/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/d37bf160-b3c8-458a-b5dd-5520a7bb95ea.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/5117e6ba-7567-449f-a0df-d2349eb5a6a9.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/d78e0b2f-707e-41e2-864a-928221e1cd61.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/0d84b480-9a47-42f1-857b-d526381e4abd.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/8cd1a885-28c7-4e1f-aedb-b54524f247e1.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/14456334-3c53-48dc-ad86-a13e4a473793.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/0faf22b1-6c86-4237-bdd2-3cd96e1f7ce6.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/3a9e0d5f-6c67-48ef-8cf5-ed961c099793.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/f209a247-6728-496b-b89a-4834045bda78.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/bfdc1337-ed48-465a-b6e5-e5a10956f5e9.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/312255a5-7ca3-4c2e-8820-2c8a86ea5ef5.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/ce5910cd-08c1-4f4e-a0b5-336e88c2651c.JPEG)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23704/430af235-5a50-4c52-8533-67fb3f1c38ad.JPEG)
Kobe, How can Buddhist Architecture become a Work of Art
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/61875/55be6237-a9fc-4736-8228-1b7db52b4be9.png)
Joined 2024
Kyoto and Nara still have ancient temples that showcase their beautiful forms. In the Carpentry Tools Museum in Kobe, we see how to produce lumber, assemble components, and joinery techniques of the master carpenters who built Horyu-ji Temple in the 7th century, as well as carpentry tools and the evolution of construction methods. Then we visit Toji Temple in Kyoto and see the meticulous techniques used in the five-story pagoda, which is the tallest in Japan.
Itinerary
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Kobe City center.
Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
#The museum was opened in 1984 in Kobe, as the only museum of carpentry tools in Japan. We can see the beauty of the tools and the process by which buildings are created using carpentry tools. The museum building itself features traditional skills of carpenters, plasterers, and tilers.
Toji Temple
#The original buildings were constructed in the 8th century to coincide with the relocation of the capital to Heian-kyo; those were destroyed by fire, and the current buildings were rebuilt in the 14th-17th centuries.
#The large temple grounds (13 ha) are dotted with the South Gate, the Five-Storied Pagoda (the tallest in Japan at 55m), and the Main Hal.
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kobe City center
Want to personalize this tour?
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
Inclusions & Exclusions
>guide fee, hotel pick up in Kobe City center
>transportation fee (you and guide/per adult)/some1500JPY(Conventional Line)
>admission fee (you /per adult)/ 1000JPY (Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum) +1000JPY (Toji Temple)
*please bring some Japanese yen(JPY)
Tour Important Information
>There are two ways to travel from Kobe to Kyoto by train: the Shinkansen(bullet train) and local trains. If you take the
Shinkansen, you can reach the station within a 10-minute walk from the museum.
>Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
Important message from the supplier
>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).
>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.
>Please note that we may change or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.
>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.
>It is possible to pick you up at your hotel (Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto) and take you to the spots in the other city with no additional guide fee.
Cancellation Policy
- Free cancellation - 8 days prior to meeting time
- 50% Refund - 3 to 7 days prior to meeting time
- No Refund - Within 2 day(s) prior to meeting time
Joined 2024
About Tour Guide Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am passionate about guiding international travelers through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto—cities that served as Japan’s capitals in succession from the 7th to the 20th centuries.
I grew up in Osaka and studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto. After obtaining a Master of Engineering degree, I worked as a government official for 20 years, striving to balance urban development with the preservation of historical assets under the City Planning Act.
Since the 7th century, powerful local clans established a national framework by building new capitals—first in Naniwa (Osaka), followed by Heijo (Nara) and Heian (Kyoto)—and implementing legal codes and administrative systems led by the emperor. These capitals housed the Imperial Palace and government districts. Court nobles built their residences and clans’ temples or shrines adjacent to the imperial palace.
After the emperor and court nobles relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo about 150 years ago, the Buddhist monks, Shinto priests, and residents of these three cities have continued to work together to maintain historic structures and preserve the traditional religious rituals associated with them.
After retiring from public service, I began working as a freelance guide, sharing these historical assets with travelers from abroad.
Since these three cities are all within about one hour of each other by train, I can propose tours customized to your schedule and physical stamina. I look forward to hearing from you.
Reviews
Rose L.
“Great place and guide”
This was our second day with same guide! He was open to what we wanted to see and we had a wonderful day walking and being part of Osaka !
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/61875/55be6237-a9fc-4736-8228-1b7db52b4be9.png)
Yosshi S.
Dear Rose-san, thank you so much for leaving a review. I am truly grateful you chose me as your guide for your two-day trip to Kyoto and Osaka. Although it rained from the morning in Osaka and we had to change our original itinerary, I was relieved and deeply touched to receive such a warm review. Osaka has long flourished as a city of commerce, and its people, myself included, are known for being talkative and friendly. It brings me great joy that you, with your energetic and curious spirits, enjoyed visiting the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, as well as dining and shopping there. By the time we meet again, I will have expanded my Spanish vocabulary, and I look forward to guiding you once more, perhaps this time while wearing a Sukajan! Yosshi
Rose L.
“Great experience ”
Totally different experience - we weren’t picked up by car - instead Yosshi met us and we took local transportation, taxis and lots of walking! Got to experience the local side of touring and he made sure to tell us as much as possible of the areas around us!
Yosshi S.
Dear Rose san Thank you for leaving a review. I was relieved to read your kind words, especially given all the walking we did while using local transportation, which must have been physically demanding. It would bring me great joy to know that you enjoyed interacting with fellow passengers and taking in the scenery from the windows while traveling by train and tram. I was also very pleased to explain how Kyoto’s cultural heritage and traditional events are sustained through the long-standing efforts of the local community in Gion Kagai. ”Buen viaje”, and I hope to see you again. Warm regards. Yosshi
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/93345/933d5793-7191-483e-a152-ae786e91d395.png)
Michelle M.
“Great Highlights of Central Kyoto”
We had an excellent tour with Yosshi. I recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He emailed about and researched our sights ahead of time. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke good English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited and came prepared with printouts. He took photos of our family. He took us to the Nijo castle, Imperial Palace and Manga museum. He helped us with ordering lunch. He was very knowledgeable getting around the metro. It made our day a breeze. We really enjoyed our day and Yosshi made it very special. Thank you.
Yosshi S.
Dear Michelle-san Thank you for taking the time to send me such a heartwarming review. The Kemari Garden at the Imperial Palace is a game where players pass a ball to their opponent in an easy-to-kick manner. Today, we visited a place of great importance in Japanese history, set on a vast site full of early-summer greenery. The spirit of Kemari (a football game) lives on at this turning point as well. As a guide, I tried my best to provide clear explanations. The day I spent with you has become a memorable tour for me. OH-KI-NI! (Kyoto dialect for thank you). Yosshi
$152/ per group
More tours by Yosshi S.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16784/2ae137cd-7650-4c18-bc11-7d4c04a65d07.JPEG)
Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop
Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hilltop jutting out into the sea. In the Middle Ages, court nobles believed the “Pure Land of Buddha” was beyond the setting sun. They would watch the sunset from the hilltop. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” at the foot of the hill, which was called “New World,” centered on the symbol tower named “Lead to Heaven Tower”
Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/17746/3d54ecdb-b70e-4ec9-9885-7efc9e8a6909.JPEG)
Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
In the 8th century, Nara became the nation's capital with grid-like streets and a new Imperial Palace. The emperor erected the Statue of Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to be enshrined at newly built shrines and pray for prosperity. In the 19th century, this area was opened to the public as Nara (Deer) Park, a unique place where residents and tourists interact with deer on the grassy plazas.
Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/16852/0551e7da-1fdc-4e58-9996-102bcc361baf.JPEG)
Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City
An 8th-century waka poem states, "Nara is a land of supreme beauty, surrounded by mountains." Ikaruga town began as a temple town for Horyuji, the world's oldest temple, and its pagoda towers amid a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi town, a temple town for Gangoji Temple, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.
Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/20011/ff0c1be8-07c6-4e12-bd8f-cb25452cc50c.JPEG)
Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition
In the 8th century, Kyoto became the capital of a nation centered on the Emperor. The Emperor ruled from Kyoto for over 1,000 years, maintaining a delicate balance between the religious power of monks and the military might of Samurai. In the 19th century, the Emperor relocated the capital to Tokyo, and Kyoto transformed into a modern city. However, the Imperial Palace remains in Kyoto to this day. This tour visits fascinating historical spots built by the rulers and visionary citizens.
Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition
Other Popular Art, Culture, & Historical Tours in Kobe
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/24878/0924e80d-f37b-44d4-9297-71f15ad56ee8.jpg)
Experience Kobe’s History, Flavors and Local Life(Hotel Pickup, Fully Customizable)
Explore Kobe on a six-hour private tour planned around your interests. Choose from places such as the Kitano district, Ikuta Shrine, Nankinmachi Chinatown, the Former Foreign Settlement, and Kobe’s waterfront. Whether you want to see Kobe’s main attractions or enjoy its history, food, shopping, cafés, and harbor views at your own pace, I will create an itinerary based on your preferences. A Kobe beef lunch or a visit to Nunobiki Herb Gardens can also be included.
Experience Kobe’s History, Flavors and Local Life(Hotel Pickup, Fully Customizable)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/110505/da27a96f-6a47-4676-8145-e3704db685aa.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/22864/e7688d71-ca5e-442f-8473-33411c0dedab.jpeg)
Kobe Experience Tour: Sake Brewery, Onsen, Dining & Night Sakura
Experience the best of Kobe in one day. This tour starts with a visit to Kiku-Masamune Sake Brewery Museum, where you can learn about traditional sake culture and history. Next, relax at a Onsen and refresh your body in a peaceful atmosphere. After that, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant. Finally, we will walk through Meriken Park and enjoy beautiful night cherry blossoms by the sea. This tour is perfect for experiencing Japanese culture, food, and seasonal beauty in a relaxing way.
Kobe Experience Tour: Sake Brewery, Onsen, Dining & Night Sakura
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/96316/69c83433-7bfe-4336-af94-9d0412fb32e3.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19277/a912a9c1-693c-45ad-ba66-ea19500955cc.jpeg)
Explore Himeji: Japan’s White Heron Castle and Old Town
Step into Japan’s samurai past with a guided tour of Himeji, home to the country’s most spectacular original castle. Explore the breathtaking Himeji Castle, known as the “White Heron,” with expert commentary on its history, design, and legends. Then stroll through charming local streets, visit traditional gardens, and discover the culture and daily life of this historic city. A perfect half-day journey for lovers of history, architecture, and authentic Japan.
Explore Himeji: Japan’s White Heron Castle and Old Town
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/75704/1a7f540e-3842-498c-ad00-2e8ecdb96e0a.png)