Excursion Osaka highlights tour at Kobe

Explore the highlights of Japan's third-largest city during this intriguing, full-day sightseeing excursion to Osaka.

Kobe, Osaka, Shitennoji Temple

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive to Osaka, Japan’s third-largest city. One of the gateways to ancient Japan for traders from China, Korea, and the Asian continent, Osaka played a vital role in the introduction of new technologies in ceramics, forging, construction, and engineering. Today, this modern port city combines historical and cultural attractions with all the delights of a Japanese urban marvel. Your first stop is at the Shitennoji Temple, which was constructed over 1,400 years ago to commemorate the victory of the war, and provide relief and settlement for the king. Today, the Shitennoji Temple remains one of the oldest architectural styles preserved today in Japan.

Osaka Castle 

Next, re-board your coach and head to the impressive Osaka Castle. One of Japan’s most famous castles, it played a major role in the unification of Japan during the 16th century. The Osaka Castle was built on a plot of land almost one square mile (about 2.6 square kilometres) in the late-16th century, only to be 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 castle compound contains thirteen structures, designated as Important Cultural Assets by the Japanese government.

Central Castle, Weapons, Armour, Artefacts, Gilded Roof Tiles & Bas Reliefs, Interior Museum

The central castle building is five storeys on the outside and eight storeys on the inside, built atop a massive stone foundation that protected its occupants from sword-bearing attackers. 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. Of particular interest are the tower's ornamental ride-end roof tiles and bas reliefs carved in the shape of crouching tigers, all gilded with gold. An engaging museum occupies the interior of the building, traces the history of Osaka from the late-1500s to the present day, and houses Osaka's most significant historical and cultural artifacts.

Dotonbori District, Free Time, Lunch on Your Own

Leaving the Osaka Castle, proceed to Osaka’s city centre near the Dotonbori District. One of the symbols of Osaka and beloved by residents, Dotonbori is a dense area of restaurants and amusement spots located along the south bank of the Dotonbori Canal. Osaka is a food-lover's delight, and neon-lit Dotonbori offers hundreds of eateries. The area began as an entertainment district and still has Bunraku (puppet show) theatres, halls for Rakugo (comic story-telling) and, of course, movie theatres. The area is often featured in both domestic and foreign films, as it typifies the lively spirit of Osaka. After some free time here and lunch on your own, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Osaka Castle, Shitennoji Temple

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 and 40 steps at the Osaka Castle; the top floor of the Osaka Castle is accessible by steps only. Walking in the Dotonbori District is at the discretion of each guest. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, 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 Kobe 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. Purchases of food, beverages, and/or souvenirs in the Dotonbori District is at each guest’s own expense. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the 3rd & 4th floors of the Osaka Castle. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately one hour in each direction. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.