There are more than 300 castles in the Japan, but only 12 have original castle towers. Of the 12, Himeji Castle is the largest, most beautiful and designated as Japanese national treasure and World Heritage Site. Shoshazan Engyoji Temple, known as the filming location of the movie "The Last Samurai", is a very prestigious temple and was said to be the three major dojos of the Tendai sect in the Middle Ages. The view from Mt. Shosha climbed by ropeway is superb.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
At your hotel in Osaka
At your hotel in Osaka
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee
Insurance
Meals and drinks
Transportation fare from Osaka JPY9,680 for round trip per person plus same amount for guide
Entrance fees to Himeji Castle, Kokoen and Engyouji temple JPY1,750 per person plus guide
As this is a walking tour, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Tours are NOT covered by insurance. Make sure to be covered by your own insurance.
Transportation fare, entrance fees and lunch are NOT included in the guide fee.
Direct payment will be occurred in CASH on the spot on the day of the tour.
Transportation fare from Osaka will be JPY9,680 for round trip per person plus same amount for guide
Entrance fees to Himeji Castle, Kokoen and Engyouji temple will be JPY1,750 per person plus guide
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Julia E.
Zen temples with beautiful gardens, Fushimi Inari and Bamboo Forest
“Outstanding introduction to the wonders of Kyoto”
We visited the Fushimi Inari shrine complex, Arishiyama, Ryoanji temple, Kinkakuji temple and their gardens with Hiroyuki yesterday. One couldn’t find a more knowledgeable, thoughtful and pleasant guide to the marvels of Kyoto! It was a great experience.
Hiroyuki T.
(139 reviews)It was really nice meeting you in Kyoto yesterday. It was a surprise to know that you knew the Tale of Genji. I guided a lot of people to Nonomiya Shrine but you were the second person who knew it. I had a wonderful time myself with you. It was a great joy spending time with such an intelligent people. Hiro
“Great Day in Osaka with our Exceptional guide Hiroyuki!”
My wife and I took a day trip from Kyoto to Osaka in the last week of October 2024. We were met promptly by Hiro and began our tour about 9:00am. Hiro discussed what sites and places we planned on visiting as well as what more could be added if time permitted. The list included Osaka Castle, Krromon Market, Dotombori Streets ,Shitenoji Temple, and Shinsekai . Hiro is an experienced communicator and lecturer as we learned so much about the history of Japan/Osaka during the 1600"s. Hiro wrote specific details on a note pad describing the history of the Tokugawa Period. Our visit to Shitenoji Temple was a major highlight because a High Priest was praying while we were inside the Temple. That was simply amazing! As the day continued, we stopped for a quick taste of Tempura in the Kuromon Market. Delish! We had time to do some shopping at a market with numerous choices of quality goods, especially Japanese knives. We did end up in Shinsekai which is what I would say is a don't miss this part of Osaka. At the end of the day, our final comment was we had an unforgettable day in Osaka, Japan and we would like to thank our GOWITYHGUIDE Hiro T. for a day we will always remember! Very professional guide who exposed us to so much Osaka has to offer. Highly recommend this GOWITHGUIDE....
Hiroyuki T.
(139 reviews)It was very nice meeting you and your wife in Osaka the other days. I myself spent a good time with you because you showed a lot of interest and respect to Japanese culture, religions and history. There are much more to see in Japan, please come back to Japan again. Hiro
Adeline K.
One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
“Visiting Koyasan During a Rainstorm ”
Hiroyuki has very deep knowledge of Buddhism and history of Koyasan. Aware of an approaching extratropical cyclone he briefed me on the site locations in advance everytime he had an opportunity. When the rainstorm hit we could only do one stop of the Danjo Garan which consisted of a complex of temples. However, I was very satisfied with my tour and visit to Koyasan as I felt that Hiro had done a great job explaining the temple complex clearly and didn't feel I had missed out much.
Hiroyuki T.
(139 reviews)It was unfortunate that heavy rain hit that area when we were there. It's rare to have heavy rain in November. I am sorry about it. Next time, let's visit Nachi waterfall together and walk World Heritage Pilgrimage route Kumano Kodo. Take care and enjoy your tour in Japan It just started. Hiro