Osaka and Kōbe offer travelers to Honshu a lasting glimpse into modern life in urban, cosmopolitan Japan. While Osaka is the working heart of the island, hillside Kōbe offers lovely ocean vistas. Take a private Osaka tour and discover these Japanese cities with a knowledgeable local guide.

Osaka is an excellent place to experience the fast-paced, electric atmosphere unique to large Japanese cities. Your guide will connect you to the local cuisine, and be sure you try dishes like Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza!) Head to Osaka-jō, the city's Castle, for spectacular views of the city below. On the way to Kobe, you'll cross over the world's longest suspension bridge, and perhaps take a stroll along the city's Marine Promenade. Back in Osaka for the evening, you won't want to miss the spectacle of Dōtombori, the city's flashy, neon nightlife district.

Your guide will tailor a flexible and private Osaka tour that reflects your personal interests in Japanese culture.

Osaka

This tour offers the best collection of very popular tourist destinations in Osaka, especially for first-time visitors.
Osaka is full of entertainment to please visitors in many ways from very reasonable tasty local gourmet to traveling back to historical old times.
Full of photogenic spots and beautiful/unique scenery in my tour I'm sure that you can take wonderful memorial shots.
I will explain to you about our unique culture, history, religion, lifestyles, social concerns and so on.
We mainly use public transportation but also use a taxi as needed ex. saving time or guest's request.
I'm sure you will love this tour because you can understand Japanese culture, life and sprit compactly and enjoy various local delicacy just in a day.
Please contact me and I will create a customized tour base on your preferences and spots you'd like to visit.

Let's enjoy a great entertainment city with best spot selection.

Osaka Highlights Private Tour (full day)

Unveiling Osaka's Charms - Full Day Private Tour

Osaka is a beautiful and exciting city with a lot to offer visitors. particularly fond of its vibrant atmosphere, delicious food, and friendly people. its well-preserved historical sites and its modern architecture. Overall, Osaka is a city that everyone would highly recommend to anyone looking for a memorable travel experience.

This tour of Osaka will take you to some of the city's most famous landmarks, including Osaka Castle, Harukas Abeno Tower, and Shitennō-ji Temple. You will also have the opportunity to experience the local culture by visiting Shinsekai, a food heaven that is famous for its delicious street food, and Kuromon Ichiba, an atmospheric market where you can try different street foods. The tour will end at the Dotonbori Glico Spot, the most famous tourist destination in Osaka.

If you wish to customize this tour, please do not hesitate to ask!

Discover Osaka's rich history and Culture: delve into the city's cultural delights

I'll pick you up. Then hop to the old-style Tsutenkaku tower and the Shinsekai historic area.

Head up to Osaka Castle. Enjoy walking, pics, etc. there awhile. (Cherry blossoms, in season only!)

Train to Umeda. Maybe take a tour bus that loops Umeda if we have time. Then walk to the Sky Building, go up to "garden" on top. (Try to catch sunset up there if the weather is nice!)

Go to Doutombouri riverfront area. See the famous "Glico man" sign and the Don Quijote shop/ferris wheel.
I'll drop you off there, maybe you can go find dinner in the area. Lots of restaurant choices in this "glitzy" tourist area.

Other options and choices as you like on the day. I'm flexible.

River walk, Osaka Castle, Scenic Views and a Beautiful Sunset (if lucky!)

Osaka's Best [6 Hours]

Private Walking Food Tour in Downtown Osaka

Osaka is the gastronomic capital of Japan! It is famous for delicious food and is called 'The Kitchen of the Nation'. People in Osaka are very good at starting their own businesses so they created their own food by using many ingredients which came from other areas of Japan.
This tour will show you downtown, a fish market and a kitchenware market.

Dotonbori is one of downtown areas in Osaka. It was originally a part of the Osaka Castle grounds. It has been an entertainment district since then. Today it is a food district which people in Osaka are proud of.

Kuromon Market was a fish market around 300 years ago in this area where a temple was located. Nowadays we can see many kinds of fish, meat, vegetables and fruits.
Kitchenware Market: This market used to offer kitchen utensils that were of restaurant quality only. Nowadays, the market sells both professional and domestic quality items.

Let's enjoy walking in these three areas, eating Osaka's specialties, and seeing unique kitchenware.

Enjoy walking the markets and eating street food in this gastronomic city

Osaka is the most beautiful city of Japan.

In 1583, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who had completed the great cause of unifying the world, began to build Osaka Castle, and completed the first castle tower a year and a half later. After the establishment of the Edo shogunate, the Tokugawa family and the Toyotomi family launched two wars, the Osaka Winter Formation and the Summer Formation. In the end, the Tokugawa family won, and the earliest Osaka Castle also disappeared in the war.

In 1620, the Tokugawa shogunate began to rebuild Osaka Castle and the second-generation castle tower, but a few years later the castle tower was struck by lightning and burned down, and it was not rebuilt for hundreds of years. It was not until 1928 in modern times that the mayor of Osaka City proposed to rebuild Osaka Castle, and received enthusiastic support from the citizens and huge donations. It was rebuilt with reinforced concrete floors and other materials according to the Toyotomi.

Discover and visit the best view points of Osaka in just few hours

Osaka City Panorama - Full Day Private Tour 

Himeji Castle - White Heron Castle
It was constructed nearly 700 years ago and has survived many wars and natural disasters. Its interior remains unchanged from when it was built, allowing us to think about the thoughts and behaviors of samurai soldiers of that time.

Takenaka Carpentry Museum
This museum exhibits the historical advancement of carpenter tools and technique. Japanese historic temples and shrines are made of wood, and not a single nail was used, and still they have survived many earthquakes. You will experience how these structures were realized, using various miniature models. This is surely a rare opportunity.

Mt. Maya Cable & Ropeway, and Tenjyo-ji Temple
Mt. Maya is quite close to Kobe city and has a steep slope rising to its 700-meter-high summit. To reach the top, you can experience both a cable car and a ropeway, and the scenery from the top is fabulous. Additionally, the summit temple has nearly 1400 years of history and exotic Buddhist statues. It is truly worth visiting.



Spectacular sites that you can never see or experience in Kyoto or Osaka

Himeji Castle and Kobe full day tour from Kobe Port (or Kyoto, Osaka)

Traveling from Kobe to Kyoto via the Shinkansen Bullet Train is the best way to explore Kyoto from Kobe Port. This service connects Kobe and Kyoto in just 30 minutes and departs every 15 minutes. Additionally, the express fare is less than 2, 000 yen each way. You can also rely on the precise timing of the trains.

The base plan runs from 9 AM to 5 PM, starting and ending at Kobe Port, allowing you a full six hours to explore Kyoto. The model itinerary includes visits to Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, and Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.

However, this tour is fully customizable. If you have other destinations in mind, please feel free to request a personalized itinerary.

I sometimes guide bus tours from Kobe Port to Kyoto, where four out of the eight-hour duration are spent on the bus. I understand that accommodating around 30 people in one group often necessitates this much travel time. However, smaller groups can enjoy a far more time-effective itinerary.

The most time-effective tour from Kobe Port to Kyoto

Kobe Port to Kyoto Full day tour

Kyoto is Japan's ancient capital with a thousand years of unique & rich history, religion and culture that is still alive today and easily accessible to people who live there and people who visit for a glimpse of the diversity that such a long history develops. Kyoto is an ancient city, but it also has the modern comfort and and hospitality of all such great Japanese cities which makes it a must see city if one has four hours to easily walk for their first trip here.

This tour is perfect for visitors to make a smooth shore excursion travel from Kobe port to Kyoto and make a half day visit. Please advice me which cruse ship you travel with so that I will find the right dock I should pick you up from.
I love customizing tours to suit what your your interests are, from copying of sutras, meditating at a Japanese temple garden or more. I'm a local experienced guide who loves traveling.

Consult with me before we meet for your satisfaction!

Chionin, Entokuin and Kiyomizu temple entrance tickets 

Transportation between Kobe Port and Sannomiya

Transportation between Kobe port and Shin Kobe

Enjoy your visit to modern ancient capital of Japan guided by a local!

Cruise Stop over from Kobe to Kyoto (KK01)

Discover the Enchantment: Himeji & Kobe Unveiled - A Journey of Culture, Cuisine, and Charm

Discover the perfect blend of history and modernity on our Himeji and Kobe tour. Start your journey at the iconic Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its breathtaking white facade and intricate architecture. Explore the castle's levels and gardens, delving into its rich history. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Kobe, a city renowned for its cosmopolitan charm and scenic waterfront. Wander through Kobe's bustling Chinatown, savoring delectable street food, and visit the Kobe Port Tower for panoramic city and harbor views. Indulge in Kobe's famous beef at a local restaurant and explore the Kitano district, renowned for its European-style houses. Conclude your tour with a leisurely waterfront stroll, enjoying the modern cityscape against the serene sea backdrop. Experience an unforgettable fusion of tradition and contemporary allure in these two remarkable Japanese cities.

Embarking on a Magical Odyssey Through Himeji and Kobe: Where Tradition, Taste, and Beauty Converge

Hotspots & Hidden Gems of Osaka Tour (5hrs)

Andy (half Japanese half Aust. ) your local guide, will kickstart your Osaka adventure discovering both the highlights & secret spots. We'll pair every location with personal stories & historical info with quirky facts and a great dose of enthusiasm & humor:)
(This Tour will be featured on Channel 5 British TV in 2023 with Jane McDonald on the Series "Jane McDonald In Japan")

This is a private tour so we can totally make this a 100% personalized tour!
We can slip through the non-touristy bar and restaurant zones of Osaka and even get a glimpse of a Yakuza clubhouse.
We'll visit the frenetic canal side entertainment hotspot where local charm meets incredible hospitality.

Also we'll delve into a traditional food market where top chefs continue to shop at today and contrast that by ducking into quiet cobblestoned back alleys to uncover a mystic temple and it's centuries old history.

Be prepared for a sensory overload as we navigate wacky larger than life billboards highlighting modern Japanese culture.

A Knife Class. Osaka is world famous for its knife craftsmen. This class and demonstration will be 15~25mins and will encompass use of both Japanese and western style knifes (very different). You can use both and slice food with it! 
AND
You get a octopus ball to eat called "takoyaki" (and get a chance to make: just flicking the batter balls briefly on the hotplate).

Popped into a local hidden shrine. Got some free presents too hahaha.

Get to experience the crazy side of Osaka. Fishing restaurant!

Lets get interactive...this store lets us use some knives....carefulll:P

Checkout the vast array of spices and foods in backstreet stores!

Hozanji temple......covered in moss. We'll tell you the history

We'll head into a stall for a bite to eat.

Both sides of Central Osaka, paired with stories about all the "pitstops".

In the north the mountain, in the south the sea and in the middle you!

I am inviting you to visit this beautiful city, we will discover it together from the north to the south. History, fashion, and modernity are melting in this so picturesque city and along the way, you will enjoy seeing its highlights like Kitano Ijinkan, Sorakoen Garden, China Town, Meriken Park, and The Nunobiki Herb Garden.

On this tour, I will introduce you to the main sights of Kobe, from China Town with a wide variety of great and tasty street food.

Meriken Park and Hanshin Awaji Great Earthquake Memorial Park, Red Port Tower and the white Kobe Marine Museum are a beautiful contrast. Enjoy a cruising tour around Kobe Port and panoramic views of Kobe and Osaka, which are particularly beautiful at sundown.

If you are not staying in Kobe, contact me with your questions so that I can answer everything you want to know better, on what to visit or what can be done or experienced during your visit to Kobe.

Feel the history, discover modern architecture and taste delicious street food, do it with locals!

Experience the best of Kobe, one of Japan's most attractive cities - Walking Tour

First visit Osaka Castle and learning about its history.
Then go to Shin Sekai which is a special area in Osaka where "Kushi-katsu" and "Mixed juice" were invented. It has a Carnival-like atmosphere that is family-friendly.
We'll then move to the bustling streets of Dotombori/Shinsaibashi (entertainment area) to see the famous sites in the area before going for dinner; which is the main part of the tour.

Easy-paced 6-hour Orientation &amp; "Local Dining Experience"

Kayla 6-hr Tour/Dinner in Osaka

The biggest city in western Japan Osaka has a long history of 1, 500 years as the Aqua Metropolis.
Osaka is two-faced. Osaka could be divided into two. Namely, that is Kita meaning north centering on Umeda and Minami, south, on Namba. 　 Minami has more Osaka air.
Gaudy sign boards such as neon-light advertisements of Glico, a confectionary manufacturer, and a huge moving crab are displayed.

Osaka has been considered the country's kitchen since ancient times. Speaking of Osaka food, they say that something flour-based representing tako-yaki, octopus dumpling and okonomi-yaki, a Japanese style pancake are the No. 1 association.
So let's try all the "city of Osaka Taste".

Enjoy the best of old and modern Water Metropolis with a private guide

Osaka 1 Day Sightseeing private tour

Osaka is a vibrant, energetic city where I was born and grew up. The tour will give you an opportunity to understand this unique city in western Japan. We will explore the geography, history, religion, food cultures, and the neighbourhood of Osaka.

We will look at Osaka from above, at the open-air Floating Garden in Sky Building. See how the city was formed. You can attend the Buddhist rituals at Shiten'noji Temple. Osaka Castle takes you back to the 16th century wartime Japan. There are also remains of a 7th century palace nearby. You can even look at the impact of World War II.

In the afternoon, we'll see present-day Japan. First to Shinsekai, a somewhat bizarre place. You can taste the local delicacy, kushikatsu, deep-fried meat and vegetables on skewers. Then, we'll head for Dotombori, Osaka's answer to Times Square. So many shops, restaurants, not to mention the glittering neon lights. At night, this place will amaze you.

THIS TOUR COULD ALSO BE CUSTOMIZED. Just tell me what you want to do!

The Tallest Building in Japan, Abeno Harukasu

Dotombori, Osaka's characteristic southern center

An Unforgettable Day in Osaka with Your Very Own Private Guide

Private Full Day Osaka Tour

Full Day Shore Excursion Private tour to Kyoto by a jumbo taxi from Kobe.

This is one of the most popular tour plans in my list. People love this tour, probably for its advantages, i. e. optimizing their limited time to visit Kyoto, and sharing the information with each other during the transit. Especially, travelers can organize themselves before the tour while on board, to assemble up to 8 people for minimizing the tour costs. With this tour, you may discover the core of Kyoto, i. e. visiting original Shogun villas, i. e. 400 years old Nijo castle, with national treasures and beautiful gardens. At Golden Pavilion, another Shogun villa, you can enjoy a magnificent reflection of golden shape on the pond. At Ryoanji temple, you have the dry rock garden, as Queen Elizabeth enjoyed at her visit 47 years ago. On our way back, we drop by at Gion, where you may see Geisha walking on the street. For the last visit we drop by at Fushimi-inari shrine. Though this itinerary is suggested, I can customize them along with your requests, within the time frame of 9.5 hours.



Visit to land marks of Kyoto including Golden Pavilion/Nijo Castle/Ryoanji temple/Fushimi-inari shrine/Gion.

This tour covers famous landmarks in Osaka.
Guests will love the casual atmosphere, friendly people, and great variety of delicious Japanese food.
Let's make the most of your time together in one day!

Tour price costs per group, not per person.
"Estimated Local Cash Needed" costs per person, not per group except for taxi fare. I can meet you at your hotel lobby (except for Airbnb).
Please prepare JPY in cash and to remove your shoes at the entrance of Japanese buildings.

- IMPORTANT-
This tour doesn't start from a hotel in Kyoto city and cruise ship terminals. Please find another guide. Thank you for understanding.

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