Osaka Day tour with guide by Private Executive Vehicle

The first destination on the tour is Osaka, Castle. It was first built in 1597 as one of the great unifiers of Japan, Hideyoshi Toyotomi's main fortress. Renovated in 1997 the inside features a 360-degree view of Osaka and a museum detailing the history of the castle along with the lives of the three great unifiers, Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu.

After Osaka Castle, we will drive 15 minutes to Dotonbori. Famous for its vibrant atmosphere, street food, and shopping. Your tour conductor will take you to Hozenji Temple and help you take pictures with the Glico Man sign. You will then have about an hour of free time for lunch and shopping. Definitely try Osakas famous takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and/or kushikatsu!

After the lunch break, we will drive to Namba Yasaka Shrine. Home to the guardian of Osaka's central Namba district. The giant lion's head swallows evil spirits and brings good luck. It stands as a monument to a much larger temple complex that was destroyed during World War 2.

Next, we will drive to the Shinsekai district. The district got its start after being built to hold the 1903 National Industrial Exhibition. In 1912 it was reborn as Luna Amusement Park with its Tsutenkaku Tower. The park was closed in 1923 but the district still holds on to some of its carnival-style atmosphere. Despite being known as one of Japan's biggest slums, it is quite safe today. It is also the birthplace of Osaka's famous kushikatsu (breaded deep-fried skewers), hosts many shogi and mahjong clubs, and is a hub for cheap clothing, food, and drink.