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Joined 2024
Akari Y.
Available Areas
Osaka (Living), Kyoto, Mount Koya, Nara, Wakayama
Languages
Chinese (Simplified), English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
13 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Akari Y.
I was born in Osaka and grew up in both Osaka and Kyoto. Since 2023, I have been offering private tours throughout the Kansai region, introducing guests to the history, culture, traditions, and everyday life of Japan in a personal and thoughtful way.
Before becoming a guide, I spent 16 years in sales and event planning at a luxury international hotel in Osaka, where I worked with guests and clients from around the world. I have also lived in the United States, China, and Australia, experiences that have given me a strong understanding of different cultures and the expectations of international travelers.
My tours are designed to offer more than a visit to well-known landmarks. I enjoy revealing the stories behind temples and shrines, Japanese architecture, Buddhism and Shinto, local cuisine, traditional craftsmanship, pilgrimage routes, and the people who have shaped Japan’s history and culture.
I especially enjoy creating bespoke, unhurried experiences tailored to each guest. The itinerary, walking pace, and breaks can be adjusted throughout the day, allowing you to explore according to your interests and enjoy each destination without feeling rushed.
Whether you are drawn to history, architecture, local neighborhoods, traditional culture, or everyday Japanese life, my aim is to create a meaningful and memorable journey that feels personal to you.
I look forward to welcoming you and helping you discover the distinctive character, stories, and beauty of Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara. Private day trips to Wakayama may also be arranged upon request, with departure from Osaka.
Important
Guests are kindly requested to cover the guide’s transportation and admission fees during the tour. Lunch expenses for both the guest and the guide are also not included in the tour fee.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Private Kurama Journey: In the Footsteps of Mikao Usui and the Legendary Tengu
Enjoy a private spiritual journey through Kurama, a mountain closely associated with Mikao Usui and the origins of Reiki. Visit Kurama Temple and follow the legendary trail where Usui is said to have practiced fasting and meditation. Discover a powerful spiritual spot where a legendary Japanese hero is believed to have trained with the mythical Tengu, then walk through ancient forests to sacred Kibune.
Private Kurama Journey: In the Footsteps of Mikao Usui and the Legendary Tengu
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Discover Osaka: K-POP Culture, Korean Town & Osaka Castle Private Tour
Start at Osaka Castle and step back 400 years into the world of samurai. Hear stories about Hideyoshi, Nobunaga, Ieyasu, and elegant women like Nene. Then explore vibrant Korean Town, a must-visit for K-POP lovers. Enjoy shopping for idol goods, trendy fashion, and super cute Bonbon Drop stickers. You’ll also find plenty of K-beauty cosmetics. Taste street food like kimbap and Korean BBQ like gopchang as you stroll. A perfect mix of culture, shopping, and fun — great for friends and family.
Discover Osaka: K-POP Culture, Korean Town & Osaka Castle Private Tour
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Osaka Private Tour: Castle, Local Life, Food & Dotonbori
Enjoy a personalized 6-hour Osaka tour exploring the city’s history, culture, and food. Visit Osaka Castle and learn about Toyotomi Hideyoshi, enjoy local food at Kuromon Market, explore Osaka’s famous kitchenware street and browse traditional Japanese knives, then walk through a quiet stone-paved alley where locals still pray at a moss-covered Fudo Myoo statue. Finish in lively Namba and Dotonbori. The itinerary can be adjusted to your interests, walking pace, and cruise ship schedule.
Osaka Private Tour: Castle, Local Life, Food & Dotonbori
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Private tour Osaka half day Forest bathing Minoo Park Osaka
Discover the tranquil beauty of Minoo with private guided forest bathing and hiking experience. Nestled in the heart of nature, Minoh is renowned not only for its lush greenery and stunning waterfalls but also as a sacred site of Shugendo an ancient spiritual practice. Tours offer a blend of relaxation and cultural insight. Immerse yourself in the therapeutic atmosphere of the forest, unwind amidst the serene surroundings, and learn about the spiritual significance of this revered location.
Private tour Osaka half day Forest bathing Minoo Park Osaka
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Private Kyoto in One Day: Golden Pavilion, Zen Temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—Customized for You
Enjoy a full-day private tour of Kyoto, tailored to your interests and pace. Visit Ryoan-ji’s Zen rock garden, admire Kinkaku-ji’s Golden Pavilion, explore Nishiki Market, and stroll through historic Gion. End at peaceful Kennin-ji or the Gion Kagai Art Museum. This is a sample itinerary and can be customized to include places you would especially like to visit.
Private Kyoto in One Day: Golden Pavilion, Zen Temples, Nishiki Market & Gion—Customized for You
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Osaka Castle & Hidden Local Walk: Nakazakicho to Tenma
Discover the real Osaka beyond typical tourist spots. This 4-hour tour takes you from Osaka Castle to the nostalgic streets of Nakazakicho, and finally to Tenma, one of the city’s most lively local areas. Learn about samurai history at Osaka Castle, then explore retro neighborhoods filled with cozy cafes, vintage shops, and hidden alleys. In Tenma, experience local life and Osaka’s vibrant food culture. Enjoy a perfect balance of history, culture, and local experiences at a relaxed pace.
Osaka Castle & Hidden Local Walk: Nakazakicho to Tenma
Reviews
Daniel S.
“ An Unforgettable Day with Akari at Mount Kurama and Kibune”
Our family of four had the pleasure of spending a day with Akari exploring Mount Kurama and Kibune, and it was one of the absolute highlights of our trip to Japan. Akari is far more than a guide—she is a wonderful storyteller, teacher, and ambassador for Japanese culture. Her knowledge of the history, spirituality, mythology, and traditions of the area brought every temple, trail, and shrine to life. She answered countless questions from both adults and children with patience, enthusiasm, and remarkable depth of knowledge. What made the experience truly special was Akari herself. She is warm, kind, thoughtful, and genuinely cares about creating meaningful experiences for her guests. She connected wonderfully with our two sons, making them feel engaged and included throughout the day, while also sharing insights that we as parents deeply appreciated. Thanks to Akari, we did not simply visit Kurama and Kibune—we experienced them. We left with a much deeper understanding of Japanese history, nature, and spirituality, along with memories our family will cherish for years to come. If you are considering a guide in Kyoto, we cannot recommend Akari highly enough. She turned a beautiful day into an unforgettable one. Thank you, Akari, for helping make our family’s journey to Japan so special. — Daniel, Lisa, Jack, and Alex Srour Highland Park IL USA
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Akari Y.
Thank you very much for your beautiful review. I was truly touched by your generous words. It means a great deal to me to know that your day in Kurama and Kibune became such a memorable part of your family’s journey in Japan. I also remember the day very fondly—the quiet sound of the river, seeing the deer, our conversations about Reiki, the history of the mountain, the hero legends, and the stories of the dragon. Even the simple moments, such as enjoying lunch together and riding the bus and train, felt like a meaningful part of the experience. It was a pleasure to share Kurama and Kibune with all of you. Your family’s warmth, curiosity, and openness made the day very special for me as well. Thank you again for taking the time to write such a thoughtful review, and also for kindly sharing the photos on GoWithGuide. I am sincerely grateful. I hope your memories of Japan will stay with you for many years, and I would be delighted if our paths cross again someday.
Sarah V.
“Best day ever in Osaka. We loved Akari!!”
Akari was an incredible tour guide for our family. We organized a custom itinerary for the morning and she was able to keep us on track. My kids especially loved visiting Koreatown and learning how to pray at the temples. She was patient and listened to our kids. We had an incredible day and couldn’t recommend her more.
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Akari Y.
Thank you so much for your incredibly kind words — they truly mean a lot to me. I'm so happy to hear that you and your family enjoyed your time in Osaka. It was a pleasure seeing everyone try so many different foods, and I loved how open and curious your children were as they explored both Korean and Japanese culture throughout the tour. It was an honor to be part of your family's special travel memories. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity to have met you all. I hope you are settling back in comfortably, and that your memories of Japan will stay with you for a long time.
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Elizabeth F.
“Great guide with insight on the local history”
Akari took me on a great walking tour of the areas of Osaka that aren't as popular with tourists. She even knew where all the Kpop shops were, so if you are interested in that, she is perfect! She also knows all the history, which I liked a lot. I enjoyed her tour immensely.
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Akari Y.
It was perfect timing that we were able to see the cherry blossoms at Osaka Castle—it made the day even more memorable. I really enjoyed how open you were to trying new foods, even ones you had never had before—it made the experience even more special for me. I was also very happy to see your genuine interest in Osaka’s history and Toyotomi Hideyoshi. As someone who truly loves history, it meant a lot to me to share that with you—it was very rewarding as a guide. It was such a lovely moment spending time together at my local park and seeing you connect so naturally with the local people there. Those are the kinds of genuine experiences I truly value. And of course, exploring the K-pop spots together was so much fun! Thank you for such a wonderful time—I hope we can meet again someday.
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
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Kokoro O.
Hi, I'm Koko— Osaka tour guide (Tourism degree), Japanese teacher, local foodie, and a mom who loves exploring! With 12+ years in language education and global travel experience (6 years abroad, around 30 countries!), I know how to make your trip smooth, comfortable, and fun! As an experienced guide, I deeply understand global cultures, local food, and history, and I love sharing hidden culinary gems and fun local stories! I love going beyond tourist spots to connect with locals, taking you to places you'd never find on your own. I'm always on the hunt for the best bite in town and love weaving historical stories into our food walks! - What a day with me feels like We'll go where locals go—big sights if you want, but also the streets tourists usually miss. We'll eat like Osakans: cozy local spots for real soul food, or a quiet café for sweets. Plus, as a Japanese teacher, I can teach you fun, practical phrases along the way! - Everyone is welcome! Solo travelers, couples, friends, or families—I love creating a fun, comfortable vibe for everyone! Traveling with kids? As a mom and kids' English teacher, I know how to keep little ones happy and included! - Let's plan your day I have a few tour styles ready to go, but I love building custom itineraries too. Whether you have a few hours, half a day, or a full day, tell me your interests and pace, and I'll create a day that fits you. Let's make your time in Osaka feel less like sightseeing—and more like coming home. Come meet Osaka like you already have a friend here!
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Miyu S.
I'm Miyu. I'm from Osaka. I studied abroad US for 4 months. I'm working as a tour guide in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara for 5years. If you are with kids, old people no problem. My youngest guest is 0 years old. My oldest guest is over 90years old. If you wanna change your plan during the tour. No problem! This is a private tour. I can change the destinations whenever you want. I like history, anime, and games. I like to see many people from all over the world.
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Rina K.
Hi, I'm Rina. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to Japan. If you’re unsure about what to do in Osaka, don’t worry — I’m here to help. I can support you with transportation, food recommendations, hidden neighborhoods, and nearby cities, so you can enjoy your trip with confidence. Feel free to message me anytime. Let me introduce a little bit about myself. I’m a local Osaka resident, born and raised here. I love traveling, so I know how fun it is to talk to locals and visit everyday places. I’m also raising my child here, so I know many spots that families and kids can enjoy too. I guide travelers from a warm, everyday Japanese perspective as someone who truly loves this city and wants to share its real charm. I enjoy taking guests into local neighborhoods where you can try unique dishes and discover places only locals know. If you’re not sure which tour fits you, just send me a message — I can customize a relaxed, local-style experience just for you.
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