Osaka's Majestic Past: A Journey Through Time at the Historic Castle

• Private Tour
• Instantly Confirmed
• Carbon Neutral

Step into the heart of Osaka’s history with an exclusive tour of the city’s iconic Castle, where ancient tales come to life. Experience the grandeur of the past, discover the secrets held within its walls, and capture the breathtaking cityscape from its summit.

Destination

Osaka, Japan

Category

Skip The Line Tours

Duration

2.5 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Indonesian, 日本語, Español

Included

• Private Guide
• Entrance Tickets to Castle
• All Withlocals Tours are Carbon Netural

What you can expect

Choose your local

Get to know these 5 passionate locals, each bringing unique perspectives and talents. Choose your favorite, check their availability, and book to create an unforgettable adventure tailored to you.

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with the host of your choice.

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Outside Lawson S Otemae North - Osaka to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. Beautiful Surroundings

   To better understand what you’ll see inside the Osaka Castle, your local host will start by showing you other hidden gems around the attraction. That way, you can get to know more about Osaka and the Castle for a perfect introduction to your tour

4. How It Works

   Before entering the Castle, meet your host and get an introduction to your tour.

5. Ahead of the Crowds

   On this tour, follow your local host’s lead and spend time inside the Osaka Castle discovering its highlights and hidden gems

6. Inside the

   Once you are inside, follow your local host’s insights as you check out the must-sees, as well as the hidden gems that not many know about. Be part of an enriching tour that will satisfy your curiosity and answer many of your questions!

7. Keep Exploring

   After the time with your host is over, you can either stay inside the attraction and keep exploring by yourself or say goodbye outside the attraction where your host will point out other spots to explore in Osaka

8. Make it yours

   Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

   Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

   Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Zac🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sebastian)

23 July 2025

Sebastian sabe mucha historia local y todos los detalles del castillo. Además él supo conectar con la gente del grupo menos inspirado por la historia, contando temas japoneses interesantes para ellos para que todos se lo pasaran muy bien. Sebastian fue fantástico!

Jake🇺🇸 United States

(About local Maria)

22 May 2025

We went on a tour of Osaka castle with Maria, and she was very knowledgeable. She was able to point out and explain interesting things we would have never noticed, and was able to answer all of our questions. She also knew the best spots to take pictures and avoid crowds. She was also very friendly and generous with her time. She asked us what we have seen so far in Osaka, recommended a place to visit that we haven’t been yet, and even went out of her way to guide us there. Wonderful guide, would recommend.Knowledgeable and Friendly

Anneke

(About local Maria)

31 March 2025

Maria is a warm, thoughtful and dedicated guide. Our family was so fortunate to have her as our guide for our Osaka adventure. We enjoyed. Her storytelling, her flexibility and her good spirits. Amazing host!

Banjing

(About local Maria)

4 February 2025

We had an amazing experience with our tour guide during our visit to Osaka! When my son accidentally lost his wallet at a train station, we were struggling to communicate with the lost and found personnel, who only spoke Japanese. We decided to hire a local guide, and we are so glad we did. Our guide went above and beyond, speaking with the lost and found team on our behalf, and when the wallet wasn’t initially found, she didn’t give up. She worked with the train station staff and was able to help us locate the wallet. We were incredibly relieved and grateful. Afterward, she treated us to an insightful tour of Osaka. Her knowledge of the city’s history was impressive, and she shared fascinating details that you won’t find in any guidebook—these were real local insights that made the experience even more special. We feel so fortunate to have met such a dedicated and knowledgeable guide, and we highly recommend her to anyone visiting Osaka. Thank you for everything! This highlights both the practical help she provided and the enriching tour experience!100% truly Amazing Person!!!

remy

(About local Naoki)

20 January 2025

Wonderful guide ! He accepted to change the date at the last miment because our flight was cancel and delayed. He know everythings about Osaka castle and Japan history! And he was very very kind with us all the time ! Thanks Naoki !Amazing guide

Carole

(About local Hiroki)

15 January 2025

Hiroki lead my family from our Air BNB to experience Osaka Castle. We travelled as a local on the metro, spared our legs by taking the Osaka train to explore the gardens and the walk up to the first bridge and led us straight through the castle gates. He shared with us his love of Osaka and its history and where to get the best range of ramen in one spot. He was able to answer many questions we had from the museum that should we had gone alone we would not have had answers to. Would recommend a local guide to get those insights.Awesome guide

leo🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Sebastian)

29 December 2024

Sebestian was an amazing guide, he took care of my Aging mums leg issue and plan the trip so well and even arrange a lift service for her. And he is such a history geek that he shares interesting stories of Japan. Would be looking forward to plan another trip with him in a few months time SUCH AN AMAZING GUIDE

Rianna

(About local Hiromi)

15 December 2024

Hiromi was a wonderful guide, both of Osaka castle and the broader city. We first spent time learning about Osaka castle, then ventured to other areas of Osaka that Hiromi recommended. She took us on a tour of places we never would’ve found otherwise, including a very local shopping area with izakayas. Overall it was a great trip and Hiromi is a fantastic guide!Wonderful local tour of Osaka

Scott🇺🇸 United States

(About local Sebastian)

13 June 2024

Sebastian was just a fun vibe. Very relaxed and did well with my elderly mother.Such a fun time!

Elena🇺🇸 United States

(About local Naoki)

15 May 2024

We had a great time with Naoki visiting Osaka castle. He went above and beyond to make sure our needs are met. He was very engaging and knowledgeable. He showed us another shrine in the neighborhood and walked us to a sushi place we were planning to have lunch at. Such a delight! Amazing experience!

Monica🇺🇸 United States

(About local Maria)

8 September 2025

Maria was absolutely fantastic! Be sure to arrive with an open mind and an empty stomach. She met promptly on time and guided us through an incredible food adventure—trying everything we wanted and even more surprises along the way. From wandering hidden alleys to enjoying freshly made takoyaki (octopus balls) and stumbling upon cats at a secret shrine, every moment felt special. This was easily one of the most memorable experiences we had in Osaka. I would happily book another tour with her, just to discover more spots or simply to enjoy the city again with such a wonderful guide. Along the way, we also had the chance to meet locals and learn fascinating history about different neighborhoods. Maria is knowledgeable, warm, and fun—10 out of 10, highly recommended!Phenomenal Food Tour of Osaka

Sandra

(About local Sebastian)

6 September 2025

We had a great trip with Sebastian to Ōsaka on our way back to the airport. Everything went smoothly - from the planning and communication in advance, the pick up at our hotel in Kyōto, the impressions of Ōsaka we were able to get to the drop off at Ōsaka airport. Sebastian shared much of his rich knowledge with us so that we got a lot of new impressions. It is not the cheapest way to explore Ōsaka but yet highly recommended!Great trip to Osaka

Julie 🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Naoki)

5 September 2025

We had the absolute best time with Naoki, he really went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable and happy. We will definitely be going for another tour with him next time we are in Japan. Oh and he knows all the best spots to eat, if he makes a recommendation go there. Best time

John🇺🇸 United States

(About local Hiromi)

3 September 2025

We really enjoyed our street food tour with Hiromi! She took us to some great places with great food and drink! We really enjoyed our conversations and learning about the various food we got to try. Thank you so much for a wonderfully memorable experience!Amazing Experience

Mary🇦🇹 Austria

(About local Naoki)

28 August 2025

My husband and I loved our time in bustling Osaka with Naoki. Naoki designed a tour with the weather and out mobility in mind. We delighted on local specialities and saw several different areas of Osaka with Naoki generously providing cultural perspectives,insider tips, and information as we made room for more! Exceeded expecations!! Discovering Delicious Osaka

Chris🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Naoki)

28 August 2025

Es hat super viel Spass gemacht mit Naoki die Stadt zu erkunden. Er hat ein super Wissen über Stadt Kultur und Bräuche. Hat uns sehr geholfen uns in der Stadt besser zurecht zu finden. Können wir nur jedem empfehlen. Mit Naoki Kyoto erkunden

anne

(About local Hiromi)

25 August 2025

We had a fantastic food tour with Hiromi. We booked the tour for our first day in Japan. We ate delicious food, saw part of Osaka and she told us lots of interesting things. It was great fun and a perfect start to our holiday in Japan.fantastic!

Stepan🇷🇸 Serbia

(About local Hiroki)

23 August 2025

Hiroki-san gave me a really good insight on the Osaka cuisine, there are two options of the tour: Dotonbori and Shinshibashi (I picked the first). I got to try quite a few different meals, and even though a few things didn’t go as planned - Hiroki-san swiftly managed to save the day, which amazed as it showed his good knowledge of the area.Great tour!

Alex🇺🇸 United States

(About local Hiromi)

18 August 2025

Hiromi showed us the best restaurants in Osaka. We had so much fun and ate SO well. Osaka is considered “The Kitchen of Japan.” Do not take a chance with any other tour guide if you want to eat the best food in the city. HIGHLY RECOMMENDIf you want the best food go with Hiromi!!

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(About local Sebastian)

16 August 2025

Sebastian helped us to know the city and realize the culture and meanings behind everything. The bicycle was comfortable and we enjoy the ride. Beautiful views. The tour could be a little bit shorter. Great experience!!!

Tony🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Hiromi)

4 August 2025

We did the 10 tastings of Osaka tour with Hiromi on the second day of our 2 week trip to Japan. We were two adults and two teen boys (15 and 14). It was fabulous. Hiromi was so lovely and took us to places we would never have dared to step into, full of locals and cuisine we may not have tried. She took into account our likes and one of the boys’ less adventurous palates and taught us so much about Japanese culture. The sushi was the best ever and she taught us how the Japanese eat it (I had been doing it wrong for years!). It really set us up for our whole trip and we experienced far more cuisine as a result. Really recommend this. Pro tip: don’t eat too much before the tour, we were stuffed!! Thank you Hiromi we will always remember you xxxHighlight of our trip to Japan

Steven🇺🇸 United States

(About local Naoki)

29 July 2025

First day in Osaka and hoping to get a quick overview of city as only had a couple of days. Naoki was truly enjoyable to be around and learn more about him and this wonderful city. We ended the day with local favorite foods at a place he and his friends hung out at when younger and the food was great. Highly recommend.Wonderful day around Osaka

z5wn9w6gkh

(About local Hiroki)

27 July 2025

Today we had our food tour and had an absolutely fantastic time! From start to finish, the experience was well-organized, fun, and—most importantly—delicious. Our guide was friendly, knowledgeable, and very accommodating to our dietary restrictions. He worked to find options that worked well for all of us. We had chatted in advance and confirmed our needs. Each stop on the tour offered something unique, from hidden gems to popular favorites. We sampled everything from seafood to matcha ice-cream for dessert.Delicious and Memorable Food Tour

Pernille🇩🇰 Denmark

(About local Hiromi)

25 July 2025

We had a great food Tour with Hiromi in Osaka😊 She showed us fine local foods and drinks. Since she is borned and raised in Osaka, she told us many interesting facts😊Great evening with Hiromi in Osaka

Luca🇸🇬 Singapore

(About local Maria)

22 July 2025

I have been using Maria services to guide my girlfriend in Osaka while I was busy for business. My gf was absolutely enthusiastic about her as she was very helpful, knowledgeable and kind. Strongly recommend her.Geeat experience

Laura

(About local Maria)

5 July 2025

Maria’s food tour was the perfect way to spend our first night in Osaka. Our family of 5 loved her sense of humor and local knowledge. She tailored our experience for what our interests were. Perfect evening with Maria

Nell🇺🇸 United States

(About local Naoki)

4 July 2025

Naoki was outgoing, engaging, spoke excellent English and has great information about Japanese foods and life in Osaka. I highly recommend him. He took very good care of us. Fantastic guide

Danupa🇹🇭 Thailand

(About local Allysa)

3 July 2025

Allysa is such a wonderful lady. She’s very polite and helpful. She talking care of the client very well. You will feel like you travel with yoir friend that taking really good care of you. Thank you for the great service! Friendly and helpful service.

Anthony🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Hiromi)

1 July 2025

A fantastic private food and drink tasting tour with Hiromi. She was very informative and the tour was fun and tailored to us as a group based on our initial hat and discussions throughout the tour. A great way to spend an evening.Delicious Delights of Osaka

KAREN🇵🇷 Puerto Rico

(About local Hiromi)

30 June 2025

Hiromi took us to places visited by locals that we will probably have never notice or have known of. The food was absolutely delicious and she was very relatable. She also made suggestions for future visits to Osaka. Love Hiromi!Love Hiromi, the food and the experience

Brandon🇺🇸 United States

(About local Naoki)

25 June 2025

Naoki is an amazing tour guide for Osaka. It started even before the trip where we wanted to know more about the family. Naoki has grown up in Osaka and showed us an amazing time. Not only did he explain the history of each stop, but also talked about some his past experiences. Each restaurant we stopped at was amazing. From Takoyaki to Gyoza and more, each one was delicious. What my family found most impressive was his attentiveness. It happened to be hot and Naoki catered the tour to make sure we didn't get too hot. Even though it was a a tasting tour, my family really loved how he shared Shinto and Buddhism beliefs in Japan. I highly recommend Naoki for an amazing experience in Osaka. Tastings of Osaka for Family from US

Sienna🇺🇸 United States

(About local Hiromi)

21 June 2025

Walking the city of Osaka with Hiromi was one of the highlights of our trip. She took us to many eateries we would not have found on our own and we tasted so many of Osakas famous dishes. However, my favorite part of the tour was getting a chance to spend relaxed time chatting with a local and comparing notes about our respective cultures. Hiromi was a great guide and a great hang! Highly recommend! Delicious and Informative

Teresa🇺🇸 United States

(About local Allysa)

17 June 2025

We had a really nice time on our tour. We were able to try some local food vendors that we would not have had the courage to do on our own! It was fun and informative.

Christina

(About local Ricky)

16 June 2025

We had a great time out with Ricky. He was able to explain some of the mysteries of what we had seen on our own in Japan. He very knowledgeable about the area we were touring as well as other cities we had visited. I admired the care he showed for locally owned businesses. One of the things I love about guided tours is the deeper level of understanding what is around me. He did a great job taking us below the surface level of things. Friendly, fun and knowledgeable

Amna

(About local Allysa)

9 June 2025

I generally dont write reviews but with Allysa it was nothing but a wonderful experience. Never i felt that i was with a guide but a friend. She makes your trip your way and goes extra mile for you. She was so helpful and amazing that i can again book with her when in Japan. I think ive found a great friend in Japan. Wonderful person

Ian🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Hiromi)

8 June 2025

We had the The 10 Tastings of Osaka food tour with Hiromi and it was excellent. Hiromi is a brilliant guide, lots of local information and we went to places that only a local would know - all really good quality food! Thank you Hiromi!Brilliant Foof Tour by a Brilliant Guide!

Mariette

(About local Hiromi)

7 June 2025

Leuke food tour. Goed om dit aan het begin van je verblijf in Osaka te doen dan heeft ze nog leuke tips om te zien en waar je kunt gaan eten. Heerlijke hapjes gehad die we nog niet eerder hadden geproefd en leuk in lokale restaurantjes zonder toeristen Food tour Osaka met Hiromi.

Daniel🇺🇸 United States

(About local Hiromi)

5 June 2025

We had an incredible private food tour in Osaka with Hiromi, a fantastic guide local to the city. She messaged us in advance to personalize the experience around the street foods we wanted to try, and every stop was both delicious and thoughtfully chosen. Hiromi shared fascinating cultural and historical insights along the way and knew exactly how to avoid tourist traps. When one vendor had a long line, she quickly pivoted to another great spot—she really knows her stuff! With 10 food items included, you’ll want to come hungry. This tour gave us an authentic taste of Osaka we wouldn’t have found on our own. Highly recommend!Tasting Osaka's street food like a local

Nisa🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Naoki)

5 June 2025

The best guide I could wish for! Naoki-san is a true local with so much knowledge about traditions and culture, and besides he is such a kind and welcoming person :)

Frank🇩🇪 Germany

(About local Hiromi)

3 June 2025

I spent a great time with Hiromi strolling around Osaka tasting many different thingsVery entertaining food tasting

Sarah🇺🇸 United States

(About local Maria)

3 June 2025

Maria was great. Super personable. Great English. Had a lot of information and was able to adjust pace for our group.

Donatas🇱🇹 Lithuania

(About local Naoki)

2 June 2025

We have tested 5 guides in Japan an I can say Naoki was the best in terms of how good his english, knowledge about jaban and how easy it was to communicate with him. Alao very helpful - helped us on our journey to find lost phone :) Thank you fluent english and friendly

Dirk🇧🇪 Belgium

(About local Sebastian)

2 June 2025

Great expierience ! Great insides to Japan from an outsider. D'ont hesitate : book

Dave🇵🇭 Philippines

(About local Hiromi)

1 June 2025

Our group of five really enjoyed our time with Hiromi. From start to finish she took great care of us. We learned a lot about the history of each food item that we tried and honestly, the places we visited were all local places that we would never have found if left on our own. The pacing was perfect and the time passed too quickly. At the end of the tour we were all so full and happy. We highly recommend the food tour with Hiromi!A tour definitely worth taking

Kenneth🇺🇸 United States

(About local Ricky)

1 June 2025

We had a great time last on the tasting tour of Osaka with Ricky. He was happy to talk about the city and our shared love of trying new foods. Many of the selections we wouldn't have picked out of the huge selection of food in the area and we are so glad he was there to help. We appreciated bringing g us to authentic local shops and sharing the history of the foods. If you are in Osaka we strongly recommend you give this tour and Ricky a try. He also recommended restaurants at our next stop in Kyoto! THANKS RICKY!Ricky Rocks

Kay🇦🇺 Australia

(About local Allysa)

1 June 2025

We were totally disappointed with the quality and food offered on 10 tastings of Osaka. We were hoping to gain an insight into Osaka cuisine instead we went to two tourist traps heaving with foreigners. The cost of the tour was expensive and the quality of the offerings did not match our expectations having read the website description. We were underwhelmed and felt we had been ripped off by with locals. Save your money and go with another company. Total Ripoff - dissatisfied

Michelle

(About local Maria)

31 May 2025

We had a lovely day with Maria, showing us around Osaka. And besides her great guiding and storytelling about the sights, I will highlight three things: First of all, she was very thoughtful, and she was engaging actively with our 3 kids throughout the tour. This made it a great experience for us all. Second of all, she was very agile and was happy to adjust the plan, depending on the change of mood - especially with the kids, she easily adjusted our plan, as our kids needed some free time to play at a local playground after we saw a beautiful shrine, and at Osaka Castle she guided us to a small shop where our boys could throw ninja stars, which was a big hit. Thats is why, lastly, I will highlight that Maria is a extremely family friendly guide. Only good things to say about Maria! She gave us a memorable day in Osaka! Very family friendly guide

Gail🇬🇧 United Kingdom

(About local Naoki)

30 May 2025

We would recommend a tour with Naoki to anyone visiting Osaka, not just for the excellent food but for the insight into Japan, its culture, history and traditions. We learnt so much, and enjoyed trying all the dishes in authentic restaurants….. the best gyoza we had in Japan. To Naoki…. “ We enjoyed our conversation”, it was a wonderful evening, a pleasure to meet you and thank you again. Excellent tour with the best guide

Meghan

(About local Maria)

29 May 2025

Priya

(About local Allysa)

29 May 2025

Allysa was a wonderful guide who knew such in depth history and provided much knowledge to us as we walked through Osaka. She took us to delicious food spots and was very kind and attentive to our needs. I would highly recommend booking with her! You won’t regret it. A wonderful tour with a wonderful guide!