Private Tour
Osaka’s Best and Brightest: Private Full-Day Tour by Vehicle
Overview
Available languages
7 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Osaka Castle
Of course, we’ll visit Osaka Castle—arguably the city’s most iconic landmark and a site of deep historical significance. As we explore the castle grounds, your guide will share fascinating stories about its history, architecture, and importance. While the castle’s reconstructed interior can be underwhelming, we recommend skipping it in favor of enjoying the impressive exterior and scenic surroundings.
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! :)
What‘s Included
Professional, fluent English-speaking guide (also your driver)
All admission fees
Private vehicle with all related fees.
Food and drinks
Pickup outside central Osaka (within/along JR Loop Line; additional fee applies)
Child seat: 1,000 yen payable on day of tour.
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Kyoto Pickup 6 Person Car (ES)
Pickup included
Kyoto Pickup 9 Person Car (ES)
Pickup included
Kobe Pickup 9 Person Vehicle
Pickup included
Osaka Pickup 9 Person Car (FR)
Pickup included
Kyoto Pickup 9 Person Vehicle
Pickup included
Kyoto Pickup 9 Person Car (FR)
Pickup included
Osaka Pickup 9 Person Car (ES)
Pickup included
Kobe Pickup 6 Person Vehicle
Pickup included
Osaka Pickup 6 Person Car (FR)
Pickup included
Kobe Pickup 9 Person Car (ES)
Pickup included
Osaka Pickup 9 Person Vehicle
Pickup included
Osaka Pickup 6 Person Vehicle
Pickup included
Kyoto Pickup 6 Person Car (FR)
Pickup included
Osaka Pickup 6 Person Car (ES)
Pickup included
Kyoto Pickup 6 Person Vehicle
Pickup included
Kobe Pickup 6 Person Car (FR)
Pickup included
Kobe Pickup 9 Person Car (FR)
Pickup included
Kobe Pickup 6 Person Car (ES)
Pickup included
Reviews
147 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Relaxing way to travel
Anne P,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We were picked up at our hotel which was so much easier than getting other transportation. The pace was relaxing and our guide Thomas was super friendly and social able. I loved that we stopped for lunch at one his favourite places. I really liked the food more than I had been so far in Japan. We asked tons of questions and it was like connecting with a local. I would highly recommend doing this!
Thomas is great!
Sucheta B,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Thomas was wonderful. He has such a love and respect for Japan and it showed. His tour is well organized and he had the best itinerary for making sure we saw it all. Informative and friendly!
Hugo is our favorite tour...
Ashley J,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Hugo is our favorite tour guide ever! He showed us all of the sights, provided us with tons of information, and made our day incredibly easy and enjoyable. We cannot recommend Hugo enough! He literally made our trip!!
Osaka Highlights
Shioban L,,Dec 27, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an outstanding experience on Osaka’s Best and Brightest: Private Full-Day Tour by Vehicle, thanks to our guide Ferdinand, who did an exceptional job throughout the day. He is clearly both passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about Osaka and Japan, and his insights made every stop more meaningful. We visited some fantastic sites including Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple, Abeno Harukas, Kuromon Market, and the lively Dotonbori District, all at a perfect pace thanks to the comfort of the private vehicle. Ferdinand went above and beyond by even helping take us to a department store so we could find a beautifully crafted matcha bowl for my mother-in-law, which was such a thoughtful and personal touch. This tour was a true highlight of our trip, and we highly recommend it—especially with Ferdinand as your guide.
A truly exceptional day!
Farai A,,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an all-around fantastic day, and felt like we made a friend in our amazing guide, Lito. We started at Osaka Castle, where we walked around the grounds, learned a lot of the history, and our guide took some amazing pictures of us at the best spots. From there we visited Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, had a delicious sushi lunch followed by Matcha ice cream in the Shinsekai District (near Tsutenkaku Tower), made a stop at Don Quijote for some snacks, and proceeded to Nambayasaka-Jin ja Shrine. We rounded up the day at Denden Town so my husband could buy Pokémon cards as souvenirs for his third grade students back home. It was fun watching Lito and my husband geek out over their many shared interests throughout the day. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!
Osaka Castle is easy...
Junichi N,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Osaka Castle is easy enough to walk around the castle grounds and inside the castle grounds. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine was less crowded during the off-season, so it was a great place to sightsee. Abeno Harukas is a great place to shop.
Great
Katherine S,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kevin was a great tour guide. He is an American living in Osaka so it was nice that he was able to compare and contrast what it was like living in Japan versus America. He also was very knowledgeable about Osaka and showed us some unique spots. There is a bit of walking so be prepared. Kevin also is a really nice guy with an easy going personality. I highly recommend Kevin as your tour guide.
Ferdinand took great care...
Marshall S,,Nov 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Ferdinand took great care of us! He adapted the tour after the castle to accommodate tired legs. The historic shopping areas were charming. The late request for Doutonbori was the icing on the cake. Thanks Ferdinand!
Great tour plus a new buddy!
Mark S,,Nov 18, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Kevin was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable, interesting, and tons of fun to hang out with. It was a highlight of our trip to Japan.
Thomas the Frenchman
Doug M,,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Thomas was a pleasant surprise. A Frenchman who spoke excellent English and had joie de vivre! He picked us up on time and took us to some interesting spots, eventually becoming our friend.
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