Osaka

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Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide

Name: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Brand: Japan Guide Agency
SKU: 92136P45
Price: 92.56 USD
Rating: 5.0 (131 reviews)

Badge of ExcellenceOsaka, Japan

Osaka Half day Private Custom Tour with National Licensed Guide

4 hours
Pickup offered
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

See and do exactly what you want on this private and customizable half-day walking tour of Osaka. Your local guide will aim to show you a range of historic and modern sites in Japan’s second-largest city. Choose to visit highlights including Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, the Dotombori District, and more. Your guide will meet you at your hotel so you won’t have to worry about finding them.

This is a walking tour so is best suited to active travelers
See and do a lot in just half a day
Ideal for first-time visitors wanting to see Osaka’s highlights
Entrance fees, food, and any transportation cost extra

What's Included

Licensed Local English Speaking Guide
Customizable Tour of your choice of 2-3 sites from 'What to expect' list
Meet up with guide on foot within designated area of Osaka

Transportation fees, Entrance fees, Lunch, and Other personal expenses
Private transportation
You cannot combine multiple tour groups.
Guide Entry fees are only covered for sights listed under What to Expect.

Meeting and Pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

This private tour is a walking day tour. A private vehicle is not included. Public transportation or local taxis maybe used to transfer between sites. Exact transportation costs can be discussed with the guide after a reservation is finalized. Please have Japanese Yen on hand for your transportation costs. If you wish to arrange for a private vehicle, please contact us directly. All Private vehicles must be booked 5 days in advance. Maximum number of passengers: 7.

What To Expect

Dotombori District

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shinsekai

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Osaka Castle

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Minami (Namba)

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shitennoji

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Umeda Sky Building

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Kuromon Market

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

The National Museum of Art, Osaka

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This is a walking tour. Pick up is on foot.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.

Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Reviews

5.0

131 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 131 reviews

Exciting introduction to Osaka

kathrynawoodard, May 2024

Wonderful introduction to Japan with Yama today. He was very helpful to us in preplanning our tour through several emails about our interests prior to our arrival. As first time visitors and seniors ,at our request he met us at our hotel, helped us navigate the trains, subways, and tram as well as purchasing the proper tickets. We thoroughly enjoyed our trips to a shrine and temple and the Dotombori district. Yama is friendly, knowledgeable and happy to share Japanese history, culture and foods with us. Highly recommend this tour of Osaka with Yama.

4hr Osaka walking tour

Louise_M, Apr 2024

Yama was very good in communicating and was a great host. Took us to places that were interesting and had good knowledge.

Response from Host, May 2024

We appreciate your kind feedback and our guides do too! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with your guide. We look forward to your next visit to Japan. Japan Guide Agency

Great tour

Valerie_P, Apr 2024

We were taken round Osaka Castle, the Dotonburi district , a shrine and a fabulous food market. Our guide Maya was excellent and very informative. We even had time for a coffee break on our 4 hr walking tour. Would do this again!!!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your lovely comment. I'm delighted that you enjoyed the tour. Osaka Castle Park in this season was perfect for garden lovers like you, who appreciate the variety of flowers and plants. I hope we can meet again during the autumn leaves season next time. Maya

Awesome!

Karina_H, Apr 2024

Sachiko was friendly and very knowledgeable! She showed us a few places that we didn’t think to see and she had plenty of fun facts to provide along the way.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you very much for your kind message. I was very happy to hear you came to Osaka last year and come back again this time. Appreciated! I was impressed with your artistic talent when you drew pictures of Japan on cup of cup noodle! See you another time!! Sachiko

Great first day in Osaka

emilia_s, Apr 2024

Great tour. Yaku was a great guide. Took us to the main spots here in Osaka. Got to see the cherry blossom trees, Osaka castle and she even showed us how to take the subway. We saw dontoburi . great first day here in Osaka. Def book this tour on your first day so you know where to go on your own. Thank you so much 😊

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Hi! Thank you for your lovely comments! I'm really happy to know that you enjoyed the tour with me. Unfortunately the cherry blossoms in Osaka Mint were not fully bloomed but I thought that you knew how people in Japan enjoy cherry blossoms. I hope we'll see again in EXPO'25 in Osaka! Yuka

Osaka day tour

Jessica_T, Mar 2024

Our tour guide, Sachiko, was fantastic. She met us at the train station and tailored the tour to our preferences. She was particularly patient with my young daughter who was cranky at times. Thank you, Sachiko, for your warmth and hospitality!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for your kind message, which made me very happy. Actually I was impressed with your daughter’s spirit to express her will. Japanese children should follow her. I’m sure your daily efforts and patient will be paid off in a future! I wish all the best for your family! Sachiko

Recommend Kaz the tour guide

Anonymous, Mar 2024

Kaz is a great tour guide. He knew all the good picture spots and provided interesting history and information on the sites. I like my sons to learn the culture and history of places we travel to. His English was very good. He also brought us to a location that was not on our list but ended up being my youngest son’s favorite site.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you very much for providing such a lovely review! It was a great pleasure for me to explore some interesting sites of Osaka with you and your family. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and Jan-Jan Yokocho turned out to be your youngest son’s favorite site. I truly appreciate your kind words and wish you all the best! Kaz

Great day with Yama!

Kati_F, Mar 2024

I had an amazing time exploring Osaka with Yama as my guide. He was very communicative leading up to the tour and had me buy a ticket for the castle in advance, which ended up saving us so much time since we didn’t have to wait in line. I loved his stories and learned so much from him! He knew all the best picture spots and made sure I had great photos to capture the memories. My favorite part of the tour was the food hall. I was having so much fun because Yama was having so much fun. He knew the best food stands to go to and had me try so many new and delicious foods. He helped me find souvenirs to take home and also helped me find a post office since I needed to ship things back. He was so helpful! My tour with Yama was the highlight of my trip to Osaka. He’s an amazing guide and it is clear that he loves what he does! Would definitely recommend and would tour with Yama again!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I appreciate very much your most kind and thoughtful comment. I have also had a very happy time with you. How is “Daruma”? I hope everyone likes them. I do hope I can see you, maybe, in my city of Kobe next time. Duomo Rigato Gozaimashita! Yama

Great half day tour

Cori_G, Mar 2024

We had a wonderful day in Osaka with our guide Shu! He contacted me ahead of time to get information to make an itinerary for us. He guided us flawlessly through the city. Highly recommend!

Response from Host, Mar 2024

I am proud of your speaking highly of me. It is my pleasure if I could help foreign tourist as a Japanese. Hopefully you will come back to Japan and Osaka again. Thank you so much. Shu

Osaka Shrines and Temples

ErikaMarder, Dec 2023

Reo was great. He took me to the places I identified but also based on my interests took me to a very special shrine that was off the beaten path. I really appreciated that and it was a highlight.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

Thank you so much for your join! In Japan, there are uncountable shrines and gods of Shinto. I chose your best god and the worshipping place which is very important historically but almost all of the tourists don't know. In Osaka, there are more important cultural properties than in Kyoto. Surely we can taste Takoyaki(Octopus ball) and bustling atmosphere, but also can expect well cultured sightseeing. As a local here, I appreciate you enjoy a lot here. I'm looking forward to your return to Osaka. Thank you so much, Arigatou! Reo

Osaka historical tour

J_T, Dec 2023

We wanted to visit historical and cultural sites of significance. Our guide took us to the Osaka Castle, followed by another temple built in the 5th century and the last one created in the 2nd century. Good to visit this part of Japan especially after getting absorbed in the vibes of Dotonburi.

Response from Host, Dec 2023

We appreciate your kind feedback and our guides do too! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with your guide. We look forward to your next visit to Japan. Japan Guide Agency

Osaka private tour was worth it!!

Beth_P, Nov 2023

Sachiko was amazing - she was very informative, and she took care of us navigating the many different public transportation options in Osaka. She communicated about our itinerary ahead of time and made sure that we had a great experience. We have great memories of Osaka thanks to Sachiko’s efforts!

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you so much for your kind message, which made me very happy. I really enjoyed walking around the city with your family, especially I’m impressed with shining smile of your children and their math ability! They are so charming ! I wish all the best to you and your family! Sachiko

Solid private tour in Osaka

David_L, Nov 2023

Osaka Castle incl. the museum is worth a visit, however, you could probably do it by yourself as well.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

We thank you for choosing our experience and taking your time to leave us the honest feedback. We are so sorry to hear that you could not enjoy the tour with our guide. We are constantly striving to further improve our service and apologize for not being able to provide you with the experience you expected this time. Please let us know if there is anything further we can do for you. Japan Guide Agency

Perfect for inexperienced or nervous travellers or if you want to get the most out of 1 day

Leisha_B, Nov 2023

My guide, Sachiko carefully planned the day to fit in all of the sites from my wish list instead of the 3 places I was expecting. She was very knowledgeable and taught me a lot about each site on the tour. It is my first time in Japan and my first day so having someone to show me around, use public transport and keeping me from getting lost or overwhelmed was wonderful. I could never have fitted that much into a day or felt so relaxed without her guidance. If you are not used to big cities or get lost or worry easily this is the perfect tour and Sachiko is a wonderful choice for a guide. I learnt a lot too and now feel more comfortable trying to navigate on my own.

Response from Host, Nov 2023

Thank you so much for your kind message, which made me more than happy . I’m glad to hear you will challenge to navigate in Kyoto and Tokyo on your own as I cannot forget your smile when you got ‘ICOCA’. Please come back to Japan with your sister. Hokkaido is waiting for you! Wishing you all the best, Sachiko

We enjoyed taking tour...

Thomas_P, Oct 2023

We enjoyed taking tour with Yama San. He was very friendly and knowledgeable. I highly recommend half day Osaka tour.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Many thanks for your kind and warm comment. I have also had a very good and happy time with you. I do hope you will come to my city of Kobe sometime. Doomo Arigato Gozaimashita! Yama

Good day!

Cheryl_Z, Oct 2023

Kris..knowledgeable, experienced , friendly guide. Saw several important sites. Great fun and great value.

Response from Host, Oct 2023

Thank you very much for your good positive review. I am very happy to be able to have a wonderful couple like you on the tour. I’m looking forward to seeing you near future in Tokyo Kris

Amazing Osaka

Ruth_S, Sep 2023

Bell was an excellent communicator from the time we booked this tour. We were given information, options and even when we needed to adjust our starting time, Bell was able to accommodate our requests. We saw the Osaka Castle and surrounding grounds, with plenty of information from Bell to understand the history. Bell arranged for us to go on the Aqua liner river boat, that was a brilliant idea as it was very hot. We had a last minute schedule change and needed to be in Kobe for an event with friends. Bell carefully planned our journey to Kobe, and for the first time I actually understood how to use the Japanese subway without assistance. Osaka is marvelous and Bell was a complete gem. She understood our goals and made our last day in Japan the best.

Response from Host, Sep 2023

I'm really happy to read your kind review. A person can touch the heart of another person, no matter how brief the relationship. I could. Thank you very much. Bell

Very Informative and answered all our questions.

marilua, Sep 2023

Guide was on time picking us up from the hotel.( sorry, forgot his name!) He asked what we wanted to see and since this was our first time in Osaka. I told him if he can decide the highlights. We took a taxi cab paid by us. We proceeded to see The Castle and he gave us some historical facts about Osaka. Which was very interesting. Then, walked around the downtown area pointing out buildings. Then he took us to a "Hoot house?" I think I'm saying it correct. However, this was one of the highlights. Very traditional home with all original wood and rice paper windows. After, we walked to the Donburri to try blow fish. This was also a highlight of our tour. Did not expect a little foodie tour.. Very nice guy!

Response from Host, Sep 2023

We appreciate your kind feedback and our guides do too! We are so happy to hear that you enjoyed the tour with your guide. We look forward to your next visit to Japan. Japan Guide Agency

Great time in Osaka

Daniel_M, Aug 2023

We made a great time sightseeing with our tour guide in Osaka. He took very good care of us and showed us some interesting places.

Response from Host, Aug 2023

Dear guest. I am proud of your speaking highly of me. It is my pleasure if I could help foreign traveler as a Japanese. I hope you will come back to Japan again. Thank you so much. Shu

Our guide Yama did a perfect job and showed us the best places in Osaka!

Hermann_N, Aug 2023

Our guide Yama made an excellent job! We discovered everything important in Osaka in a very smart way. Yama explained us everything and now we are blessed for the rest of our life.☺️

Response from Host, Aug 2023

So nice to have your warm and kind comment. I have also had a very good and pleasant time with you and your beautiful family. I sincerely hope I can visit your unique and charming country sometime! Please give my best regards to your family. Arigato, Yama PS: I hope your son has enjoyed the baseball game.

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