Makoto Y.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara (Living), Osaka, Mount Koya, Kobe
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
5 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
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Makoto Y. Japan Tour Reviews
“Kyoto - A must go if you are in Japan”
Thank you Makoto for the 1 1/2 day of Kyoto tours. The places that you took us were amazing. Yes, it was busy but you knew the best places for pictures and thanks for taking them for us. What a beautiful place to visit and experience. You da man, Makoto!
Makoto Y.
(94 reviews)Dear James, Thanks for your sending nice pictures. These are beautiful pictures and will be great memory for me. Best regards, Makoto
“Kyoto - A must go in Japan”
Had a great time in Kyoto with Makoto. We toured 1 1/2 days in Kyoto. Makoto showed us the must-sees and gave us the details of history to this beautiful and remarkable city. The cherry blossom blooms were a few in hand but Makoto knew where to takes us to maximize their beauty. Makoto - Thank you for taking those amazing pics.
Makoto Y.
(94 reviews)Dear James, Thank you for your nice comments for the tour. I am so glad that you have enjoyed the tour. It was a bit earlier to see the full blossoming of cherry trees in Kyoto, but other flowers such as azalea, weeping cherry blossoms support the spring atmosphere, which we enjoyed. Thanks for your cooperation to make the tour successful. Also Thanks for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
“Recommended tour”
Makoto is very organized. From the beginning he gave us some printed materials about Japan history and showed us the sites to visit on the map. He is very skilled to navigate in the crowd (Kyoto is very crowded!). He was flexible and included 2 additional incredible sites for us to enjoy. Also he gave some useful information about getting to Nara and Uji using the trains. I recommend this tour with Makoto.
Makoto Y.
(94 reviews)Dear Svetlana, Thanks for your nice comments on my tour. I also enjoyed very much to guide you these places including the new additional places, as these additional placed can be known to the people, who understand the culture and history of Japan so much. It was so good that there is not so many visitors there also. I hope that you come to Japan again to exchange the culture. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto