Osaka in 1 Day from Kobe by Private Car with Licensed Guide

Arriving in Kobe but want to visit Osaka on a day trip? This tour is perfect for you! With a guide & private vehicle, exploring Osaka has been made easy. Explore the vibrant city of Osaka with our government-licensed, experienced English-speaking guides! From the beautiful Osaka castle, to Dotonbori District’s legendary Takoyaki, and the retro vibes of Shinsekai District with its famous giant blowfish lantern, Osaka’s many dynamic and vibrant sights will enthrall you. Hungry after all that exploring? The kitchen of Japan, Osaka, is more than happy to tempt you with its many savory local dishes. We welcome you to come and explore the unique culture of Osaka with us! Or as they say in the Osaka dialect, “Maido”! Note*1: The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter certification is issued by the Japanese government requires a good knowledge and understanding of Japanese culture and history.

1. 1

   Kobe

   45 min

   Depart from Kobe with your tour guide in a private vehicle to exciting city, Osaka! You can also be met at the cruise port in Kobe! The journey to Osaka will be about 45 minutes. Please consult with your guide to choose 4 to 5 sights from our itinerary below!

2. 2

   Dotombori District

   30 min

   Take a walk through Dotonbori street with its huge billboards, hundreds of restaurants and food stalls selling local foods including Osaka's famous Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki.

3. 3

   Osaka Castle

   1 hour

   Osaka Castle is certainly one of the most famous landmarks in Japan, and for good reason. This five-story castle is one of the most visually spectacular creations in the country, with a history that dates back almost 450 years!

4. 4

   Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

   30 min

   Osaka's Sumiyoshi Taisha (住吉大社, "Sumiyoshi Grand Shrine") is one of Japan's oldest shrines. Founded in the 3rd century before the introduction of Buddhism, it displays a unique style of shrine architecture, called Sumiyoshi-zukuri, that is free of influence from the Asian mainland. Only two other shrine architecture styles are also considered purely Japanese: Shinmei-zukuri as seen at the Ise Shrines and Taisha-zukuri as seen at Izumo Taisha.

5. 5

   Shinsekai

   1 hour

   Shinsekai , the New World, with it’s Tsutenkaku, the Osaka Eiffel tower, kushikatsu and Billiken , the God of wealth and money. Shinsekai is also home to Spa World, a huge bath complex with a large number of pools on a European themed floor and an Asian themed floor (enjoyed naked and gender separated).

6. 6

   Umeda Sky Building

   30 min

   The Umeda Sky Building (梅田スカイビル) is a spectacular high rise building in the Kita district of Osaka, near Osaka and Umeda Stations. It is also known as the "New Umeda City". The 173 meter tall building consists of two towers that are connected with each other by the "Floating Garden Observatory" on the 39th floor. The observatory offers great views of the city through its windows and from its open-air deck. In the basement, there is a restaurant floor that replicates a town of the early Showa Period, while offices occupy most other floors.

7. 7

   Kuromon Market

   1 hour

   Kuromon Market (黒門市場, Kuromon Ichiba) is a covered public market that stretches around 600 meters parallel to Sakaisujidori Street in the Minami area of Osaka. The market has about 150 shops that predominantly sell fish, meat and produce, with other shops also purveying traditional sweets and low priced clothes and homeware. The market dates back to the Edo Period, and today makes for an atmospheric place to stroll around, shop and eat a variety of different street foods.

8. 8

   The National Museum of Art, Osaka

   30 min

   The National Museum of Art, Osaka (also known as NMAO) is an underground museum housing a major art collection on the island of Nakanoshima in central Osaka.

9. 9

   Shitennoji

   30 min

   Shitennoji (四天王寺, Shitennōji) is one of Japan's oldest temples and the first ever to be built by the state. It was founded in 593 by Prince Shotoku, who supported the introduction of Buddhism into Japan. Although the temple's buildings burned down several times throughout the centuries, they were always carefully reconstructed to reflect the original 6th century design. The outer temple grounds are free to enter, but admission to the inner precinct, the Gokuraku-jodo Garden and the treasure house is paid. In the pebble covered courtyard of the inner precinct stand a five-storied pagoda that can be entered and ascended and the Main Hall (Kondo) in which Prince Shotoku is enshrined as a statue of Kannon.

10. 10

    Kobe

    45 min

    Return to Kobe in the comfort of a private vehicle with your guide. It will take about 45 minutes to get to Kobe.

11. 11

    Sennichimae Doguyasuji Shopping Street

    30 min

    A 150 meter long shopping street lined with specialty stores with every cooking utensil and kitchen item available. The Doguyasuji Festival on October 9 (Tool Day) is an event where various tools are on sale, and where the Garapon Lottery will also be held. In addition, you can take part in hands-on food sample making and glass-etching experiences, as well as an ever-increasing number of artisanal restaurants.

12. 12

    Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street

    30 min

    Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street is a must-visit in Osaka. This giant shopping arcade of cosmetics stores, apparel shops, and restaurants extends 600 meters. Read this detailed guide to learn about this lively Osaka neighborhood and how to get to the area!

• Specialized infant seats are available
• Service animals allowed
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• Wheelchair accessible
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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