Two Days in Osaka: Temples, Shrines, and the Value of a Ship Excursion

Celebrity organized our Osaka excursions exceptionally well. We met in one central location, were divided into groups, and escorted directly to our buses. The smooth process eliminated confusion and made the experience feel organized and stress-free.

Having two days docked in Osaka gave us an opportunity to explore more of the surrounding region.

The area offers an impressive combination of temples, shrines, historic neighborhoods, and beautiful landscapes. One of our most memorable stops was Kyoto’s famous Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, located near Tenryu-ji Temple in the Sagatenryuji Tsukurimichicho area.

Walking into this forest of bamboo was like walking into silence. No sure why, but everything felt calm.

Walking through the towering bamboo was a remarkable experience. Photographs capture some of its beauty, but they cannot completely reproduce the feeling of standing beneath those tall green stalks as they stretch high above the pathway. Like many of the temples and shrines we visited, the setting felt peaceful despite the number of visitors who had come to see it.

I also had the opportunity to visit Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion, better known as Kinkaku-ji. Our guide explained that the present pavilion was rebuilt in 1955 after the previous structure was destroyed by fire in 1950.

Although the temple is rebuilt, the surrounding areas still holds thousands of years of history.

Although the current building is only about 70 years old, the site’s history goes back centuries.

The pavilion itself is stunning, but the surrounding scenery makes the visit even more memorable. Its golden exterior reflects across the pond, framed by trees, carefully maintained gardens, and the natural landscape. It is one of those places where the building and its environment work together to create something extraordinary.

Many young Japanese adults will put on their kimono and spend a day out and about. This could was kind enough to let me take a picture of them.

The entire previous day had been equally impressive. We visited additional temples and shrines, including sites with histories extending back more than 1,000 years. However, one of my favorite discoveries was not part of the scheduled tour. While walking, I noticed a small shrine located down an ordinary side street. It

This temple/shrine is to help parents who have lost their children to death. It is 1000 years old and still functions as that to help parents deal with their loss.

was quiet, unexpected, and easy to miss. Experiences like that remind me that history in Japan is not confined to major attractions. Sometimes it is tucked between homes and businesses, quietly remaining part of everyday life.

There is one practical consideration cruisers should understand about visiting Osaka and Kyoto: many of the region’s major attractions are not close to the cruise port. On both days, our first scheduled stop was approximately an hour and a half away—and that was without serious traffic delays.

That distance is the primary reason I usually book through the ship’s excursion department. Ship-sponsored tours may cost slightly more than independent alternatives, but the additional convenience and reassurance are valuable to me. I would rather enjoy the temples, shrines, bamboo forests, and scenery than spend the entire day checking the time and worrying about returning to the ship.

For me, that peace of mind is part of the excursion’s value. I can concentrate on experiencing the destination while someone else handles the route, transportation, timing, and return to the ship. After two long but amazing days exploring from Osaka, I was tired—but never worried about being left behind.