In this tour we will visit must-see places in Osaka and Nara.
Nara used to be a capital of Japan in the 8th century. We'll visit Todaiji Temple, housing the gigantic Great Statue of Buddha, and Kasuga Grand Shrine. Let's go see nearby fancy Naramachi area, if time permitting.
Osaka Castle was built in the 16th century. Let's go up to the top of the castle tower. You will feel as if you were a shogun. We also visit bustling Dotombori Downtown Osaka.
This itinerary can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Send me a message with your requests!
Meeting Point
At your hotel in Osaka
Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle was initially built in the 16th century by Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of the most powerful/popular feudal lords in Japan. From the top of the castle tower, you will be able to enjoy a magnificent view. I bet you will feel as if you were a lord.
Nara Todaiji Temple
Todaiji Temple, a World Heritage Site in Nara, was built in the mid 8th century. Its main hall is regarded as one of the largest wooden buildings in the world, and houses the Great Statue of Buddha, the largest in Japan.
Kasuga Grand Shrine
You will also walk about in Nara Park nearby, which still keeps the very Japanese quiet and elegant atmosphere. If you feed the wild deer in the park, you will make good friends with them. They are out for tasty deer-crackers all the time.:)
Dotombori Downtown Osaka
Dotombori is a downtown of Osaka. As you may know Osaka has been regarded as a big food city in Japan. Let's stroll around Dotombori and near by Kuromon Market. I suggest you try Osaka's specialties like Tako-yaki or grilled octopus dumplings, Okonomi-yaki or Japanese style pancake, fresh sea food, and you name it.
At your Hotel in Kyoto, Osaka or cruise port (Osaka/Kobe)
Send off
Ending Point
At your hotel in Kyoto, Osaka and Kobe areas
This tour can be customized to meet your needs and preferences. Click below to send me a message with your requests.
guide fee, hotel pick-up
transportation fee (about 3,000 JPY per person, you and guide), entrance fee (1,800 JPY per person, you only), lunch (you only)
This tour is subject to change due to congestion especially in the tourist season.
We will walk for a couple of hours in this tour. So sneakers might be recommended.
Plus please take out insurance in preparation for an injury.
I can also guide you in Hiroshima (Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima), 1-day tour. My transportation fees to/from Hiroshima cost about 20,000 JPY, return.
Hi! I'm Shogo, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. "Shogo"? Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai or Busho, call me "Shogun". (rather humble and hen-pecked at home, though.:)
Just a little bit information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, about 50km west of Kobe. When a child I quite often visited world-famous Himeji Castle. So it's like "MY castle." As a student, I lived in Kyoto for four years. I'm a father of three, and have lived in Kobe with my family for over 30 years.
So I'm quite familiar with various tourist spots/attractions in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, Kobe and the like, all in western Japan. Also I've lived in Lawrence, Kansas, for two years in my 20s as a Jayhawk. Great old memory!:)
Here are some of my specialties.
First, I can show you around popular historical sites and relics in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Himeji. You'll surely feel the depth of Japanese culture by visiting these places. Second, I can offer you special tours of fancy sake breweries in Kobe, Nara and Kyoto. Third, I also guide you around Hiroshima, including magnificent Itsukushima Shrine.
My goal/dream as guide interpreter is to help you explore and understand Japan and its culture with warm hospitality or Omotenashi. So please reach out to me any time, 24/7. For your super memorable trip, "Always with YOU" Shogo!:)
Rebecca N.
“Wonderful Kyoto”
Had a fantastic day visiting the sights of Kyoto. Can’t believe we saw so much in one day. Shogo is a wonderful guide. Highly recommend
Rebecca N.
“Fabulous day in Osaka ”
Shogo is fantastic guide. Took us from port to many amazing sights. Highlight was a beautiful lunch of okonomayaki in beautiful restaurant. Osaka is lovely place to visit and Shogo is great.
Rebecca N.
“Fabulous morning in Kobe. ”
Even with wet weather we still had a wonderful time with Shogo. Visited China town and sake brewery. Shogo is a wonderful guide. Lots of patience when we stopped to look in shops. Highly recommend
$500/ per group