Excursion Osaka highlights tour at Osaka

Explore Osaka's feudal and religious past during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Osaka, Osaka Castle, Weapons, Armour, Artefacts, Panoramic Viewpoint

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximate 50-minute drive to the Osaka Castle. Built in the late-16th century, the castle was burned down in a series of 17th-century battles. It was later reconstructed, but its donjon was destroyed by fire once again. The castle's final reconstruction took place in the early-20th century. Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour. The first seven floors of the castle display various weapons, armour, and artefacts of a bygone era. The eighth-floor features splendid panoramic vistas and photo opportunities of the castle’s surrounds. Leaving Osaka Castle, re-board your coach for the drive to Sumiyoshi-ku and a visit to the Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine.

Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Four Sanctuaries, 600 Stone Garden Lanterns, Red, Arched Bridge

Built in the 3rd century, the shrine is beloved by the people of Osaka as the guardian deity for sailors and a deity to bring prosperity. It also serves as the headquarters of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrines throughout Japan. Some three-million people visit this shrine at the beginning of each New Year. The shrine is home to the first-fourth sanctuaries. Each sanctuary is built in the Sumiyoshi-Zukuri style with straight roofs, the oldest Shrine architecture style, and all are designated as National Treasures. In the precincts surrounded by woods, over 600 stone garden lanterns stand in a row and a red, arched bridge spans over the pond. Following your visit, re-board your coach for the approximate 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Osaka, Osaka Castle, Weapons, Armour, Artefacts, Panoramic Viewpoint, Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, Four Sanctuaries, 600 Stone Garden Lanterns, Red, Arched Bridge

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately two miles (about 3.2 kilometres), at times over uneven, cobblestone, and natural surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, 40 steps at the entrance to the Osaka Castle, and 190 steps to access the top floor. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Osaka may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. Photography/videography is not permitted on the third and fourth floors of the Osaka Castle. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.