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Joined 2024
Yosshi S.
Available Areas
Osaka (Living), Kobe, Kyoto, Nara
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page. I am passionate about guiding international travelers through Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto—cities that served as Japan’s capitals in succession from the 7th to the 20th centuries.
I grew up in Osaka and studied urban and transportation planning in Kyoto. After obtaining a Master of Engineering degree, I worked as a government official for 20 years, striving to balance urban development with the preservation of historical assets under the City Planning Act.
Since the 7th century, powerful local clans established a national framework by building new capitals—first in Naniwa (Osaka), followed by Heijo (Nara) and Heian (Kyoto)—and implementing legal codes and administrative systems led by the emperor. These capitals housed the Imperial Palace and government districts. Court nobles built their residences and clans’ temples or shrines adjacent to the imperial palace.
After the emperor and court nobles relocated from Kyoto to Tokyo about 150 years ago, the Buddhist monks, Shinto priests, and residents of these three cities have continued to work together to maintain historic structures and preserve the traditional religious rituals associated with them.
After retiring from public service, I began working as a freelance guide, sharing these historical assets with travelers from abroad.
Since these three cities are all within about one hour of each other by train, I can propose tours customized to your schedule and physical stamina. I look forward to hearing from you.
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 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.
>It is possible to pick you up at your hotel (Osaka, Nara, or Kyoto) and take you to the spots in the other city with no additional guide fee.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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
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
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
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
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
Rose L.
“Great place and guide”
This was our second day with same guide! He was open to what we wanted to see and we had a wonderful day walking and being part of Osaka !
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Yosshi S.
Dear Rose-san, thank you so much for leaving a review. I am truly grateful you chose me as your guide for your two-day trip to Kyoto and Osaka. Although it rained from the morning in Osaka and we had to change our original itinerary, I was relieved and deeply touched to receive such a warm review. Osaka has long flourished as a city of commerce, and its people, myself included, are known for being talkative and friendly. It brings me great joy that you, with your energetic and curious spirits, enjoyed visiting the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, as well as dining and shopping there. By the time we meet again, I will have expanded my Spanish vocabulary, and I look forward to guiding you once more, perhaps this time while wearing a Sukajan! Yosshi
Rose L.
“Great experience ”
Totally different experience - we weren’t picked up by car - instead Yosshi met us and we took local transportation, taxis and lots of walking! Got to experience the local side of touring and he made sure to tell us as much as possible of the areas around us!
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Yosshi S.
Dear Rose san Thank you for leaving a review. I was relieved to read your kind words, especially given all the walking we did while using local transportation, which must have been physically demanding. It would bring me great joy to know that you enjoyed interacting with fellow passengers and taking in the scenery from the windows while traveling by train and tram. I was also very pleased to explain how Kyoto’s cultural heritage and traditional events are sustained through the long-standing efforts of the local community in Gion Kagai. ”Buen viaje”, and I hope to see you again. Warm regards. Yosshi
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Michelle M.
“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.
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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
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北澤
大家好! 我姓北澤,現住在大阪。我從'80年代開始到2000年代作為國際貿易公司的常駐代表先後在中國大陸的大連,北京,上海與深圳常駐了共7次,時間共達18年,走遍了中國的60個城市與地區。每次均承蒙中國朋友們的格外關照,對此表示衷心的感謝! 關於台灣,也因公出差了20次左右,訪問了台北,基隆,高雄與台中,亦受到了熱情接待,表示衷心的感謝! 至於香港,有過因公出差或私人旅遊,訪問了十多次,也成為很好的回憶。 現在,我作為日本政府國土交通省(交通部)觀光廳(旅遊局)批准的口譯導遊開始工作,已經為中國大陸,台灣以及其他國家‧地區的華人提供了優質的導遊服務。 希望繼續為中國,台灣,香港,新加坡以及其他國家‧地區的華人遊客們介紹美麗的日本風光,日本美食以及日本文化等。希望各位隨時垂詢。我將竭盡全力為大家提供優質服務, 謝謝大家!
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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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Ana I.
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