Private Car Full Day Tour of Osaka Temples, Gardens and Kofun Tombs

Osaka, a vibrant city steeped in history and cultural heritage, offers a captivating opportunity for visitors to enjoy its spiritual and architectural wonders. The private car full-day tour promises an exclusive, personalized journey through iconic temples, serene gardens, and the enigmatic kofun tombs, all guided by a knowledgeable local. From the revered Shitennoji Temple to the majestic Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, this comprehensive experience unveils the layers of Osaka‘s rich past, inviting travelers to uncover the city’s most cherished gems. As the tour unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other hidden treasures lie in wait, beckoning further exploration.

Key Points

• This full-day private car tour covers visits to temples, gardens, and kofun tombs in Osaka and Sakai, providing a personalized and all-inclusive experience.
• The tour includes a local guide, private vehicle transport, and entrance fees, ensuring a comfortable and informative sightseeing journey.
• Key highlights include the Shitennoji Temple, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, and the Sakai City Hall Observatory, showcasing Osaka’s rich cultural and historical sites.
• Additional fees may apply for specific pickup/drop-off locations and child seats, ensuring a seamless and tailored experience.
• The tour’s accessibility considers seasonal closures, mandatory car seats, and suitability for visitors with limited mobility.

Tour Details

This full-day private tour of Osaka and Sakai includes visits to temples, gardens, and kofun tombs, with transport provided in a private luxury vehicle and pickup and drop-off at the traveler’s Osaka hotel.

The flexible itinerary and personalized attention of a private tour ensure a tailored experience. Travelers will be accompanied by a local guide and have their entrance fees covered, costing a total of 500 yen per person.

However, additional fees apply for pickups and drop-offs outside the Osaka hotel area, as well as for child seats.

What’s Included

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The private tour comes with a local guide who’ll accompany travelers throughout the day, providing insight and knowledge about the sights visited.

Plus, the tour includes private vehicle transport, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.

Travelers will also have their entrance fees covered, amounting to a total of 500 yen per person.

The tour package includes:

• Local guide
• Private vehicle transport
• Osaka hotel pickup

Additional Costs

Private Car Full Day Tour of Osaka Temples, Gardens and Kofun Tombs

While the private tour includes the essentials like a local guide, private vehicle transport, and hotel pickup, there are some additional costs travelers should be aware of.

Picking up or dropping off at the Osaka port area incurs an extra 2,500 yen charge each way, and starting or ending the tour at Shin-Osaka station will cost 1,000 yen more per transfer.

On top of that, if a child seat is required, that will add an additional 1,000 yen to the total.

These supplementary fees ensure a seamless and comfortable experience, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the historic sites and cultural wonders of Osaka and Sakai at their own pace.

Itinerary

Commencing with the iconic Osaka Castle, the full-day private tour then ventures to the historic Shitennoji Temple and its serene gardens.

Followed by an exploration of the vibrant Shinsekai entertainment quarter, the next stop is the tranquil Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, an important Shinto site dating back to the 3rd century.

The tour then ascends to the Sakai City Hall Observatory, offering sweeping views over the city. Finally, the lush Daisen Park, with its beautiful Japanese garden, provides a peaceful conclusion to the day’s activities.

Throughout the itinerary, travelers enjoy the flexibility of a private tour and the personalized attention of a local guide.

Shitennoji Temple and Gardens

The Shitennoji Temple is one of Osaka’s most significant Buddhist temples, boasting a history that can be traced back to the 6th century.

This impressive temple complex features several buildings, including the five-story pagoda, the main hall, and the Kondo Hall.

Visitors can explore the tranquil gardens, which are known for their beautiful landscaping and serene ponds.

The temple’s grounds also house a museum that showcases a collection of cultural artifacts and religious relics.

While the gardens are closed on the 21st of each month, the rest of the temple complex is open year-round, providing visitors with the opportunity to enjoy Osaka’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine

After exploring the tranquil gardens of Shitennoji Temple, visitors to Osaka can now head to the revered Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, one of the oldest Shinto shrines in the city.

This historic site dates back to the 3rd century and is dedicated to the Sumiyoshi Sanjin, three Shinto deities. Visitors can expect to be captivated by the shrine’s distinctive architectural style, featuring three main halls connected by covered walkways.

The grounds also boast several other structures, including:

1. The Soreisha Shrine, which honors the kami (spirits) of the wind, rain, and sea.
2. The Haraedono Hall, used for ritual purification ceremonies.
3. The Kaguraden Stage, where traditional Noh and Kabuki performances are held.

Sakai City Hall Observatory

Atop Sakai City Hall stands an observatory that offers visitors a commanding 360-degree view of the city and its surrounding landscapes.

Visitors can access the observation deck via a high-speed elevator, which whisks them up to the 17th floor in a matter of seconds.

From this lofty vantage point, they can gaze out across Sakai’s bustling streets, picturesque parks, and the shimmering waters of Osaka Bay in the distance.

The observatory’s panoramic windows provide ample opportunities for taking breathtaking photographs of the city’s skyline and natural scenery.

Visitors can learn more about Sakai’s history and landmarks from the informative displays and exhibits housed within the observatory.

This stop on the tour offers a unique and elevated perspective on the city of Sakai.

Accessibility and Restrictions

Owing to the moderate walking involved, the tour may not be suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

The Shitennoji gardens are closed on the 21st of each month, and the Daisen Park Japanese garden is closed on Mondays, necessitating flexibility in scheduling.

Children under 6 or 140cm in height are required to use a car seat, which can be provided at an additional cost.

The tour’s accessibility considerations include:

1. Moderate walking required, making it unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
2. Seasonal closures for the Shitennoji gardens and Daisen Park Japanese garden.
3. Mandatory car seats for young children, available at an extra charge.

These factors ensure the tour caters to a wide range of visitors while maintaining safety and accessibility standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Tour Cancellation Policy?

The tour cancellation policy typically allows for full refunds if canceled 24-48 hours in advance. Last-minute cancellations may incur fees. Customers should check the specific policy when booking to understand the cancellation and refund terms.

Can I Make Changes to the Itinerary During the Tour?

Yes, you can make changes to the itinerary during the tour. The private nature of the tour allows for a flexible schedule and the ability to personalize the experience based on your interests and preferences.

Are There Any Options for Lunch During the Tour?

The tour includes a flexible itinerary, so the guide can accommodate requests for lunch stops at local restaurants during the day. Guests can discuss their preferences with the guide to plan an enjoyable dining experience within the tour schedule.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Different Group Sizes?

Yes, the tour can be customized for different group sizes. The private nature of the tour allows for a flexible itinerary and personalized attention, accommodating the needs of small or large groups.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers discounts for seniors aged 65+ and students with valid ID. Seniors receive a 10% discount, while students get a 5% discount off the tour price. These discounts are available for all group sizes.

Recap

This comprehensive full-day tour in Osaka provides an immersive exploration of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors will visit iconic temples, serene gardens, and historic kofun tombs, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.

The flexible itinerary ensures a personalized experience, with entrance fees covered and additional services available.

This tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Osaka’s renowned spiritual and architectural wonders.