About Tour Guide Yosshi S.

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

In the 8th century, Nara became the nation's capital with grid-like streets and a new Imperial Palace. The emperor erected the Statue of Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to be enshrined at newly built shrines and pray for prosperity. In the 19th century, this area was opened to the public as Nara (Deer) Park, a unique place where residents and tourists interact with deer on the grassy plazas.

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

FROM$194/ per group

5 hours

Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City

An 8th-century waka poem states, "Nara is a land of supreme beauty, surrounded by mountains." Ikaruga town began as a temple town for Horyuji, the world's oldest temple, and its pagoda towers amid a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi town, a temple town for Gangoji Temple, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.

Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City

FROM$162/ per group

Osaka, Landmarks offer panoramic views of Entire City

The development of Osaka began in the 16th century when Osaka Castle and the castle town were built around a hilltop. In the 19th century, some railway lines were constructed in the city. Houses, commerce, and entertainment functions necessary for a big city have been provided around the railway stations. Thanks to the convenient location, those areas are being redeveloped for high-rise buildings with offices, shops, and observation decks.

Osaka, Landmarks offer panoramic views of Entire City

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

In the 8th century, Kyoto became the capital of a nation centered on the Emperor. The Emperor ruled from Kyoto for over 1,000 years, maintaining a delicate balance between the religious power of monks and the military might of Samurai. In the 19th century, the Emperor relocated the capital to Tokyo, and Kyoto transformed into a modern city. However, the Imperial Palace remains in Kyoto to this day. This tour visits fascinating historical spots built by the rulers and visionary citizens.

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hilltop jutting out into the sea. In the Middle Ages, court nobles believed the “Pure Land of Buddha” was beyond the setting sun. They would watch the sunset from the hilltop. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” at the foot of the hill, which was called “New World,” centered on the symbol tower named “Lead to Heaven Tower”

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

In the 8th century, Nara became the nation's capital with grid-like streets and a new Imperial Palace. The emperor erected the Statue of Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to be enshrined at newly built shrines and pray for prosperity. In the 19th century, this area was opened to the public as Nara (Deer) Park, a unique place where residents and tourists interact with deer on the grassy plazas.

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

FROM$194/ per group

5 hours

Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City

An 8th-century waka poem states, "Nara is a land of supreme beauty, surrounded by mountains." Ikaruga town began as a temple town for Horyuji, the world's oldest temple, and its pagoda towers amid a rural landscape surrounded by mountains. Naramachi town, a temple town for Gangoji Temple, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.

Nara, Stroll in Retro-Flavored Ancient Capital City

FROM$162/ per group

Osaka, Landmarks offer panoramic views of Entire City

The development of Osaka began in the 16th century when Osaka Castle and the castle town were built around a hilltop. In the 19th century, some railway lines were constructed in the city. Houses, commerce, and entertainment functions necessary for a big city have been provided around the railway stations. Thanks to the convenient location, those areas are being redeveloped for high-rise buildings with offices, shops, and observation decks.

Osaka, Landmarks offer panoramic views of Entire City

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

In the 8th century, Kyoto became the capital of a nation centered on the Emperor. The Emperor ruled from Kyoto for over 1,000 years, maintaining a delicate balance between the religious power of monks and the military might of Samurai. In the 19th century, the Emperor relocated the capital to Tokyo, and Kyoto transformed into a modern city. However, the Imperial Palace remains in Kyoto to this day. This tour visits fascinating historical spots built by the rulers and visionary citizens.

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Experience the charm of tranquility in a mountain temple. Take a 3km walk around the foothills of the Higashiyama Mountain Range, visiting shrines and temples along the path. Starting at Seikanji Temple on Mt. Kiyomizu (242m height), follow the Uta-no-Nakayama Road to Kiyomizu-dera. Then, go through Sanneizaka and Nene-no-michi, and reach Maruyama Park and Yasaka Shrine. Along the way, we can feel old stories of tragic love while enjoying panoramic views of the Kyoto cityscape.

Kyoto, Hike in Peaceful Forest & Temple

Reviews

Michelle M.

5 / 5

Jun 14, 2026

Millennial City Kyoto, Power & Charm Transition

Jun 14, 2026

5 hours 30 mins

“Great Highlights of Central Kyoto”

We had an excellent tour with Yosshi. I recommend him. He had great communication to create a custom tour for us. He emailed about and researched our sights ahead of time. He arrived early at our hotel lobby. He spoke good English and was very kind. He was very informative about the many sights we visited and came prepared with printouts. He took photos of our family. He took us to the Nijo castle, Imperial Palace and Manga museum. He helped us with ordering lunch. He was very knowledgeable getting around the metro. It made our day a breeze. We really enjoyed our day and Yosshi made it very special. Thank you.

Yosshi S.

Dear Michelle-san Thank you for taking the time to send me such a heartwarming review. The Kemari Garden at the Imperial Palace is a game where players pass a ball to their opponent in an easy-to-kick manner. Today, we visited a place of great importance in Japanese history, set on a vast site full of early-summer greenery. The spirit of Kemari (a football game) lives on at this turning point as well. As a guide, I tried my best to provide clear explanations. The day I spent with you has become a memorable tour for me. OH-KI-NI! (Kyoto dialect for thank you). Yosshi

James S.

5 / 5

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

Dec 2, 2025

7 hours

“Great Guide!”

Yosshi was a great guide. He had vast knowledge of the sights we visited. Very friendly and payed attention to our needs as we explored. I would book with him again. Thank you Yosshi.

Yosshi S.

Dear James San. Thank you for your review. I was happy to share my experience with you as you have an interest in Osaka's history. Hearing about your hometown has added to my bucket list. The day was sunny, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and there weren't many tourists, so I was able to show you ancient, medieval, and early modern sites. We were also able to go up the Osaka Castle Tower and the Tsutenkaku Tower for a bird's-eye view of Osaka's topography. Osaka's long history has been supported by its citizens. Next time, I'd like to guide you to markets and theaters where we can experience the vitality of its citizens. Thank you for yesterday. Yosshi

Drew B.

5 / 5

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hilltop

Nov 9, 2025