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Joined 2026
Naoto O.
Available Areas
Mie (Living), Nara
Languages
Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
14 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
About Tour Guide Naoto O.
Hello, my name is Naoto, a local guide based in Mie, Japan.
I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (2026), offering private tours that go beyond typical sightseeing. My goal is to help you experience Japan, not just visit it.
Before becoming a licensed guide, I completed an official tourism training program organized by the Mie Prefectural Government (2025). Through this program, I developed a strong foundation in Japanese history and culture, as well as practical skills in guiding and tour planning.
■Background and Language Skills
I studied in Kyoto and also lived in Canada and New Zealand. I hold EIKEN Grade 1 and a TOEIC score of 925. My academic background is in law and international relations, so I am comfortable discussing both Japanese culture and global topics.
■Specialized Areas: Hidden Japan Experiences
I specialize in guiding visitors to less-crowded, culturally rich destinations such as the Iga region, the birthplace of ninja, and the quiet historical areas of eastern Nara Prefecture. These locations offer a deeper and more authentic understanding of Japan.
I can also guide you to Ise Grand Shrine, one of the most sacred and important sites in Japan.
■Comfortable Private Tours
Since public transportation is limited in these rural areas, tours are conducted by private car to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience.
■Local Food Experience
If you are interested, I can introduce you to local restaurants where you can enjoy fresh, organic vegetables from this region.
I look forward to creating a personalized and memorable experience for you.
Feel free to message me anytime to customize your tour.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Iga Ninja Experience: Dress Up, Throw Shuriken & Explore a Samurai Castle (4h Private)
Discover the real world of ninja in Iga, the birthplace of the Iga-ryu Ninja. This tour combines a visit to Iga-ryu Ninja Museum and Iga Ueno Castle with a walk through the historic castle town. With a nationally licensed guide, you will learn the difference between the popular image of ninja and their real historical role. Optional activities such as a ninja show, shuriken throwing, and costume experience are available.
Iga Ninja Experience: Dress Up, Throw Shuriken & Explore a Samurai Castle (4h Private)
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Explore Ise Grand Shrine: Authentic Pilgrimage from Geku to Naiku (6 Hours)
Experience an authentic pilgrimage to the Ise Grand Shrine with a licensed guide. This tour follows the traditional order of worship, visiting Toyouke Daijingu (Geku) first, then Kotai Jingu (Naiku). You will learn Shinto rituals, proper etiquette, and the meaning behind Japan’s most sacred site. We will also walk through Oharaimachi, a charming traditional street, where you can enjoy local food such as Ise udon and Tekone sushi.
Explore Ise Grand Shrine: Authentic Pilgrimage from Geku to Naiku (6 Hours)
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Nara Asuka Private Tour: Explore Japan’s Origins by Car (Tanzan Shrine & More)
Discover Asuka, the ancient capital known as the birthplace of Japan, on this private tour through peaceful countryside. Explore the Asuka period (6th–7th century), when powerful clans shaped the foundations of Japan, by visiting Tanzan Shrine, Ishibutai Tomb, and Asukadera Temple. Travel efficiently by the guide’s private car, making it easy to reach sites that are difficult to access by public transport. The area is also expected to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Nara Asuka Private Tour: Explore Japan’s Origins by Car (Tanzan Shrine & More)
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Mystical Nara: Omiwa Shrine & Hasedera Temple Tour
This tour explores the spiritual heart of Nara. Omiwa Shrine is one of Japan’s oldest shrines. Uniquely, it has no main hall, as the sacred object is Mt. Miwa itself. Guests learn about ancient Shinto practices, mythology, and mountain worship. Hasedera Temple, known as the “Temple of Flowers,” features seasonal blooms, particularly peonies and hydrangeas. This tour combines ancient spirituality, natural beauty, and local culture for a unique day in Nara.
Mystical Nara: Omiwa Shrine & Hasedera Temple Tour
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Off the Beaten Path Nara: Murouji Temple & Hasedera Cultural Tour
This tour explores the spiritual heart of rural Nara through two of Japan’s most atmospheric temples. Surrounded by cedar forests and mountain landscapes, Murouji offers a rare glimpse into ancient mountain Buddhism and Shugendo practices, where women were historically allowed to worship. In contrast, Hasedera represents deep devotion to Kannon (the Goddess of Mercy), featuring a magnificent wooden corridor and breathtaking seasonal flowers such as peonies and hydrangeas.
Off the Beaten Path Nara: Murouji Temple & Hasedera Cultural Tour
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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 9,581 guests all over the world across Japan as of June 30, 2026 since Feb 2015.
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Seiho F.
Hi! I am Seiho, a National Licensed Guide Interpreter and an International Sake Sommelier. I've been in the tourism industry for more than a decade and have a good reputation for my guiding. I also do photography as one of my professions, so I can take your photos with the iconic views in Japan! My favorite tour is pub hopping tour in Osaka. Hope to see you soon!
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Tom K.
Hello, This is Tom!! I started to work as an English speaking Guide from last year of Aichi and Gifu, Shiga, Shizuoka or Toyama, around mid center of Japan. I already have many experiences of guiding tourists from many countries at “Nagoya castle”, “Toyota commemorative museum”, “Atsuta Jingu shrine”, “Osu Kannon temple and shopping arcade”, “Inuyama castle”, “Nagashima outlet mall”, "Seto-Gura pottary museum", “Sekigahara samurai battle field“, “Seki swordsmith museum”, “Takayama traditional town street”, “Takayama Jinya shogunate office”, “Shirakawa-go thatched roof houses village”, “Tateyama snow wall” as well. If you have interests of Japanese history and culture or way of life, we can learn together them through my histrical tours. I also work as a tour conductor of group tour using Van or Tour Bus or Shinkansen bullet train and have experiences of attending their lunch and dinner then I have experiences of how to cope different food restrictions of each ethnic group. And I am little aged as you see then I am familiar with “slow life style” of elderly people then I will customize the pace of my tour flexibly according to the age and condition of my customer. On the other hand if you have little kids in your party, I can prepare tours for kids like “Ghibli park” or “SCMaglev railway park” as well. Please contact me immediately when you are ready to visit here around mid center of Japan.
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