Osaka's Private Vehicle Tour: Explore Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shin-sekai & More
4.9
90 Ratings
Osaka
Embark on a full-day private vehicle tour in Osaka with a fluent English-speaking guide. Explore top spots like Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shin-sekai, and more at your own pace. Get local insight and enjoy a high-quality vehicle service.
Duration: 7 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • 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.
  • 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! :)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
What's Included
  • Private vehicle with all related fees.
  • A likable guide that speaks English superbly.
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Admissions (which will range from zero to a few hundred yen or so, depending on if you change the plan)
  • 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. Shin-Osaka Station area, 1,000 yen each way.
  • Child seat: 1,000 yen payable on day of tour.
Additional Information

Seeking a comprehensive one-day tour with a private vehicle that encompasses notable locations and is accompanied by an entertaining, well-informed and perfectly proficient English speaking guide? Your search stops here. During the tour, you’ll explore Dotonbori, Osaka Castle, Shin-sekai, enjoy an aerial view, and much more! Additionally, you’ll gain local knowledge and fascinating insights at our suggested stops. Everything is conducted at a pace suitable for you, with your own dedicated driver/guide, and excellent vehicle service. It is a certainty that your guide will be a native English speaker or a truthful equivalent.

  • We can have more or less walking, as you like.
  • 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!
  • According to Japanese law, children under 6 years old or less than 140cm MUST use car seats. Be sure to request one in advance from us if required.
  • Enjoy all the exciting stops described above and more on this private vehicle tour! The plan described is a model course, and there is the possibility for change based on our guests’ interests. Timing and external factors (such as traffic conditions) may force deviations from this model course.
Location
Osaka Castle
1-1 Osakajo,
Cancellation Policy

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

Customer Ratings
4.9
(90 Ratings)
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Jyoti_s
Apr 5, 2024
Amazing - Amazing trip and highly recommend our guide , Kevin ! Very patient and worked around our needs . Would def be back
Review provided by Viator
Marie_c
Mar 21, 2024
Osaka tour - Pick up on time we had a lovely guy called Kevin he was amazing very knowledgeable we went to Osaka castle and to Umeda Sky building he took us to a local Japanese Cafe style restaurant for a Japanese lunch which was lovely. Kevin made us feel like we had known him for years great tour. Would highly recommend this company Thank you 😊
Review provided by Viator
Paul_v
Mar 17, 2024
Awesome Day - Damian our guide along with driver, Hiro were absolutely fantastic. Damien's knowledge and sharing really made places come to life.
Review provided by Viator
Tracygq2538dx
Mar 16, 2024
Perfect Private Tour - We had a perfect day with Lito in Osaka who was very personable and knowledgeable. From shrines to the Dotombori district, we covered a large range of sites out our own pace. This private tour was the best way to see what we wanted to see and we were able to linger at the venues that interested us most. Highly recommend. *****
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Tracylee_g
Mar 16, 2024
Perfect Private Tour - We had a perfect day with Lito in Osaka who was very personable and knowledgeable. From shrines to the Dotombori district, we covered a large range of sites out our own pace. This private tour was the best way to see what we wanted to see and we were able to linger at the venues that interested us most. Highly recommend. *****
Review provided by Viator
Bonniemarie_p
Mar 7, 2024
Great Way To See Osaka - Thank you to Thomas our guide for an excellent customized tour of Osaka. He picked us up at the cruise terminal and did a wonderful job of blending the sights we wanted to see with his recommendations. Thomas was friendly and knowledgeable and his english was excellent. This was a great way to see some of the highlights of Osaka.
Review provided by Viator
Jarkkoj2023
Feb 22, 2024
Best tour I can remember - Our guide was excellent company, fun to spend the day with. Worth every yen! I really appreciated it how he pointed out the non-original parts and focused on the interesting bits. Instead of looking the most touristy bits we got to go around tiny restaurants, sample in the fish market, go to a flea marker... Truly recommend.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jlrohner
Feb 20, 2024
Excellent tour -... - Excellent tour - well-organized and fun! Great guide who planned ahead and cared about our experience while visiting Japan.
Review provided by Viator
Johnnygk
Feb 3, 2024
Osaka in a day - Keven was a great host. Very informative and experienced. He took us to all the major sites as well as a wonderful local lunch.
Review provided by Viator
Suzanne_k
Jan 14, 2024
Osaka - We had an excellent time being shown the sights of Osaka with someone who could find the things that suited us with children. Well done Kevin!!
Review provided by Viator
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up to 9 guests
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June 2024
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