Overview
This port city has much to offer.
No one should visit Japan without experiencing their efficient and modern public transportation. It was an essential element in my understanding of this culture as much as our visits to the magnificent gardens.
Meet your guide and begin your journey on Osaka's modern public transportation. As you are efficiently moved from location to location by underground or your own two feet, you will visit the highlights of this city. Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most famous. Toyotomi Hideyoshi was a preeminent daimyo, warrior, general and politician of the Sengoku period who is regarded as Japan's second "great unifier," and Osaka Castle is widely known as an emblem of his power and fortune. The castle played a major role in the unification of Japan during the sixteenth century. It has been completely rebuilt, faithful to the original appearance, after its destruction during World War II. Inside you will find a modern setting that looks very functional, which is the way of the Japanese, and it also serves as a museum of Osaka history. If you wish you can try on some samarai armour or maybe a fancy kimono - a perfect photo op - before heading to your next stop.
You will find yourself in the midst of the hustling district of Dotonbori, a former pleasure district turned restaurant mecca. Here you can sample the famous Takoyaki, Osaka's specialty, which is a kind of savoury doughnut with cooked octopus inside.
Just a few minute's walk away you will be introduced to the Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum where you can admire the famed Japanese prints from the 18th century. You will have a chance to try your hand at making your own woodblock print here.
Finally, it is time to see this city from above. The Floating Garden Observatory, built on the top of the highest building on Osaka, is where you will be able to get a panoramic view of the city. This open air observatory has stunning views in every direction and it s perfect place for photos.
During the day you will stop to enjoy a typical Japanese lunch which is included in your tour.
- Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the price of this tour, but beverages are not.
- The Kamigata Ukiyoe Museum is closed on Monday.
- This tour is not wheelchair accessible.
- If you are arriving by cruise ship, you will choose between visiting Osaka Castle and the Floating Garden Observatory as there will not be time for both.
- We will do our best to confirm the tour at the standard pricing, however there may be a surcharge on holidays and from the end of December to the New Year.
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The cancellation policy on this tour is outside of the normal ShoreTrips Terms of Service. The tour is non refundable 18 days prior to the tour date. If your ship does not make port, this tour will be non-refundable. Please take out travel insurance to cover this rare occurrence. This tour will NOT be refundable in cases in which conditions make it impossible for the ship to dock and disembark passengers in a timely manner. In case of extreme delay of ship’s arrival or immigration, the tour may have to be shortened.- Due to the extreme costs of hospitalization and medical services in Japan, we strongly recommend purchasing independent travel insurance that will cover you for injuries or illness while in Japan.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 08:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
- 09:00 AM, duration: 8 hours
