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
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
Katy A.
“Excellent guide, very informative ”
We booked Makoto for 2 days - Kyoto site seeing and Nara. Both days were wonderful. We were there during Golden Week and even though both places were extremely busy, he knew were to take us to see the sites and to avoid the crowds. He has very good English and a great knowledge of the history. Excellent guide and I 100% recommend him
Makoto Y.
Dear Katy, Thank you so much for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you have enjoyed the tour. I also enjoyed very much especially knowing that you are both good animal lover. It was wonderful timing to see the wisteria in Kyoto and Nara. I am sure that you will enjoy the autumn color of Japan. Please visit Japan again. Thank you for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Chris M.
“Visit Himeji castle and Koko-en Japanese gardens ”
Makoto met us at the port and guided us via trains to Himeji where we visited a beautiful and famous castle and fabulous gardens. Lots of steps to the top of the castle but worthwhile for fantastic views. Great lunch afterwards and visiting local shops on the way back to train, we also stopped at Akashi Kaikyo suspension bridge the longest in the world. Makoto was very friendly and knowledgeable with nothing too much trouble. A great day out
Makoto Y.
Dear Chris, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy that you have enjoyed the tour. You are the very first customer who knows 007 series movie, which was taken at Himeji castle. I am very happy that I can communicate 007 movie at Himeji castle. It was so windy at Akashi Kaikyo bridge park, where normally people can relax and enjoy. Maybe you can visit there again someday. Awaji island is very beautiful island, which may be similar to your hometown. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Mitul P.
“Excellent guide to see Osaka if you are short on time”
Makoto was excellent guiding us to see the main spots of Osaka since we were limited on time. He was very informative on all the major sights that we saw and my family including 2 teens enjoyed the tour very much! Highly recommend him! Thank you Makoto.
Makoto Y.
Dear Mitul, Thank you for your nice comments. I am so happy to know that you and family enjoyed the tour. This tour was done in the limited time frame, so please come back again with enough time frame next time. I assure that you will enjoy more. Thanks again for your choosing me for your guide. Makoto
Other Popular Tour Guides in Nara
Yasuhisa K.
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.
Hiroshi Y.
Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .
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!
