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Shitennoji

Shitennoji: Our most recommended tours and activities

Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

1. Osaka: Five Must-See Highlights Walking Tour & Ramen Lunch

Osaka has many defferent names, such as the city of foods, the city of marchants, the city of comedy, the city where the Sengoku period ended . It means she is very diverse, tolerant , the people there are so entertained and adventurous. That is reason why so many foreigners are fascinated by her. Well, Let’s start the walking tour with us to find the real Osaka at a walking pace, from the perspective of a walker. We shall visit Osaka's 5 Must-See Sights with expierianced local English guide; (1) Osaka Castle Museum : Many highlights such as cultural asset exhibitions and the restored golden tea room. (2)Dotonbori : One of the principal tourist destinations in Osaka, check "Running Man" above Ebisbashi bridge ! (3)Kuromon Market : A covered public market that dates back to Edo period. Enjoy streetfoods ! (4)Tsutenkaku Tower : Osaka’s symbolic tower. The statue of the good luck god Billiken is on the tower's top observatory. (5)Shitennoji Temple : One of the Japan's oldest Budist temples, the first ever to be built by the state. Also try very tasty Ramen for lunch !

Osaka: Hotspots and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

2. Osaka: Hotspots and Hidden Gems Guided Walking Tour

Embark on a guided walking tour in Osaka and discover the city's hotspots and hidden gems with the help of a local guide. Gain insight into everyday Japanese customs, including the good, the bad, and everything in between. Meet your guide and begin your exploration by slipping through a hidden maze of bars and restaurants in central Osaka. Go off the beaten path and discover haunts loved by locals, even passing by a Yakuza clubhouse as you walk. Next, check out the traditional Kuromon Ichiba Market, a seafood market where top chefs head to purchase their fresh ingredients every day. Then, leave the hustle and bustle of the busy market behind as you duck into quiet cobblestoned back alleys to uncover a mystic temple and its centuries-old unique history while passing boutique eateries and hidden shops. As you continue your Osaka adventure, prepare yourself for a sensory overload as you navigate wacky larger-than-life billboards highlighting modern Japanese culture. Follow your guide through the central Dotonbori area and listen to interesting stories about Osaka as you go. Then, get a glimpse into what the Japanese think of American culture when you visit America-mura before heading to the old Shinsekai neighborhood. Admire the intriguing mix of crazy fishing restaurants and ancient Japanese gaming parlors. Choose to extend your experience by opting for the 4-hour private tour and visit a knife shop for a private demonstration of knife skills. Explore even more alleys filled with authentic restaurants, and discover the Dotonbori River area in greater detail.

Osaka: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour by Private Vehicle

3. Osaka: Full-Day Sightseeing Tour by Private Vehicle

Discover how Osaka has centuries more history than Tokyo and a merchant culture that still strongly resonates today on this full-day guided tour by private vehicle.  First stop is a visit to the Osaka Castle, where you will explore the grounds and enjoy the view of the castle’s exterior. Then, visit what is said to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan, Shitennoji.  Next, head to Shin-sekai. A short stroll around the area will show you typical foods, games, and Osaka's famously bad fashion sense. After lunch, visit the Harukas building to admire views across the city as you soar up a glass elevator. At the basement of this tall building is a local marketplace with some of the finest foods on display, such as Kobe beef and high end sushi.  You will then explore Dotonbori, sometimes compared to New York's Times Square. Explore the side streets and hear interesting stories from your guide. Finally, visit the market of Kuromon Ichiba, where there's a deep history and unique vibe.

4 hours Osaka Half-Day Drive Cruising City Tour. (1 pax up)

4. 4 hours Osaka Half-Day Drive Cruising City Tour. (1 pax up)

Cruise along in our comfortable coach to visit Osaka’s popular sightseeing spots on this half-day city cruise with the driver only. Within this half day service, guests will be able to experience Japan’s culture and visit Osaka’s popular sightseeing spots and landmarks. From this service, guests will also gain ideas and information on the attractions which will be useful if they like to explore the city in more depth later. This is a comfortable service which is suitable especially for both elderly and young children as not much walking is required. Along the rides, Cherry Tomato coach will pass by many beautiful spots for guests to enjoy the scenery. The driver will pick you up right from your hotel in Osaka City, and you don’t have to worry about taking a crowded train to the meeting point. Actual pick-up time will be informed on your mobile or at your hotel's front desk. We specially designed the tour starts from 10.00 am as it’s not too early nor too late for guests to enjoy this city tour. • The first stop of itinerary will be at Osaka Castle for 10 minutes. Guests can take pictures of the Osaka Castle Tower as its elegant and majestic appearance remains picture-perfect from every angle. • Visit Osaka Castle Nishinomaru Garden (30 minutes free and easy time), a lush garden which features a tea house and around 600 cherry trees in full bloom during spring. The garden also offers magnificent views of the castle. • Visit Shitennoji Temple, Japan’s oldest official temple (30 minutes free and easy time). The highlights of the temple are its five-story pagoda, ponds full of turtles and its unique symmetrical architectural style. • Head to Shinsekai Tsutenkaku area (30 minutes free and easy time), a retro downtown area which reflects the local Osaka Culture. The area is surrounded with shopping and dining streets which offer Osaka best known specialties, ‘Kushikatsu’, a deep-fried breaded skewered meat, seafood and vegetables. Also do not miss out on taking pictures and view the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, the symbol of Osaka. • Tour ends at Dotonbori Shopping Arcade. You have your own free time to visit the colourful shops including pachinkos, karaoke, drug stores, boutiques, souvenirs shops and restaurants that cater to all kinds of demand. Dotonbori is full of energy and delight and the whole street is like a theme park filled with giant billboards and colourful decorations.

Osaka: Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer

5. Osaka: Photo Shoot with a Private Vacation Photographer

Remember your vacation in Osaka with these photos captured by your personal photographer. Take part in a photo shoot that will capture you at your best, choose the best shoot duration for your vacation, and benefit from your photographer's in-depth local knowledge of the island. On the day of the shoot, your photographer will share their local knowledge and work their magic to capture some memorable moments. Choose custom locations in Osaka for your photo shoot, whether you're on a family getaway, a romantic trip, or a lively holiday with friends. Depending on the option you choose, enjoy 1-3 hours of photo shooting and explore up to 3 locations on the island. Within the 5 working days following your photoshoot, you will receive your edited photos. Download your professionally-edited images to share with friends, family, and social media.

A Magical Evening in Osaka: Private City Tour

6. A Magical Evening in Osaka: Private City Tour

Osaka shines under a different light at night, and it's worth exploring it on a private city tour. Get ready to discover the city's authentic evening state because the locals and the main highlights come out to play as the sun sets. As the soft evening light falls across the city's sights, follow your local host to discover Shitennoji Temple, Tsutenkaku Tower, and other major spots. Your host will point out some of the details you might have missed at each stop as they reveal themselves during the evening lights and around a less touristy crowd. With the main highlights of Osaka illuminated, your perspective of the city will be different as it was during the day. Take advantage of the cooler, calmer evening and discover where the locals gather to unwind. And just because your tour ends doesn't mean your night does too. Keep it going with local recommendations of where to go in Osaka at night. Enjoy an undefined before saying goodbye to your host and enjoy the rest of your night in Osaka like a local. The local hosts are natural storytellers, each one with a different background ranging from arts to history. They can't wait to share some of their unique stories and personal anecdotes with you! Feel like changing the route a bit? No problem, the hosts will be happy to personalize the tour to your wishes and make their city your city!

Other Sightseeing Options in Shitennoji

Want to discover all there is to do in Shitennoji? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Shitennoji

Overall rating

3.9 / 5

based on 179 reviews

We had a such a great time on this full day Osaka tour. Kevin was really great and friendly and such a knowledgeable English speaking guide. He knows everything there is to know about Osaka and Japan. The day was very well planned and having a car made the day so much more relaxing and effortlessly fun! Communication before the tour was also great, we knew before our trip started we were in good hands! He even showed us parts of Osaka we wouldn’t have on our own, just like a local. Very worthwhile if visiting Osaka. Can’t wait to come back again some day!

The tour was excellent. It was pleasant and very informative that, time (5 hours) flew by so fast. Andrew was right on time. He is amazingly knowledgeable, well mannered and cultured. The tour was relaxed yet professional. I would strongly recommend this company and will likely use them again.

Levi, our tour guide is excellent. He knows very well the history of Japan. Very friendly, accommodating and helpful. He is full of vibrant and very passionate with his work. This tour is worth every penny.

Great experience to. Explore every things new in city tour of Osaka had a dream city tour with my guide & cover almost each & every sport in day tour from 9 am till 5.30 pm evening .