- USD ($)
- Wishlists
/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: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
Dana W.
“See and learn more about Japan”
Shuji San provide all over information on Osaka, Wakayama, Nara ++ We want to see the 2nd tier city like Wakayama this trip as we want to see and understand more on Wakayama. We have a good brief from Shuji San. Shuji San provides over all attractions information which attracts us to return.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/46733/f91fb200-8cd3-42eb-ab83-22445375e494.png)
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your kind words! It was a pleasure meeting such intelligent people. I'm so excited to share my thoughts, and I was so surprised by your profound understanding of Japanese culture. I look forward to seeing you again!
Myra S.
“Great 2 days in Kyoto with Shuji O”
Our second day getting to know Kyoto with Shuji O was just as great as the first. We spent the day wandering through neighborhoods and shrines far away from the usual tourist crowds, traveling mostly by foot and train. From the Vermillion Gates at Fushimi Inari to the sake museum and brewery lunch, everything was delicious and fascinating. We topped it off with the Geiko and Maiko Museum and a walk through Gion. Shuji turned our random travel notes into a perfectly relaxed two-day plan. He was so kind, attentive, and even sent us a bunch of photos he took along the way. We’re so glad we followed his advice!"
Shuji O.
Thank you for the great review again! You were so kind to understand my intentions. We included some lesser-known places and some very unique places. I'm glad everything went well. And thank you very much for your interesting talk about life in your country. I hope you have a comfortable flight to your country!
Myra S.
“Outstanding Day with Shuji O Looking Forward to Round Two!”
We had an excellent 8 hour touring day with Shuji. Shuji has good listening skills and understood us while arranging our itinerary and during it. His discussions were clear and organized. We found him professional , friendly and positive. Sightseeing was well timed. We never felt hurried and yet we did everything we planned. We were very happy with Shuji’s lunch suggestion and it was timed well with our location. He helped us order and it was a treat to try something we were not familiar with. We are looking forward to another day of touring tomorrow.
Shuji O.
Your kind words are out of measure. Yes, we were a little lucky to visit less busy Kinkaku-ji and Kiyomizu-dera. And maybe very lucky to see the Kemari! It was a beautiful day, and we got a wonderful memory. Thank you for such a happy time. See you tomorrow!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73533/cbed366f-4782-4507-aed1-83e875b0d4ea.png)
Rina K.
Hi, I’m Rina! Thank you for your interest, and welcome to Japan. I was born and raised in Osaka, and I still live here with my husband and our son. I love English and traveling, and I started tour guiding in July 2025. I regularly play tennis, and I enjoy listening to Fuji Kaze — he’s my favorite artist. Of course, I also love eating and drinking; enjoying good food and drinks is a big part of my life. Osaka is full of amazing food and fun places to explore. I’m always thinking about how to create routes that feel comfortable for each guest and what kind of scenery will make them fall in love with this city. I love seeing guests react with surprise and joy to the little things in everyday Osaka — those moments are truly rewarding for me. My hope is simple: I want you to enjoy Osaka with ease, and I want you to leave feeling even more connected to this place. I’m confident in my stamina — I’ve guided an eight‑hour tour without lunch — but I also offer slow‑paced, relaxing tours. Together, we’ll create a plan that matches your interests and energy level, so you can enjoy the day without stress. You can count on me for the best timing to avoid crowds, truly delicious local spots, and places only Osaka residents know. My goal is to give you a warm, memorable experience that makes you think, “I want to come back to Osaka again.” I look forward to guiding you through an Osaka you’ll want to return to.
/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/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/73286/dfe6acef-8f8f-4939-9edd-8425c371d5a4.png)