About Tour Guide Shuji O.

The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.

Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.

The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.

Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～

Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.

Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～

Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto

Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.

Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto

Himeji

5 hours

Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka

Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.

Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka

FROM$225/ per group

Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~

9 hours

Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~

There are so many temples on Mount Koya. The famous graveyard is also massive. The scene is mysterious. It takes about two hours by train from Osaka, but you are in another world once you arrive. You can learn about Buddhism in Japan while immersed in a unique atmosphere there. Mt. Koya is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. High Priest Kukai founded it and began building temples here. I will explain why the Japanese people love Kukai.

Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~

Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!

Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.

Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.

The best of Kyoto, tailored to your requests.

Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～

Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.

Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～

Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto

Since there are so many beautiful places densely in eastern Kyoto, we can take a walking tour there. Please add or skip some. This is an example of a walking tour in eastern Kyoto, emphasizing history and culture. We will use the train only once or twice.

Walking tour in Eastern Kyoto

Himeji

5 hours

Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka

Among the many castles in Japan, Himeji Castle is truly special. You will feel happy just to be there when you see its beautiful figure over the surrounding cherry blossom or maple trees. It has a long and touching history. It is definitely a must-see in Japan.

Day trip to Himeji Castle from Osaka

FROM$225/ per group

9 hours

Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~

There are so many temples on Mount Koya. The famous graveyard is also massive. The scene is mysterious. It takes about two hours by train from Osaka, but you are in another world once you arrive. You can learn about Buddhism in Japan while immersed in a unique atmosphere there. Mt. Koya is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. High Priest Kukai founded it and began building temples here. I will explain why the Japanese people love Kukai.

Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~

Reviews

Dana W.

5 / 5

Feb 2, 2026

Visiting Nara from Osaka ～truly the must-see place in Japan～

Feb 2, 2026

“Nara Park is key to visit”

We have an interesting visit to Nara Park which we learnt.

Shuji O.

Thank you for your review. You were very good at traveling, especially for your age. We enjoyed the statues and shrines. I hope you enjoyed the nice restaurant we went to for lunch. Thank you for choosing my tour for the last part of your trip to Japan. I hope this trip makes great memories for both of you!

Dana W.

5 / 5

Jan 22, 2026

Trip to the Shirahama area

Jan 22, 2026

Wakayama

6 hours

Customized

“The Hongu temple is outstanding to learn about as well as the Turkey Museum history created an excellent relationship between Japan and Turkey.”

We have learnt from Shuji O on Japan history, traditions & culture.

Shuji O.

Thank you for the kind words! Yes, we learned many things. First, we learned about the culture of Kumano. Second, we learned about the good relations between Turkey and Japan. We visited the museum where we learned about the sad and touching stories of the Turkish ship. During a storm, Japanese people saved many Turkish sailors. Thank you for a great experience. I was happy to be with you both.

Dana W.

5 / 5

Jan 15, 2026

Pick up at the ariport

Jan 15, 2026