Private Tour: Osaka City Sightseeing

See the highlights of Osaka on this private full-day tour of Japan’s third largest city. From the ancient Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine to the funky youth culture shops in Amerika-Mura, Osaka has a variety of modern and historical gems to explore. You’ll get great views of the city from Osaka Castle and the Umeda Sky Building, and get a close look at the city during a riverboat cruise across town. Wrap up with dinner in the vibrant Dotonbori restaurant area and taste some of the specialties of this food-loving city.

You’ll meet your private guide at Osaka Station and start the day with a visit to Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, one of Japan’s oldest shinto shrines. Constructed in the 3rd century before Buddhism came to Japan, you'll see one of only three shrines in Japan that are considered of purely Japanese architecture. You'll then stroll around the four main halls and glimpse the bright red Soribashi Bridge.

From the Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine, head to Osaka Castle and learn about the tumultuous history of this castle since the original was built in the late 1500s. From the 8th floor observation deck, you’ll get great views of the surrounding gardens and city.

After exploring Osaka Castle, take a break over lunch in a local restaurant. Then hop aboard a riverboat for a pleasant 50-minute cruise across the city to Dotonbori, the heart of Osaka’s entertainment district. You’ll have a great vantage point to see the theaters, restaurants, bars, arcades and nightclubs that line the waterway.

At Dotonbori, you’ll disembark and walk with your guide to Amerika-Mura. Check out the funky shops and enjoy great people-watching in this center of Osaka youth culture. Then stroll over to the Sennichima Doguyasuji Shopping Street, where stores sell everything related to the food industry, including the plastic food samples on display at Japanese restaurants.

After working up an appetite, head to the bustling restaurant hub in central Dotonbori where your guide will take you to a restaurant of your choice. Local specialties include tacoyaki (octopus balls) and the potentially deadly fugu (poisonous puffer fish).

End your day with amazing views of Osaka at night from the Umeda Sky Building, whose two 40-story towers connect on the uppermost stories.

Your guide will return you to Osaka Station, located nearby, where you’ll make your own way back to your hotel.

Please contact that local operator for the exact meeting location at Osaka station, if you are coming out side of Osaka to participate in the tour.

• Entrance fees
• Lunch
• Professional English speaking local guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Gratuities (optional)