Osaka Japan Cruise Port Stop | Day Tour

Ōsaka Japan Day Tour

Our ship docked in Osaka for 2 full days. One day we visited Kyoto (see video linked below) and one day we toured Osaka.

Steps from the ship is Tempozan Harbor Village, a shopping amusement venue including The Aquarium, Ferris Wheel, Lego Land and more. It looked nice, however we did not visit, opting for a cultural tour of Osaka.

Tour Highlights:
5 hours
Osaka Castle and grounds
Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine and grounds
(Lunch not Included)

See Osaka, Japan's second largest city, and home to beloved historic sites, plus ancient weaponry and relics displays. Begin at Osaka Castle. Built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Mideyoshi, the warlord who then controlled Japan, it offers extensive displays of weapons, armor, and folk life relics of that era.

Then visit ancient Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine. The head of over 2,000 Sumiyoshi-sha shrines nationwide, it draws some 3 million people each New Year. Its sanctuaries are designated national treasures. Learn about Go-Dairiki. Search for the three small stones inscribed with the Chinese characters for "# (five)," "*(great)," and "*(powers)" at Goshogozen and turn them into amulets. "Go-Dairiki" ("EXX: five great powers") refers to Physical Strength, Intelligence, Financial Power, Luck, and Longevity (Life) Power. The amulets are for fulfilling one's wishes.

Tip: Knowing the history and layout of the Shrine and Castle grounds before you arrive is helpful. The guides are excellent and add to anything you already know.

Tip: Check the Shrine and Castle websites for maps. They not only help you navigate but importantly, you will know where the toilets are located!

Tip: There are plenty of vending machines at Osaka Castle. Proper etiquette is to stand or sit nearby or out of the way.

Tip: Japan is a cash society. Carry coins or cash as some places and vending machines don’t accept credit cards.

   • Kyoto Japan Cruise Port Stop | Day Tour  


Photo credits: travelology771
Music credit:
https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/t...