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Yosshi S.
Japan
Thank you for visiting my page. I will guide you to the ancient capital cities with 1000 years of urban development and 100 years of filming and screening history. I grew up in Osaka, studied in Kyoto, and worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for the national and local governments. During this time, I surveyed many community development sites throughout Japan. I welcomed business leaders to encourage investment in the cities. After quitting my career, I became a film-loving professional engineer. I visited unique cities in foreign countries to see urban planning and locations that appeared in picturesque film scenes and posted photos on social media (90 cities in 30 countries up to now). The more I saw foreign cities, the more I loved my hometown. I wanted to know about the travel industry and got a national license as a Guide-Interpreter and Travel Service Manager. I have started guiding based in the old capital cities. The entire area of old Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara has been a Metropolitan area centered on the Imperial Palace, and the actual location of the Palace has changed 15 times since the 7th century. This area has many historical spots and hidden attractions in different times and places: the townscape, temples, shrines, landscaped gardens, and historical drama locations (SAMURAI drama). I will create your favorite tour using my list, and guide you leisurely. I look forward to hearing from you.
Hiroyuki T.
4.97 / 5
(164 reviews)
Japan
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.
Yasuhisa K.
4.97 / 5
(40 reviews)
Japan
I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
Tatsuhiro N.
4.55 / 5
(60 reviews)
Japan
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
Hiroshi Y.
4.68 / 5
(332 reviews)
Japan
Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .
Shuji O.
4.94 / 5
(34 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
Hiroko D.
4.96 / 5
(76 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I'm Hiroko. I was born in Kyoto and currently live in its suburb. My parents are also from the ancient capital city, so some of its historic places were like my playgrounds when I was a child. Now, as a national certified tour guide, I would like to show you around not only Kyoto but also Osaka and Nara enjoyably and time-effectively. For your reference, I lived in New York, U.S.A. for about 20 years and worked there for about 17 and a half years, so I believe that I will be able to communicate and speak well with you in English. My motto as a guide: If you are happy, I'm happy. Please don't hesitate to ask me to customize your tour. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
Kazuhiko G.
4.78 / 5
(190 reviews)
Japan
Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!
Shigeki M.
5.00 / 5
(1 reviews)
Japan
Hello !!! I'm a government certified tour guide. I'm from Kyoto. I'm positive, active and full of curiosity with a sense of humor. I majored in the international commerce in the university and I worked for an electronics company as a sales person. During my career, I had a chance to live in Europe and I learned and experienced different cultures and various values, which helped me to communicate and deal with non-Japanese people more smoothly. I like travelling (visited more than 40 countries) and watching sports (baseball, football and rugby) as well as going for drinking and Karaoke ! Let's explore Japan with me !! Looking forward to seeing you soon !!! Hola!!! Soy Shigeki. Soy de Kioto que fue la capital de Japón por mas de mil años. Soy positivo, activo, curioso y tengo mucho sentido de humor. Aprendí el comercio en la universidad y trabajaba como vendedor en una compañia electrónica. En mi carrera, tuve oportunidades de vivir en Europa y aprendí y experimenté culturas y valores distintos que me ayudaron a comunicarme fácilmente y a tratar con gente de todo el mundo. A mí me encantaría viajar no solo por Japón sino también por todo el mundo. He conocido más de 40 países. Me gusta el deporte, ver partidos de béisbol, futbol y rugby así como salir a tomar unas cervezas y Karaoke. ¡Ven a explorar Japón conmigo! ¡Espero verte pronto!
Yoshihisa T.
4.97 / 5
(235 reviews)
Japan
Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest. Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise. One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?
Koichi W.
4.96 / 5
(72 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Marcelo M.
Japan
Maru is from San Diego California. Has been in Japan over a decade. Maru has come for the love of video games and anime. Enticed by the beauty of Japanese art. Maru is happy to share Japanese food and quirky cultural differences to take unique memories back home. Maru es de San Diego California. Lleva en Japón más de una década. Maru llegó por su amor a los video juegos y el anime. Seducido por la belleza del arte Japonés, está feliz de compartir la comida Japonesa y las peculiares diferencias culturales para que puedan llevarse recuerdos únicos a casa.
Akari Y.
Japan
It has been a year since I started guiding in the Kansai area last spring. I am passionate about introducing the beauty of Japan. I am happy to introduce guests from overseas to the Japanese culture established by our predecessors. I will introduce Japanese culture, food, cuisine, sake, nature, manga, spiritual culture, history, Buddhism, Shinto, Shugendo, pilgrimage paths, and other topics of interest. Let me introduce myself. I was born in Osaka and grew up in Osaka and Kyoto. I have lived in the U.S., China, and Australia when I was younger.
Nao O.
Japan
Hello! I'm Nao. I was born and raised in Himeji, which is famous for the Himeji Castle (egret castle). I'm guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Hyogo (especially Kobe and Himeji). I'd been in the US for three years attending a university. During the stay I went to the Yellow Stone twice, and visited California. I took a summer French class for a month in Canada, so I speak French a little. I love travelling. I went to many places in Japan. I visited Hokkaido, Okinawa, Hiroshima, Kanazawa, Nikko, Mt. Fuji and so on. I love music ― pops, rock, gospel and classical music. I'm a fan of Beethoven. Some day I'd like to go to Vienna and visit his houses and the forest, where he composed "the Pastoral Symphony". There are lots of attractions in Japan. You can visit shrines, temples, deer park etc. You can enjoy USJ, river cruise, anime museum, Japanese sake, Onsen and of course delicious Japanese dishes. Let's have fun together !
Jungo S.
Japan
Nice to meet you. My name is Jungo, and I was born in Osaka. I have spent most of my 31 years living here in Osaka. The reason I decided to become a tour guide is that I lived in Canada and Australia for two years each. During that time, my family visited me several times, and I guided them with all my effort, helping them enjoy their travels to the fullest. They were extremely satisfied with my guidance. Based on this experience, I decided that I wanted to help tourists from all over the world explore Japan and fully enjoy this country that I am so proud of. I also love traveling by car from Osaka, and I am confident that I can offer wonderful travel plans to everyone. Please let me help make your trip a great experience. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Makoto Y.
4.93 / 5
(115 reviews)
Japan
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide. My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period. Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan. Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge. Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Takashi M.
5.00 / 5
(34 reviews)
Japan
Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you!! I can guide you in any city in Japan, just let me know where you wanna go :)
Toshi M.
4.73 / 5
(48 reviews)
Japan
Hello, my nickname is Toshi. I am a nationally licensed tour guide, working mostly in the Kansai Region, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. I was born in Kyoto and live in Osaka now. I went to the U.S. and stayed there for several years. Returning to Japan, I began to work as a media coordinator. Media coordinator helps foreign film makers, TV productions, or journalists who want to produce documentaries or TV programs about Japan. I assisted them in such ways as finding locations, setting up interviews, coordinating logistics etc. Some of the things that a media coordinator should do is similar to what a tour guide does, in order to present good guiding services. As I have worked on various media projects, I traveled extensively throughout Japan. That experience led me to a greater appreciation for my own country and culture. Japan’s culture is very unique and rich with entertainment, art, literature, craft work, Manga, temples and shrines, festivals, food and drinks, etc.. It’s countless. I would like to share these things with you. I presented some tours around Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara in my tour pages. If you would like to explore Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, or else, please let me know. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Michiko T.
5.00 / 5
(65 reviews)
Japan
Hi, I'm Michiko. I'm a national certified English tour guide.Since I was born and raised in Nara, I'm familiar with the sightseeing spots and attractions of Nara, and neighboring city, Kyoto. Nara and Kyoto, old capitals of Japan, retain time honoured structures and art works. What is more, beautiful gardens and picturesque landscapes are always waiting for you! I'm also a traveler who especially love to explore local foods and crafts, which have been passed down from generation to generation. I'll try to guide you with best hospitality. When you have a chance to visit Nara,Kyoto and Osaka, please contact me anytime and join my tour! I will be looking forward to seeing you.See you soon!
Yoshiharu K.
4.69 / 5
(52 reviews)
Japan
Hi! I'm Yoshiharu. Please call me Yoshi. Yoshi means "good" in Japanese! I'm a good man (^^);;;. I was born in Kyoto but I lived there 3 months. Then my family moved to Osaka and I grew up in Osaka. So I am almost Osakan. When I was young, my hobby was traveling by bicycle. I went cycling around most part of Japan except Shikoku. In my family rule, Shikoku is in bad direction because my grand father died just after his Shikoku pilgrimage. So I want to have a cycling tour not only in Kyoto (coming soon!) but also all part of Japan someday. I am interested in Japanese history. I am a National Certificated Guide. And I have "Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification 3rd grade", "Osaka Expert Certification 3rd grade", "Nara Concierge 2nd grade" and "Karuizawa Web test 3rd grade". So I have expert knowledge about Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Karuizawa and common knowledge about Kobe. Besides I like gadgets, so I can guide you DenDen town in Osaka. When you have a chance to visit Kyoto or Osaka or other city in this area, please contact me anytime and join my tour! I'll be looking forward to seeing you, spending wonderful time with you.
Ana I.
5.00 / 5
(18 reviews)
Japan
Hello everyone! My name is Ana. I am an experienced tour conductor who guides clients throughout Japan. I am Romanian and have been living in Japan for over 10 years. I am versed in creating customized on-the-budget one-day and half-day tours for solo travelers, families, or groups. Please allow me to show you the natural beauty, traditions, history and amazing food of KYOTO and NARA. Feel free to contact me for a standard package OR a customized trip. I will put my best effort into meeting your needs and creating an amazing journey. WELCOME TO JAPAN!
Kaori K.
4.96 / 5
(158 reviews)
Japan
Hello! My name is Kaori. When I was young I was interested in tourism. I was studying and working as tour conductor around Kanto area in Japan. I lived abroad from my early 20s to mid 30s. Australia, Taiwan, Central America, Great Britain, Spain and Italy. Now I came back and live in Osaka where I was born. The reason why I applied for the tour guide is because I was pleased when I guided my foreign friends around Japan. Me personally love traveling a lot. Especially trekking in the mountains and MTB trip by myself! I’ve done El Camino De Santiago in Spain 4times! Camino francés, Vía de la plata, Camino Norte, Camino de Madrid, Camino de San Salvador, Camino primitivo. I’ve done Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, too. I’ve travelled around Morocco, Greece and Italy by MTB :) I love adventure! I love to look up sightseeing informations and listen to the story of travelers! In japan I also lived in several different prefectures such as Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Tokyo, Kanagawa. I might be able to guide you not only popular touristic sites but also to local hidden sights! Please focus things what you like and want!! I promise to do my best to organize a tour that is consistent with your interests! Thank you for paying attention for my self-introduction. I’m looking forward to see you soon. LOVE Kaori
Hideo Y.
4.60 / 5
(180 reviews)
Japan
Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!
Naoki H.
4.95 / 5
(22 reviews)
Japan