Local Osaka Day Trip with Native English Speaker in Japan 41 yrs!
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Mix of Culture, behind-the-scene stories, Buddhism & Shinto talks, then fun with must-eat Osaka appetizers and sake!
We will meet at the Hilton Hotel Lobby near Higashi Umeda Station and head to a Living Museum, where we will step back in time and see how Japanese lived 150~400 years ago.
We then head to the oldest Shrine in Osaka, established by the first Emperor of Japan and then to the oldest Temple in Japan, right here in Osaka.
Afterwards, we then head into a quiet entertainment district full of locals and then we top it off with Sake and local Osaka foods that you must try when you are here, at the 'heart' of Osaka; Dotonbori Street.
Available options
Osaka Shrine & Temple Tour
Guide Fee Only<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Private tour
Professional guide
Local taxes
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Great way to start the tour by seeing how Japanese lived 150 ~ 400 years ago
2
Stop 2
We will walk the grounds, not the museum as it is horribly boring, and talk about the history of the area, check out the awesome moats and take in what a real Castle would go through in battle
3
We will stop by the oldest Shrine in Osaka and the 3rd oldest Shrine in Japan! It has a connection with the Castle that cannot be ignored! Talk Shinto and history.
4
Stop 4
We will stop by the oldest Temple in Osaka and the oldest registered Temple in Japan!!! Talk Buddhism and history.
5
Stop and have some local Kushikatsu and sake, along with two other stops, we will traverse this 'local-local' area.
6
Stop 6
We will head over to the 'heart of Osaka and see what all the fuss is about. We will hit three stops and try local food and Sake.
What's not included
Sake and Osaka food tasting areas, we will hit four. You pay for yourself and Guide. Approx. ¥9000 total
For Temple and Museum
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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Important information
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
You are going to be visiting a Sacred Temple & Shrine so please wear appropriate clothing as a token of respect. In the Summer it is rather warm so shorts are acceptable but 'short' shorts are not. Tank tops and beach-type sandlas are also frowned upon please.
Please refrain from smoking during the tour until we get to the Tavern.
If you need help finding the best route, call for details and we will surely be happy to help.
Costs that you will incur on this tour; ¥900 per person for Entrance Fees, ¥1100 approx in trans fees per person + taxi, your group will take care of the guide fees, trans, food and sake.
¥9,000 ttl for everything per person should suffice.
Meeting point
I pick up at a various Hotels in Osaka or at the train station of you are coming out of town
Important notes
• Dress code is smart casual
• Please note: entrance tickets and transport included.
About Namba
Namba is the vibrant, bustling heart of Osaka, renowned for its lively streets, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a perfect blend of traditional Japanese culture and modern entertainment, offering a unique experience to every traveler.
Top Attractions
Dotonbori
A bustling street known for its neon lights, street food, and vibrant nightlife. It's a must-visit for its lively atmosphere and iconic Glico Running Man sign.
Entertainment
2-3 hours
Free to explore (food and shopping costs extra)
Shinsaibashi Shopping Arcade
A long shopping street filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. It's a great place for shopping and people-watching.
Shopping
2-4 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Hozenji Yokocho
A narrow, atmospheric alleyway with a moss-covered Buddha statue and traditional wooden buildings. It offers a glimpse into old Osaka.
Historical
30-60 minutes
Free to explore (food and drinks cost extra)
Amerikamura (Amemura)
A trendy district known for its youth culture, street fashion, and vintage shops. It's a great place to experience Osaka's modern subcultures.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore (shopping costs extra)
Namba Parks
A modern shopping mall with a rooftop garden and a variety of shops and restaurants. It's a great place for shopping and relaxation.
Shopping
1-3 hours
Free to explore (shopping and dining costs extra)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Takoyaki
Octopus-filled dough balls, cooked in a special mold and topped with sauce, mayonnaise, and bonito flakes.
Snack
Contains seafood, gluten, and soy
Okonomiyaki
Savory pancake made with cabbage, batter, and various toppings like pork, shrimp, and cheese.
Main Dish
Can be made vegetarian or vegan upon request
Kushikatsu
Deep-fried skewers of meat, seafood, and vegetables, served with a dipping sauce.
Snack
Contains meat and seafood, gluten, and soy
Ramen
Noodle soup with various broths (tonkotsu, shoyu, miso) and toppings like chashu pork, egg, and bamboo shoots.
Main Dish
Contains gluten, soy, and sometimes seafood
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby mountains
Biking along the river
Kayaking or paddleboarding
Visiting onsen (hot springs)
Enjoying a traditional tea ceremony
Strolling through parks and gardens
Visiting temples and shrines
Attending a traditional festival
Best Time to Visit
March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)
These seasons offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city. Cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn add to the charm.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Japanese
- Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Japanese Yen (JPY)
Time Zone
GMT+9
Electricity
100VV, 50/60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Osaka is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep your belongings secure in crowded areas
- • Use licensed taxis and check the meter
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Kansai International Airport • 50 km from Namba
- Osaka International Airport (Itami) • 20 km from Namba
By train
Namba Station, Osaka Namba Station
By bus
Namba Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The Osaka Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to use. It connects to major attractions and neighborhoods in Namba and beyond.
Taxis
Available • Apps: JapanTaxi
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Dotonbori
Shinsaibashi
Nipponbashi
Amerikamura (Amemura)
Hozenji Yokocho
Day trips
Osaka Castle
3 km from Namba • Half day
A stunning castle with a rich history, offering beautiful views of the city and a glimpse into Japan's feudal past.
Universal Studios Japan
15 km from Namba • Full day
A popular theme park featuring a variety of rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Kobe
30 km from Namba • Full day
A nearby port city known for its beef, scenic views, and historical sites. It's a great place for a day trip to explore a different side of Japan.
Festivals
Osaka Asian Film Festival • March
Sumiyoshi Matsuri • July 30-31
Tenjin Matsuri • July 24-25
Pro tips
- Use an IC card (like ICOCA or Suica) for convenient payments on public transportation and at some shops and vending machines
- Try takoyaki and okonomiyaki from street vendors for an authentic Osaka experience
- Visit Dotonbori at night to see the neon lights and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere
- Explore Hozenji Yokocho for a glimpse into old Osaka and traditional izakayas
- Use Google Maps or Japan Travel app for navigation and real-time updates on train schedules and delays
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
