Begin your tour with pickup at your hotel in Osaka. Meet your private guide and climb into your private vehicle, then set off for Osaka Castle, once the stronghold of the city.
Then it's on to the grounds of Shitennoji Temple, which dates back to the 6th century. Explore the Japanese garden (at an additional cost) and see the shrines, grand dates, and pagoda.
Your next stop is the old entertainment quarter of Shinsekai for a quick walking tour of emblematic landmarks.
Then visit the large Shinto complex called Sumiyoshi Taisha, where you'll see the famous arching bridge and note differences in style from the Buddhist temple on your guided tour.
Stop for lunch at a kaiten sushi, or 'revolving sushi', restaurant, before continuing to Sakai, a city that borders Osaka to the south. From the Sakai City Hall, get a panoramic view over the city, including its large 'kofun', or tombs. Explore one of the tombs, then explore nearby Daisen Park (tickets not included), home to a modern Japanese garden.
Please note: the Shitennoji gardens are closed on the 21st of each month and the Japanese gardens at Daisen Park are closed on Mondays. If Daisen Park's Japanese Garden is closed on the day of your tour, you can choose an alternative activity.