/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/8255ff6c-9d39-4ff0-9ea3-7c276d860329.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/05b07c02-22ab-4f71-95cb-614cc4064f72.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/2c5024db-24a0-4d83-9f92-d5329090c68b.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/7def4c81-ef6c-4221-97a3-058c5ff1d997.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/154a71fd-d1ed-466e-aac4-9a976059a599.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/aa9a53b2-53c5-40cc-b7ef-25fba1b757c2.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/044eb32c-4f1a-4f95-9c5e-1ec81c6e919d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/3e87a747-ea42-4948-8c7f-cda35ae26f54.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/1656ab69-8134-4ca2-be2e-1d4b5c4f8bbe.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/497f15d0-db32-4919-a082-138e60cb0085.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/3d4848fa-07cf-4cc9-8cf1-b717b5283fc4.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/61dc22c2-d171-4ea2-aee2-49826bf693bc.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/fd577ad0-c93a-4297-851a-5b11ca1b40ca.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/34b4197f-bb46-42a6-99fb-06efad390866.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/ae17ecb6-0136-4f90-b490-9a2aa45f3cba.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/b9d0feed-6f9a-495d-a01b-7925cacc9115.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
Joined 2023
Shuji O.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living), Wakayama, Mount Koya, Kobe, Himeji
Languages
English
Response Time
4 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Shuji O.
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!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/48/highlights-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/52/art-culture-historical-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/55/off-the-beaten-path-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/49/day-trip-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/57/shore-excursion-white.svg)
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/65/car-tour-driving-guide-white.svg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12289/174364.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11957/2d5fdd42-fd1a-4f29-a2db-d4009ef32373.jpg)
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/12337/181979.jpg)
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～
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13001/67e41b2c-77cd-41dd-92db-adbe4e6918dd.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/13015/616e13a0-c618-4120-a208-6fff6bcaa06a.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/11703/167287.jpg)
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
Immanuele S.
“The Cassel”
“Shuji, was fantastic — he came to pick us up, helped us organize the day, and on top of that showed us the castle in an amazing way. Kind, professional, and attentive to every detail.”
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
Shuji O.
Thank you for the kind words. I started talking about the special relationship between Italy and Japan regarding the Expo. Italy gave us a lot in the exhibition, and it still continues today. How wonderful it is. I'm happy I could help you with your busy schedule on your tour. Yes, stations are always so complicated. I hope you enjoyed everything in Japan. Thank you very much.
Tamara O.
“One day in Kyoto”
Shuji-san was the perfect guide for me and my father. We had just one full day in Kyoto, and managed to see and experience so much without feeling rushed. Shuji-san is calm, flexible, warm and knowledgeable. He reads the room well in terms of pace and giving you space to soak it all in. Highly recommend!
Shuji O.
Thank you for the wonderful review! It was easy to plan your tour because you suggested a wonderful place. Yes, our tour was very comfortable. You weren't greedy and appreciated the beauty of nature and culture. You are excellent travelers! I was very happy to travel with you. Thank you so much!
Andrew I.
“Excellent guide for Kyoto”
Shuji helped us organise a tour for approximately 25 people when our organisation visited Kyoto for a conference. Shuji displayed an excellent knowledge of the sites we visited; not once did we feel like he as lost or didn't know the way. He had a good strategy for keeping track of so many people and ensuring that no one got lost. We appreciated that he helped us navigate the logistics including getting so many people to the different places by subway. I would definitely book a tour with Shuji again if I were in the area.
Shuji O.
Hello Andrew, Thank you for the great review. I'm so glad to read this. Yes, we had many things to consider.But you got ready for it really well. You were a great leader, and the other staff members also helped us a lot. Your group was from different countries, but you were very disciplined. You all had a great time. I hope your conference was successful. Yes, I would be always ready to welcome you. Thank you so much!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
Akira F.
Hello, my name is Akira , and I am a private guide based in Kyoto. I specialize in creating customized tours that are tailored to your interests and travel style. Kyoto is a city rich in history, culture, and hidden beauty, and I would love to share its charm with you. Whether you are interested in famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, exploring peaceful temples and gardens, or discovering local food and traditions, I will design a unique itinerary just for you. My goal is to make your time in Kyoto not only enjoyable, but also meaningful and memorable. I look forward to guiding you and helping you experience Kyoto like a local.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73533/cbed366f-4782-4507-aed1-83e875b0d4ea.png)
Rina K.
Welcome to Osaka! Hi I'm Rina and I’m truly delighted to guide you through the vibrant city of Osaka. As a native Japanese, I offer a personal perspective on Japan’s rich culture, traditions, and everyday life. Wherever you’d like to go, I’d be honored to help you make it happen. Feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to create a custom itinerary based on your interests. As your guide, I’ll take care of the details, so you can simply relax and enjoy the day at your own pace. ***************************************** What we can enjoy together (if you’d like): • Wander through peaceful backstreets and discover hidden local gems • Visit high-quality “Made in Japan” shops for thoughtful souvenirs • Enjoy delicious food—from street snacks to refined local cuisine • Learn the stories behind temples, shrines, and everyday customs • Explore at your pace, with a route designed to avoid crowds and long walks • Have quiet cultural moments—like folding a simple origami piece or learning a local phrase • Ask anything! I’m happy to help with travel tips, cultural questions, or just good conversation Every tour is personal. I’ll take care of the details—so you can simply enjoy Japan, your way.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
Syed atif Y.
A Local Friend in Kansai — Meet Atif Hey there! I’m Atif, a travel lover who’s been calling Osaka home for the past few years. What started as a curious adventure quickly turned into a deep love for this region — the food, the people, and all the little hidden corners that make Kansai so special. Now, I spend my days sharing those discoveries with travelers who want to see the real Japan — not just the postcard version. What I Offer Fun & Flexible Tours: No boring scripts here! I plan each tour around you — whether you love taking photos, tasting street food, exploring quiet temples, or getting lost in neon-lit backstreets. Local Secrets: After years of wandering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, I’ve found the best hidden gems — from tiny noodle shops to peaceful gardens and back-alley shrines. Laughs & Memories: My tours aren’t just about facts — they’re about fun. Expect stories, local legends, and maybe even a karaoke challenge (if you’re brave enough)! Why Travel with Me Because travel should feel like exploring with a local friend, not following a flag in a crowd. I love good food, spontaneous detours, and showing people the Kansai that most tourists miss. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I’ll make sure you experience something new — and unforgettable. Let’s Start the Adventure! Ready to explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe? Let’s laugh, learn, eat, and wander together — Kansai style!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/10288/90682.jpg)