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
5 days ago
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
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!
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.
The best of Kyoto in any season
Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,200 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.
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.
Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem
There are so many beautiful places for visitors in Kyoto. If you don't have enough time or don't want to be bothered with a lot of research, I will show you how to travel more comfortably by taking the non-standard route. This is an example of a half-day trip to Kyoto in the fall. You can easily visit hidden gems and must-see places when you book my tour.
A day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is the place every human being should visit. Itsukushima Shrine, which looks like floating on the sea, is one of the best scenic beauties in Japan. We can eat the local food of Hiroshima, like Hiroshima yaki. You can make a day trip to Hiroshima from Osaka.
Reviews
Julie M.
“Beautiful Day in Nara with Shuji San!”
We have just spent the most wonderful day visiting Nara with Shuji. If you are looking for someone who is friendly and very knowledgeable about the area, he is the guide for you. Also, we were there on a holiday for Japan and he was very skilled at leading us in such a way that we did not feel crowded even though there were many people visiting. A perfect way to finish our trip to Japan!
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for the great review. You are fantastic travelers because of your wide understanding of different cultures and history. I also enjoyed the conversation about history and culture very much. I hope this beautiful day will be added to the memories of your wonderful trip to Japan. Have a comfortable flight to California!
George B.
“2 wonderful days in Kyoto”
We have just spent 2 wonderfull days guided by Shuji-san around Kyoto through gardens, palaces, shrines and temples. It is a remarkable adventure enhanced a hundred times over by the experience, sensibility, and historical knowledge of Mr. Shuji. It is our first time in Japan and I believe that his advice and guidance have been wonderful, and in retrospect absolutely necessary. Would highly reccomend.
Shuji O.
Thank you for your warm words. Your wonderful fitness and curiosity opened up many possibilities for the tour. We enjoyed the unexpectedly late plum blossoms and had plenty of time to enjoy the popular sights that were not crowded in the early morning. And we also enjoyed the conversation very much. I hope this pleasant tour will be a wonderful memory for both of you. Shuji O.
Betsy H.
“We enjoyed Nara very much”
Shuji is knowledgeable and made good choices as to what sites we saw. There were problems, however. I had repeatedly told him about my husband's disabilities and he did not allow for these in some cases. It would probably have been better to have a private driver in Nara because there was never a taxi available between sites and we walked far more than was comfortable for my husband.
Shuji O.
Thank you very much for your review. Yes, I should have strongly recommended you a private car with a driver. Although I sometimes kept the taxi waiting for us in some places or used priority ways, it seems it was not enough for your husband. I'm so sorry if it was so hard for him. Because of your patience and cooperation, you could visit all the places we planned. I hope you can enjoy your long trip ahead.
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