Joined 2017
Makoto Y.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara (Living), Osaka, Mount Koya, Kobe
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
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
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.
Reviews
Gerard B.
“A valuable dip into some critical points of Japanese history”
Makoto guided me through a very interesting and enjoyable tour with lots of useful additional information on each location. Both history and anecdotal facts. We toured Ninjo Castle and grounds and the Imperial Palace and grounds with valuable commentary from Makoto to understand the context of each. We then moved on to Kinkaku-ji Temple and grounds followed by Ryoan-ji Temple and gardens. Again with valuable context and background provided by Makoto. It was a well structured tour to gain a good understanding of the role of each of these locations in Japanese history as well as the stories associated with them. Makoto is attentive and knowledgeable and flexible to adjust to preferences of the people he is guiding. He knows a lot and has a lot to share. He guides you through a very worthwhile and enjoyable day.
Makoto Y.
Dear Gerard. Thank you for your nice comments in my tour. I am happy to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I have also enjoyed the guide as you have good understanding about the role of Emperor and Shogun, and the change depending upon the timeframe. I hope you come back to Japan again for which I will study the Japanese history more to prepare for your questions, which I will enjoy. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Donald H.
“Highlights of Kyoto”
An excellent tour of the temples and shrines of Kyoto. Makoto gave us the history and interesting facts about each of the sites we visited. He managed to quickly connect us through public transit to give us time to visit multiple locations during our day in Kyoto. Would highly recommend Makoto and this tour. Makoto is friendly, knowledgeable and has excellent English language skills.
Makoto Y.
Dear Donald, Thank you very much for your nice comments. I am happy to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I enjoyed to see the plumn blossoming, and enjoyed for you watching it. I hope you enjoy the trip in Japan. Thank you again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
Jacob R.
“Exceptional Guide: Makoto Made Our Japan Trip Unforgettable”
Our January trip to Japan, encompassing Nara, Osaka, and Kyoto, was transformed from a standard tourist experience into an unforgettable journey thanks to Makoto. We sought to immerse ourselves in the rich culture and history, and Makoto exceeded our expectations in every way. He didn't just point out landmarks; he brought them to life with insightful explanations and historical context, giving depth and meaning to every photograph we captured. More than a guide, Makoto became 'whānau,' a true member of our family, sharing his knowledge and warmth with us. Beyond the historical insights, Makoto expertly navigated the complexities of Japanese travel, seamlessly guiding us through train systems, recommending authentic local cuisine, and pinpointing the best shopping spots. His communication was impeccable, ensuring our itinerary aligned perfectly with our interests. He was incredibly responsive and flexible, tailoring our experience to our specific desires. Makoto's presence made our trip not just enjoyable, but deeply enriching. We left Japan with cherished memories and a genuine connection. Without hesitation, we will seek out Makoto's exceptional services on our next visit. Thank you, Makoto, for making our Japanese adventure truly extraordinary. Sincerely, Jacob
Makoto Y.
Dear Jacob, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy that you had nice trip of Japan, and I could support this trip. During the guide, I felt that you have really nice family relationship and I could feel that I am one of your family member. This is what recent Japanese people is missing recently. Please consider coming back to Japan again. Thaks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
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I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
