Tour GuidesGuides Private ToursTours Private Car ToursCars Virtual ToursVirtual Shuhei I.
Hi, I’m Shu! I’ve travelled to over 80 countries, immersing myself in diverse cultures and meeting incredible people. Now, it’s my turn to share the hidden treasures of Japan with you. Whether you're a first-time visitor or looking for something beyond the usual tourist spots, I’ll show you the local side of Japan that most people don’t get to see.
I speak English, Spanish, and Japanese – while my English and Spanish are conversational, my warm and welcoming personality will make you feel like you’re traveling with an old friend. With my car, I can take you on a more private and tailored tour to some of Japan’s best-kept secrets.
I’m also a big sports and outdoor enthusiast, so if you love nature, hiking or want a laid-back adventure, I’ve got you covered. Join me for a day of unforgettable experiences, scenic views, and great conversations!
Yoshiharu K.
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.
Kenji M.
Hi I'm Kenji
I have a government license of tour guide interpreter in English.
I was born and raised in Kyoto, an old capital of Japan over one thousand years
So I'm very familiar with many sightseeing spots and attractions of the city
Kyoto is a fascinating and picturesque city drawing lots of foreign tourists every year
I can show you around not only popular historical sites and relics
but also its various attractions such us Zen silent meditation, traditional sweets cooking,
kimono-clad walking and so on.
I can also provide tailored tours fitting to your liking.
I like a famous Zen phrase "Ichigo Ichie" meaning "Treasure every encounter
for it will never recur"
So I always try to enjoy guiding every tourist with my best hospitality.
Zen concepts have greatly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture
I will explain some of them and allow you to explore Zen world through some of my tours
Please contact me any time.
I'm looking forward to seeing you and spending wonderful time with you.
See you soon !
Yuriko S.
I am Yuriko from Gifu Prefecture. I was an assistant English teacher at junior high school. I started to work as a National Certificate tour guide in 2019.
I'm very interested in kimono, tea ceremony and Japanese castles. I sometimes guide in kimono. There are so many nice places to visit in Gifu and Nagoya! I also guide around Takayama, Shirakawago, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka and Kanazawa if you pay my transportation fee from my hometown. Let's enjoy Japan with me!
Kaori K.
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
Rick I.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Yuta I.
Hi everyone! My name is Yuta!
Thanks for checking out my profile.
I've been living in Kyoto for over 4 years, and I love exploring and sharing the city's amazing history and culture with people from all over the world. During university, I spent over a year traveling around Europe, which helped me become fluent in English and German.
I studied at the University of Leipzig in Germany and got great experience through an internship there. My wife is German, so I'm always in an international environment, learning about different cultures.
Besides guiding tours, I'm also a social media influencer with over 10,000 Instagram followers. I love sharing interesting content about Japanese and German life, connecting with people globally, and showing off the beauty of Kyoto.
I offer custom tours for individuals and groups, making sure each experience is unique and special. With my deep knowledge of Kyoto's historical sites and architecture, I'll make your visit to Japan's ancient capital fun and enlightening.
During our tour, I'll share cool historical insights and stories about the places we visit, helping you understand Japan's past and its connection to the present. I'm friendly and attentive, so I'll make sure you have a great time in Japan!
Feel free to message me if you have any questions about your trip to Japan!
Hope to see you soon on one of my tours.
Hideo Y.
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.
Hi! My name is Naoki,
I was born and bred in Osaka. I have a reliable and friendly personality and always enjoy making people smile.
I am a full time Experienced Tour Guide organizing and managing tours, not just in Osaka but all over the Kansai-area including Kyoto, Nara, Kobe and Hiroshima.
I have experience in directly managing groups of over 500 travelers so far and also designing specific itineraries for different needs and sights. If you have any specific sights that you would like to see then please let me know and I will accommodate as many sites as possible into any tour.
Outside of my tour guiding, I have had a career over 15 years in Japanese car logistics taking care of lots of international businesses which allows me to have a professional manner in face to face communication.
Osaka is a brilliant city with long history, amazing street food, unique accent (so we have lots of comedians here!) and also known as the most friendly city in Japan. I would love to be the perfect companion for your visit to one of the best cities in Japan! I look forward to seeing you soon!
Best Regards
Naoki
Toshiyo O.
I was born and raised in Kyoto.Kyoto has a lot of things to see and experience. Kyoto is an ancient city with a lot of world heritage.
I am happy to show you both traditonal aspects of Japan and modern things.
I use public transportation and I am good at walking.
Also I am very flexible.
Kenji O.
I lived in Seattle, WA US for several years to study public policy and urban planning at University of Washington and Washington State Department of Transportation . The US life has awakened me to realize its beauty and value of the Japanese nature and culture. After coming back from US, I have started my professional career of the infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert for more than 20 years. I have provided hospitality and honesty as a Japanese during my professional career.
I can give you not only sightseeing tours but also technical tours with my expertise.
I live in Osaka where an ancient capital city, Kyoto is located within a hour by train. I can show you how Japanese has developed the capital city with urban planning and infrastructure development. I look forward to seeing you here in Japan.
Tad T.
Hello everyone, it's Tad!
I was born in Osaka, raised up in Kobe, and came back to Osaka for my university and work.
I studied clinical psychology in my university. I specialize in children who have developmental disorder such as Down's syndrome, autism, ADHD and I care for the left-behind children whose parents can’t look after them due to their work or private reasons. I used to help them with their homework as a student volunteer.
When I was a university student, I went abroad to Australia for the first time in my life, which made me want to know outside world more. I went to see the outside world, which made me get to know the amazing aspects of my own country.
I truly see the beauty of Japan and kindness of people. So that after the graduation of my university, I decided to move to Australia with working holiday visa for two years. In Australia, I bought a car and traveled whole around Australia doing labor work.
During my time in Australia, I was surprised by the beauty of nature and how wide the world is, and I was helped and well treated by locals. Also I realized that Japan has a very unique and beautiful culture.
That experience made me want to share Japanese culture and help you experience Japanese hospitality. I’d like to do my best to make your precious memories in Japan just like how local people in Australia treated me as a part of their family.
After returning from Australia, I spent 3 months backpacking around 17 countries of Europe.
To tell international guests about Japanese culture, history and hospitality, I became a rickshaw runner in Kyoto Arashiyama.
That’s why I became an officially licensed English guide of Kyoto city and decided to live my life as a professional English guide.
As I’ve lived in Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto, I’m good at guiding these cities and customizing private tours for FIT (foreign independent travel) guests.
Especially I hold a cultural food walk tour which complies with any special dietary restrictions in Osaka’s night out spots.
【Career Summary】
Bilingual professional tourist guide of officially certificated by Kyoto city.
Hold 5 years extensive tourism experience working with private sector and by myself.
Introducing both history and tradition of Japan to the visitors from Japan and all over the globe (Over 1,500 people).
Generally passionate for the arts and people of Japan.
【Qualification】
・Officially licensed English guide of Kyoto city (since Sep 28th 2019)
hence high knowledge about Japanese culture , history and historic site.
・Excellent communication skills in oral and written Japanese and English.
【Summary of your academic and work history】
2003-2007
Kansai University of Welfare Sciences
・Studying clinical psychology (Especially child psychology)
2007-2010
Working holiday in Australia.
・2 years of overseas experience.
2012-2014
EBISUYA Rickshaw
Rikishaw (human powered car) driver in Kyoto, Arashiyama.
・Providing historical guiding and showing beautiful,
historical and famous scenes to passengers.
・Hosted 1,372 guests in total.
2014-2018
Working for a company in Osaka
・Sales person in charge of Australian and Southeast Asian market.
2018-
Bukkyo University (in Kyoto)
・Studying at a correspondence course of English Language and Anglo-American Literature to get an English teacher’s license of middle and high-school students.
2019-
・Hold Bar hopping activity in Osaka
Hosted 120 groups. Review 4.98 (111 reviews)
2019-
・Hold Cooking class activity in my house
Hosted 40 groups. Review 5.0 (34 reviews)
Masahisa M.
Lived in Chicago (5 years), Toronto (1 year), Singapore (2 years), Indonesia (4 years) and Birmingham, UK (11 years) to construct business platform, now retired after 40
years employment in Japan. Dynamic tour guide who develops many different ways along with rich experience overseas to entertain large or small tour groups. Enjoys the interaction with tour groups, very strong group presentation and communication skills, finds each guest question as an opportunity to learn anything new. Constantly learning information about each tour spot to enhance tours. Guided 8,665 guests all over the world across Japan as of Sept 30, 2024 since Feb 2015.
Hiroki D.
【CUSUTOMIZED TOUR IS WELCOMED】
Thank you for visiting my page.
I studied Tourism at a college in the US 15 years ago.
After studying tourism, I worked at a travel agency before setting up a personal tour guide.
My goal is tol create a tour that meets your needs. I promise that I will aim to make you satisfied with tours that major travel agencies cannot imitate.
I speak multiple languages Japanese, English, and Chinese (still studying).
Rio S.
【Guarantee the best guiding quality】
Hello! I'm a humorous tour guide of 100% Osaka local.Please call me Rio.
I can take you to the places which only foreign tourists are too difficult to visit or find out.
As a certificated famous tour guide, I will give you a good memories and fresh discoveries during your Japan journey.
I'm a professional about Kansai area's culture and history, so registered as best sightseeing master from several tour agencies and organizations.
Speak to me in your own language. I can speak many kinds of language like English, Chinese, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Vietnamese and so on.. So don't hesitate to communicate with me frankly!
I absolutely guarantee the best tour quality.
I wait your coming! Thanks,Ookini!
Yui M.
Hello there, I'm Yui.
I'm original from Hyogo and now I live in Osaka.
I know Kansai area(Osaka,Kobe,Kyoto) quite well.
I will organize the tour every single guests.if you have any request like what would you like to do, what are you interested about etc.... please feel free to ask.
I will charge 4,500yen- per hour. I will charge extra for group( more than 4people).
It will be super helpful for cover my transport fee during the tour.
I love traveling, walking, circling, clime mountains, diving, snowboard etc... I love to spend time in the nature a lot.
I had experience to do working holiday in New Zealand, Australia and Ireland.
I was barista when I was in Australia.
I am flat white addicted.
I love to meet people from all over the world and share the culture.
I traveled more than 20 countries so far and I had such an amazing trip in there.
I went to South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Cambodia,Thailand,Malaysia,Australia,NewZealand,Italy,France,Spain,Gibraltar, Germany, Netherland, Czech public, Poland, Hungary, Croatia, England, Scotland, Ireland ,Russia, Canada, Hawaii and Philippines.
Next destination will be Vietnam or Turkey. Will see happens.
I wish I can introduce amazing part of Kansai area and you will have great time with me.
I used to work at Universal Studio Japan so the map is in my head. I am available to do some guide or help in there if you require.
I'm looking forward to receive the message from you and hopefully see you soon.
Thank you.
Nobuyuki S.
Coucou. Je suis Nobuyuki. Appelez-moi Nobu.
Je suis né à Gifu au centre du Japon et travaille à Kyoto depuis 11 ans. Je suis aussi gérant de la maison de vacances le long de fleuve Kamogawa, et maître de conférences à temps partiel de l'Université.
J'ai obtenu le diplôme Master tourisme et environnement à l'Université Versailles Saint Quentin en Yvelines et guide de nombreux chercheurs francophones en tant que guide touristique français comme guide national.
Pourquoi j'ai choisi le métier d'un guide touristique? Parce que mes collègues francophones étaient vraiment gentils lorsque j'ai travaillé en France, au Sénégal et au Gabon comme chercheur. Alors je voudrais retourner la faveur aux gens francophones.
Je peux guider non seulement des sites historiques populaires, mais aussi la vie locale à Kyoto, notamment izakaya(bar traditionnel japonais), sento(bain public), pique-nique à fleuve Kamogawa inclus petit déjeuner etc...
Je vous propose de partager ce que je sais sur le moderne et la tradition à Kyoto.
Je vous assure que je ferai de mon mieux pour votre excellent souvenir à Kyoto.
À bientôt.
Mari I.
Hello everyone, welcome to Japan!
I am Mari, a tour guide in KYOTO with over 4 years of experience. I love discovering hidden gems in Japan, teaching foreign visitors calligraphy, and interacting with people from all around the world.
+++As a guide+++ I have conducted many tours to major sightseeing sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage temples and castles. I am also happy to show my favorite places and other locations off the beaten path, like where you can see the local craftsmen.
Thanks to my French husband, who is also a guide, I have learned a great deal about the points foreign tourists could contemplate the marvels of Japanese culture and developed my storytelling skills. I like to show my guests everything, with special focus on small details not written in guidebooks, and like to utilize anecdotes to help others understand Japanese culture.
In addition to my guiding services, I can also provide concierge services such as booking high-quality restaurants, special shows or activities, tea ceremonies, etc.
+++As a calligraphy teacher+++ I consider that calligraphy is not about writing with the complex Japanese "kanji" alphabet. Calligraphy is an art form which enables you to express your thoughts and relax your mood through your brush strokes and writing style. My workshops are a tailor-made experience. I also offer lessons for small children and provide an interactive experience for them. Best of all, workshops can be arranged to fit your schedule!
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about my lessons.
I am looking forward to discovering Japanese culture with you. :)
Shigeki M.
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!
裕治
我是华人,从出生以后一直住在日本。最近我取得了翻译导游的批准,所以给你们介绍一下鲜为人知的好地方
跟美食的餐馆等等。(还有随行买土产品)
Lisa W.
Hi everyone! My name is Lisa.
Thank you very much for checking out my profile.
I am originally from Osaka, Japan, and completed my Bachelor’s Degree from Kyoto Prefecture University in architecture. During my stay in Kyoto I volunteered as a tour guide for foreign visitors.
After graduation I moved to Tokyo and worked in the marketing and promotions field. On weekends I continued to work as a tour guide volunteer in Tokyo.
I have also studied at the University of California, Irvine and worked for a tech company in Anaheim California. It was great oppotuniay for me to see Japan from foreigner's perspective.
My happiness for meeting new people and learning my own culture through guiding foreign visitors kept increasing and that made me decide to become a professional tour guide.
I offer tailor-made tours for individuals or groups. I have met a lot of wonderful people through tour guiding and look forward to the many more friends I will make.
My strength is the stock of Japan's historical and architectural knowledge, which I believe makes your Japan experience fun and interesting especially when you are visiting Japan's old capitals.
During my tour I will share with you historical contents of places or structures you are visiting so that you can understand the reason why you meet present Japan. I have friendly and mindful nature which will make your Japan experience greater!
Please feel free to message me if you have any question about your Japan trip!
Hope to see you soon in my tour.
Best,
Lisa
Hiroki K.
Konnichiwa and welcome to Japan!
I have been doing tour guide as my side business since 2019.
I am happy to announce that I became 'super host' in the area in Osaka on CityUnscripted
(The tour company based in UK) I will continue to work hard to cover more area with more
tours guest coming from abroad.
Through my tours, my goal is to make my guests want to come back to Japan again and to recommend them to their friends. Having lived and worked in 7 cities, 3 countries and traveled to 45 countries, I believe that my mission is to efficiently guide you through the cities I love in a limited amount of time through my unique perspective.
I am originally from Gifu Prefecture, Japan and I am Japanese. While a student studying international business management, I spent time in Shiga, near Nagoya and Kyoto and a short study abroad experience in Australia, UK and Israel. After working in Israel and Ireland, I came back to Kobe. So far, I have hosted over 30 tours in Kyoto and Kobe and I enjoy meeting tour guests from all over the world.
I always try my best to get prepared for you to enjoy your visit to my home country. I'm constantly learning to be able to provide an enriching experience. If we come across some questions I cannot answer right away, I will be happy to do some research and get back with a full answer.
For foodie, I can give you good places for all type of requirements, such as Vegetarian, vegan, Kosher or Halal.
If you are coming with your parents/kids, I will arrange the tour for a shorter walking distance.
IELTS Band 6.0 (English Proficiency level)
Yoshiroh N.
Hello! I am a lover of food and music.
I have decided to start guiding with the desire to let everyone know more about Japan.
Basically, I sell car driving tours, but I am flexible to accommodate requests for interpretation only.
Please send me a message!
Kay F.
Hi, I'm a National licensed guide living in OSAKA.
Raised between KYOTO and OSAKA, I've got two different unique cultures, customs and dialects.
So called Bilingual??
I can guide you both cities from Major tourist spots to Off-the-beaten paths. Throughout the tour, I'll show you unique local cultures and history !!
Since I got the license in 2015, I've guided foreign tourists to OSAKA, KYOTO and NARA and really enjoyed meeting with foreign guests. And also experienced Mt.KOYA, HIMEJI and KOBE.
Based on your request, I suggest the best memorial tour just for you !!
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