🏨 Osaka's Best and Brightest by Private Vehicle Activity

Overview

Looking for a full-day, private vehicle tour that covers top spots with a fun, knowledgeable, and truly fluent English speaker? You've found it. We show you Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shin-sekai, a view from high above, and more! Plus, get some local insight and interesting commentary at some of our other recommended stops. All of this at your pace, with your own personal driver/guide, and high quality vehicle service. Your guide is *guaranteed* to be a native English speaker or honest equivalent.

What's Included

A likable guide that speaks English superbly.

Private vehicle with all related fees.

What's Not Included

Admissions (which will range from zero to a few hundred yen or so, depending on if you change the plan)

Food and drinks

Pickup if you are outside of central Osaka (defined as within or along the JR Loop Line). Other locations will incur a surcharge for both pickup and drop off as follows: Port of Osaka pickups, 2,500 yen each way. Universal Studios area, 2,000 yen each way

Traveler Information

TRAVELER: Age: 0 - 99

Additional Info

Gratuities are uncommon in Japan, however if you really enjoyed your time and want to show your guide how much you appreciate them, they’ll be extremely happy!
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Regular temperature checks for staff
This is a private vehicle tour, so only the guide is not part of your group. The guide will wear a mask in the vehicle and also while touring outside the vehicle.
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Wheelchair accessible

Face masks required for guides in public areas
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
We can have more or less walking, as you like.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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.

Osaka Castle

Of course you're going to see Osaka Castle, arguably the most iconic spot of great historical significance in Osaka. We'll traverse the grounds, all the while talking about the history, architecture, and significance of the spot. Since the rebuilt interior of the castle is rather disappointing, we recommend giving that a miss. Trust us.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shitennoji

This is said to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, and the grounds make for a great place to stroll about. We'll regale you with stories and lob you just enough info on the place to make it interesting without being tedious. Unless you like loads of info, because we have that too. It's your private tour after all! :)

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Shinsekai

Fun for all ages, in an odd sort of reality-independent way, this is a must-see while in Osaka. Games, food, fashion (perhaps heavily skewed toward the eye of the beholder), and that general, unmistakable Osaka vibe. No one forgets a visit to Shin-sekai.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Fun for all ages, in an odd sort of reality-independent way, this is a must-see while in Osaka. Games, food, fashion (perhaps heavily skewed toward the eye of the beholder), and that general, unmistakable Osaka vibe. No one forgets a visit to Shin-sekai.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Abeno Harukas

Lunch, and a trip up Harukas. We'll have a lunch to your liking in the Tennoji area, which is also where the super tall building known as Harukas is. This being the tallest non-tower building in Japan (300m), there are views aplenty. (We in Osaka have heard there is some tower with a height of biblical proportions in Tokyo, but we're not so interested.) We won't go up to the top of Harukas, but we go high enough to enjoy a breathtaking view of Osaka, and on a good day, all the way to Kobe and more. Some local shopping is available here too, if you're keen.

1 hours • Admission Ticket Free

Kuromon Market

A feast for the eyes, and for the stomach too, if you're interested! Fish, meats, fruits, and a panoply of people all vie for your attention.

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Dotombori District

We've got a little flexibility here, but we love showing people not only the internationally famous "Running Man" sign, but also some cool back streets, the kitchenware district, and some other sights based on your interests.

60 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Reviews

Outstanding guide for Osaka

Roxanne W, 25-12-2022

This was a great time! Levy was our guide and he was outstanding. So funny, friendly and knowledgeable. He really is the best guide. We loved seeing Osaka with him. It’s a fun city, very different from Kyoto. Had a great time.

Best private tour!

Khai66, 21-12-2022

It took me a while to pen this because I want to make sure it’s the best review for this travel agent. Right from the start , Kevin, the boss ,stands out from other travel agents that I have contacted . He is super responsive and accommodating. We are a rather big group with elderly and it really wasn’t easy to plan this trip but Kevin had made the planning process easy. But that’s only the beginning! We are met with the nicest , kindest , most responsible driver/guide for the entire trip. His name is shoji. He is the kindest driver we have ever met, helping my aged parents the entire trip and acceded to our requests many times. Our trip may not be so smooth sailing without Shoji. Shoji, as mentioned, thanks for being tolerant with us , I know many times it hasn’t been easy especially during meal times but you have shown your professionalism and have been tremendously patient with us. Kevin , my boys enjoyed the night tour and possibly an eye opener for them. They love your jokes.
So once again, I do apologise for the inconvenience we may have caused. But I want others to know this is the best company to engage if you are considering to go Osaka or the Kansai region . You won’t regret it!

Great Tour, Great Guide

MontyIan, 09-10-2022

The tour was fantastic. Levi was very knowledgeable and did a great job making sure everyone was having fun. There is a lot to see in Osaka, and having a guide really made a difference.

Perfect family experience

forcet2020, 02-04-2021

Kevin was awesome. Professional, knowledgeable, and gave us the perfect experience. Easily would’ve taken us 3 days to visit the sites on our own... and we certainly would not have had the context provided from the tour. With COVID a continuing concern, having a vehicle to transport us around instead of hopping on and off a dozen+ trains and busses, was a comforting benefit. Will use this service again when other family comes out to visit Japan in the future.

Birthday Celebration @ Osaka

valv594, 04-03-2020

Made arrangements night before and Kevin was punctual and with a wealth of knowledge. Did the private tour with car since we had Seniors with limited walking capabilities. Very pleased with the experience and highly recommend!

Osaka's Best and Brightest by Private Vehicle Activity - Osaka Travel Guide

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