Joined 2017
Makoto Y.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara (Living), Osaka, Mount Koya, Kobe
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days 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
“Kyoto and Nara”
Had a great time traveling around Kyoto and Nara and learning about the history of Japan. Very informative and interesting tours.
Makoto Y.
Dear Nick. Thanks for your prompt review comments. I had wonderful time spent with you as you had good knowledge about history of Japan. We have good time of cherry blossoming, autumn leaves etc. Please come to Japan again. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
“Makoto is marvelous!”
We arrived at Kyoto around noon and met Makoto, aka Mac. We visited several shrines/temples: 1) Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine (it’s famous for its thousand torie gates); it’s the most popular spot In Japan according to Trip Advisor; 2)Arashiyama Area----Bamboo grove, Tenryuji temple with beautiful garden; and, 3) Togetsu-kyo Bridge(Moon-crossing Bridge). Everything was great!!! MAC is marvelous!!!
Makoto Y.
Dear Steve, Thank you very much for your nice review comments. It was so fun for me to guide you as you and your wife have nice sense of humor, and I really enjoyed the conversation. I hope you come back again sometime, to see the cherry blossoming, autumn leaves, etc. Thanks again for you to choose me of your guide. Mac
“One Day Nara tour with Makoto”
Thank you Makoto-san for taking care of my clients and providing them with a nice tour in Nara!
Makoto Y.
Dear Rowana, Thanks for your message. I have also enjoyed guiding them, as they are animal lovers and enjoyed feeding to deers. I believe that they enjoyed visiting Yakushiji temple. It would be good idea to visit yakushiji temple in future Nara tour schedule. Thanks again for your choosing me as Nara tour guide. Makoto
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