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Yosshi S.

Herald of Spring

Girls' Festival

Cherry blossoms at Arashiyama

Cherry blossoms at Kiyomizu Temple

Cherry Blossoms at Osaka Castle

Party under cherry blossoms

Gion-Kobu-Kaburenjyo

Kyomaru Uchiwa at Kamishichiken

Maiko at Gion

Lady Maiko released in 2014

Gyojyabashi Bridge in Kyoto

Nagarebashi Bridge in Yahata

Torii gate at Heanjingu Shrine

Nanzenji Temple

Lake Biwa Canal in Nanzenji

School trip in Keage

Lake Biwa Canal in northern part

Nishiki Market

Rakan in Otagi Nenbutuji

Townhouse on old road

Restaurant at AWATAGUCHI

Bite-sized SUSHI

Matcha

Kurama-gawa River in Kyoto

Rice field at Ikaruga Village

Horyuji Temple in Ialruga,Narara

Cyuguji Temple in Ikaruga,Nara

Deer Park in Nara

Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall

Statue of Great Buddha

Temple grounds in Todaiji

Townhouse in Naramachi

Kisyu-Goten in Osaka castle

Panoramic view of Osaka Castle

Lotus bud in Pure Land Pond

Lotus Buddhist symbol

Observatory of Osaka sky Building

Overlooking from observatory

North of JR Osaka sta

Naniwa-Yasaka shrine in Osaka

Haniwa at Kofun

Haniwa Factory Park

Exhibits in the Museum

Luxury cruise ships at Osaka Port

Kiki's Delivery Service in Syodoshima Island

Souvenir from guests

Joined 2024

Yosshi S.

5.00 / 5

(10 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living)

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

Response Time

1 hour on average

Availability Updated

2 days ago

About Tour Guide Yosshi S.

Thank you for visiting my page.

I'd love to guide you to three ancient capital cities, each with a 1,000-year history of urban development and a 100-year history of filmmaking. I grew up in OSAKA and earned a Master's Degree in Engineering in KYOTO. I worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for national and local governments in TOKYO and OSAKA, dedicated to creating cities that were safe and comfortable for residents and attractive for visitors.

Then I became a freelance urban planner with a Nationally Licensed Professional Engineer. I've visited urban development sites and filming locations in 90 cities across 30 countries so far. Then I posted the unique cityscapes of these cities on social media.

OSAKA, KYOTO, and NARA formed a metropolitan area adjacent to the Imperial Palace with political, economic, and cultural hubs from the 7th to 19th centuries. Even today, locals continue to maintain retro-flavored townscapes, preserve historical heritage, and celebrate traditional events. Many travelers visit these three cities to experience them on-site.

The three cities are all within a one-hour ride by intercity train. The cities have extensive subway, tram, and bus networks, allowing you to reach a variety of tourist spots. I am also a Nationally Licensed Guide Interpreter and Certified General Travel Service Manager, and I will create a memorable travel plan comprising places and stories based on your requests. I will also ensure that you get around efficiently using the appropriate means of transportation within the limited time you have. Let's have a stroll around the cities with me.

Important

>If you would like to take a listed or customized tour, please send me a message in advance. I will check the availability of the spots listed on the itinerary (opening days, hours, reservation status, etc.).

>The tour uses trains, subways, trams, buses, walking, and taxis (for small groups) for easy access. Please wear comfortable walking shoes for transfers.

>Please note that we may skip, change, or add spots depending on the availability of public transportation and tourist attractions.

>The tour does not include insurance. I hope you purchase your own travel insurance.

Tours

All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hill 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 temples with great views while on pilgrimage from Kyoto to Kumano. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” beneath the hill, which was called “New World” centered on the symbol tower, “Lead to Heaven Tower”

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

FROM$210/ per group

Nara

6 hours

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 Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to enshrine them 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 could engage in ritual ceremonies and interact with deer on the grassy plazas.

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

FROM$223/ per group

Nara

6 hours

Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains

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 post town established within the grounds of Gangoji Temple in the 18th century, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.

Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains

FROM$223/ per group

Kyoto

6 hours

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

FROM$236/ per group

Kyoto

6 hrs 30 mins

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

FROM$249/ per group

Kyoto

6 hours

Kyoto, History of Film-making in Cine City

Aesthetic Sense and Matcha at a garden villa designed by a SAMURAI star. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Uzumasa/Arashiyama area had about 10 film studios (2 and a theme park still alive), and outdoor filming took place on temple grounds and riverbanks. A star (Ohkouchi Denjirou) built a garden villa to represent the aesthetic sense that he had. This tour takes you on the tram that runs through the center of the area, tracing the history of film production in the glory days.

Kyoto, History of Film-making in Cine City

FROM$236/ per group

Osaka

6 hours

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

Osaka dates back to the 6th century, when a national temple was constructed on a hill 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 temples with great views while on pilgrimage from Kyoto to Kumano. In the early 20th century, locals constructed a so-called “Paradise on Earth” beneath the hill, which was called “New World” centered on the symbol tower, “Lead to Heaven Tower”

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

FROM$210/ per group

Nara

6 hours

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 Great Buddha to pray for peace and stability in the country. Powerful aristocrats invited deities from afar to enshrine them 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 could engage in ritual ceremonies and interact with deer on the grassy plazas.

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

FROM$223/ per group

Nara

6 hours

Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains

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 post town established within the grounds of Gangoji Temple in the 18th century, still retains its retro-flavored streetscape. This tour explores these areas and appreciates the tranquil, beautiful, and pristine landscape in the old town.

Nara, Original Landscape of Old Town with Temples and Mountains

FROM$223/ per group

Kyoto

6 hours

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

FROM$236/ per group

Kyoto

6 hrs 30 mins

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

FROM$249/ per group

Kyoto

6 hours

Kyoto, History of Film-making in Cine City

Aesthetic Sense and Matcha at a garden villa designed by a SAMURAI star. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Uzumasa/Arashiyama area had about 10 film studios (2 and a theme park still alive), and outdoor filming took place on temple grounds and riverbanks. A star (Ohkouchi Denjirou) built a garden villa to represent the aesthetic sense that he had. This tour takes you on the tram that runs through the center of the area, tracing the history of film production in the glory days.

Kyoto, History of Film-making in Cine City

FROM$236/ per group

Reviews

James S.

5 / 5

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka, Spiritual Tour in Temple Town on Hill

Dec 2, 2025

Osaka

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 Hill

Nov 9, 2025

Osaka

6 hours

“Cultural tour of Kawachi/Osaka ”

Yosshi san created a unique tour to introduce us to the history of Kofun burial mounds and Haniwa clay pottery. We had an amazing day despite the weather visiting Shin-ike Haniwa Factory Park and the Imashirozuka Museum. Yosshi san has amazing knowledge & excellent English and was a pleasure to spend the day with. Also Yosshi san is a master of navigating Osaka transport, very impressed!! Thank you again Yosshi san for looking after us so well, Drew & Annie.

Yosshi S.

Dear Drew & Annie san Thank you so much for sending me your generous review. You read the explanations, took photos, and asked questions to the museum guide during the tour. I was impressed by your deep interest and knowledge, and it was a great honor to guide you. However, it's unfortunate that today's tour didn't go as planned due to the heavy rain all day. Here is the only imperial mausoleum in Japan that we can enter, so if we have another opportunity, I'd like to stroll around the 350-meter burial mound on a sunny day and discuss the Kofun age with you. Thank you so much for today. Regard Yosshi

James K.

5 / 5

Oct 21, 2025

Nara, Stroll in Nara Park led by Friendly Deer

Oct 21, 2025

Nara

6 hours

“Nara park and Todai-Temple Tour”

Wonderful tour with Yosshi. Really enjoyed both Nara Park and the Todai-ji Temple. Yosshi customized the tour for our needs, and made the travel to and from Kyoto seamless.

Yosshi S.

Hello James san Thank you for your heartwarming review. I was so happy to see you and your mother enjoying the deer in Nara Park. I was also touched by how much you always cherish your mother, and I learned a lot from you. I'm glad I was able to show you around Nara Park and the Great Buddha Hall. On the train ride there and back, you and your mother told me stories about your town and asked me many questions, which broadened my horizons. I hope you and your mother are in good health. I look forward to seeing you again. Thank you. Yosshi