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Joined 2017
Makoto Y.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara (Living), Osaka, Mount Koya, Kobe
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide Makoto Y.
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide.
My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period.
Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan.
Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge.
Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Important
No special conditions
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
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One day tour of Osaka
Osaka has been developed as international commercial city historically. People have developed the special culture in food, entertainment. This tour covers the historical sight-Osaka castle, Downtown-Dotonbori, and new Osaka station area with Umeda Sky building. We may add some more spots depending upon the interests of the customer. You enjoy the local gourmet dining, entertainment, and historical sights. You will catch the energy of Osaka people as the international city.
One day tour of Osaka
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One day trip of Nara Park
-Nara Park is famous and known as Deer Park, and more than one thousand deer roam freely in the park.-Numerous important temples, shrines, gardens and museums are within minutes of one another within the park.-The most famous sites are Todai-ji temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Kofuku-ji temple.-These temples and shrines were originally built in Nara period, 1,300 years ago.
One day trip of Nara Park
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Kyoto Historical Tour --- Memory of Emperor & Shogun
As emperor has stayed at Kyoto for more than one thousand years, there are so many historical places related with emperors in Kyoto.Also at samurai period, Muromati Shogun had stayed at Kyoto, and Tokugawa Shogun built the castle in Kyoto.This tour will visit Nijo-jo castle, Imperial palace, Kinkakuji temple, and Ninnaji temple to learn the history of Kyoto related with emperor and Shogun. Once you visit these historical sites in Kyoto, you will understand the history of Kyoto and Japan.
Kyoto Historical Tour --- Memory of Emperor & Shogun
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Kyoto Kiyomizu and Fushimi Tour
This tour is designed for the tourist, who is interested in the atmosphere of ancient capital, and cultures. This is walking tour of Kiyomizu area through Yasaka Shrine, where the ancient atmosphere is well remained. We plan to visit Nishimi Food Market street to see the food culture of Kyoto people also.
Kyoto Kiyomizu and Fushimi Tour
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Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage
- Yakushi-ji Temple is located about five kilometer south west of JR Nara station. - Two major UNESCO World Heritage temples(Yakushi-ji & Toushodai-ji) are located here. - After meeting at Nishinokyo station, we walk through Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji Temple. - As an optional tour, we can visit Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, next to Toushoudai-ji Temple.
Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage
Reviews
Namrata K.
“A Wonderful Kyoto Day with Mr. Makoto”
Our tour with Mr. Makoto was fantastic. He guided us through Kyoto’s historic sites with knowledge, warmth, and genuine kindness. He was especially patient and engaging with our 7-year-old, pointing out fun details at each temple and helping him collect colorful fall leaves. He brought us to a quiet, beautiful spot in Arashiyama for lunch—one we never would have found on our own. It truly felt like exploring Kyoto with a friend. Highly recommend. His kindness is priceless.
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Makoto Y.
Dear Namrata, Thank you for your nice comment. I am so glad to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I also enjoyed guiding you as you are very keen to learn Japanese culture and history. Your son is so nice aod smart. I hope you visit Japan again and we meet someday, Thanks again for your choosing me or your guid. Makoto
Thomas C.
“Pleasant day in Osaka”
My wife and I had a very pleasant day with our guide Makoto in Osaka. He impressed us with his deep knowledge of Japanese history visiting Osaka Castle, and we were impressed how well prepared he was when we visited Doshomachi Street, normally not on Osaka tours, but interesting a this is where the Japanese pharmaceutical industry originated with Tanabe in the 17th Century, and there are interesting company museums and exhibits of how the industry evolved from trading chinese herbal medicines to modern age.
Makoto Y.
Thank you for your nice comments. I also had a very pleasant day because I had a good chance to learn about Japanese history again through this tour. Switzerland has nice big pharmaceutical industry even though it is small country. I learned that both Japan and Switzerland have similar background to develop such special industry of pharmacy and precision machinery such as watch because we do not have much natural resource. We have to utilize human resource effectively, which I learned this time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
Ambalangodage J.
“Very immersive and insightful experience of Osaka”
Our tour with Makoto was one to remember. Punctual and organised with all the relevant materials, Makoto escorted us to iconic tourist attractions such as Osaka Castle and the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living. Funny and affable, Makoto had an extremely detailed understanding of Osaka history and Japanese culture that really enhanced our experience with the tour. He even took us shopping streets and knew a delicious place to eat lunch. Makoto gave us a beautiful photo of Osaka castle to take home and we continue to cherish it to this day. Thank you for an amazing day and we highly recommend Makoto for anyone visiting Osaka.
Makoto Y.
Dear Ambalangodage, Thanks for your nice review message. I am so happy that you have enjoyed my tour. I have also enjoyed guiding you especially shopping in the street, Also you clearly understood the relationship and power balance between Nobunaga, Hideyoshi, and Ieyasu, which is not so easy to understand. I hope that you consider coming to Osaka again in the time of cherry blossoming. Thanks again fo your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Other Popular Tour Guides in Nara
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Akira F.
Hello, my name is Akira , and I am a private guide based in Kyoto. I specialize in creating customized tours that are tailored to your interests and travel style. Kyoto is a city rich in history, culture, and hidden beauty, and I would love to share its charm with you. Whether you are interested in famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, exploring peaceful temples and gardens, or discovering local food and traditions, I will design a unique itinerary just for you. My goal is to make your time in Kyoto not only enjoyable, but also meaningful and memorable. I look forward to guiding you and helping you experience Kyoto like a local.
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Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
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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!
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