regards, Hiro
Chase S.
“Nice, relaxed Tour. ”
Good pace and very nice. Helped guide us through some transportation issues. Would recommend as a guide.
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Chase-san, Michael-san & Coby-san, I am glad we were able to conclude today`s tour safely in spite of the poor weather. Thank you very much for the delicious lunch and your high rating of my job. See you again. Good luck. Regards, Hiro
Caroline W.
“Immersive, personalized & unique tour-the highlight of our trip!”
We had an incredible tour exploring Kyoto with Hiro, who provided a truly personalized journey through his beautiful city. Hiro was not only knowledgeable, but also passionate about sharing Kyoto’s rich history, culture, and hidden gems. Hiro planned our itinerary and took us to beautiful temples, charming streets, and peaceful gardens that we may never have discovered on our own. We had a full day itinerary, and Hiro expertly guided us to each stop. My favorite stop on our tour was the Sanjūsangen-dō, which we would have never known to visit without Hiro’s help. He balanced our tour with famous landmarks and off-the-beaten-path spots, making sure we experienced Kyoto beyond the typical tourist attractions. He also shared stories and historical insights that made each route stop more meaningful. Beyond his expertise, Hiro was warm, engaging, and genuinely invested in making our time in Kyoto unforgettable. If you’re looking for a tour that feels immersive, thoughtful, and uniquely tailored to you, we highly recommend Hiro. Our time with him was truly one of the highlights of our trip, and we are so grateful for the experience!
Tatsuhiro N.
Hi Caroline-san & Alissa-san, Thank you very much for your favorable comment. I really feel happy for it and got inspired to do a better work the next time on. By the way, I came to know the city of Kennebunkport in the state of Maine in January, 1991, when the 41st President of the United States, Mr. George H. W. Bush, was surrounded by reporters in the beach of that city. He was answering their questions. At that time, what is happening in Ukraine today was taking place in Kuwait, which was invaded by the troops of her northern neighbor, Iraq. The U.S.-led multinational forces drove out the Iraqi army from that small, oil-rich country. Sorry for veering away from the subject. I wish you two a happier and more fulfilling future. Hope to see you again sometime somewhere in the future. Best regard, Hiro
$142/ per group