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Joined 2026
Jonathan R.
Available Areas
Osaka (Living), Kyoto, Nara
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
7 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Jonathan R.
Hi, my name is Jonathan,
Join me and help me craft an incredible experience in my favorite part of the world, Kansai.
Join me in an unforgettable experience exploring Kansai with me and my highly modified Mitsubishi Evo 6 'Gokuro San'.
I've lived in Japan for 18 years, I know Kansai inside out, and I work in the car export industry in Japan. Join me for my favorite tour, the JDM Experience, and cruise the Kanjo loop with me at night. Or explore the Ikoma 'Drift' Mountains with me for a day trip (this can also be incredible at night!). Also, send me a custom tour request, and I can custom build something for you! We could check out a car auction, head to a Japanese racetrack, or tour the Kyoto or Nara 'drift' mountains. Why not build a combination of both? Send me a message, and we can build an unforgettable experience.
I speak fluent Japanese, I can help with translations; I know all the best spots for food and drink. Send me a message; and even if I can't help, I can point you in the right direction.
See you on tour!
Important
Message me for a customized experience! Let me know what you like; and I can send you a custom itinerary made just for you based on what you like, and your personality.
Saturdays (especially the last Saturday of every month) are the bookings with the best chance to see the coolest cars in JDM Meets. Other nights might be quieter; but we can check social media for the best possible spot any night.
Events and tours may be cancelled in very bad weather.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Nara and Ikoma 'Drift' Moutains Driving Experience
Day Tour exploring the gorgeous and scenic Touge Ikoma 'Drift' mountains. Channel your inner Initial-D Takumi on the Curved Roads and incredible views. Especially incredible during the changing seasons, with the Cherry Blossoms looking incredible in Spring, and the falling autumn leaves in Fall. The JDM car culture connected to the Ikoma Mountains and the Skyline driving pass is a blend of motorsport enthusiasm, underground street racing history, and breathtaking scenic drives.
Nara and Ikoma 'Drift' Moutains Driving Experience
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Osaka Night Drive KanjoLoop Expressway, AmericaMura and HighashiOsaka PA
Live the Neo-Osaka nightlife driving in a highly customed Evo 6. Feel the blow-off valve rip, as we cruise around the neon-lit famous Kanjo Loop. AmericaMura or HigashiOsaka will host impromptu car meets most nights of the week (Sat being the best), look for JDM Legends in the wild. There will be plenty of Instagram-able moments... Amazing insight into JDM Culture, a great fit for Car enthusiasts, families or just someone who wants to take some incredible photos to make friends jealous at home.
Osaka Night Drive KanjoLoop Expressway, AmericaMura and HighashiOsaka PA
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Koyasan UNESCO Temple Road Trip — Scenic Drive in a Mitsubishi Evo 6
Koyasan (Mt. Koya) is one of Japan’s most sacred destinations. A peaceful mountain-top temple town founded over 1,200 years ago. Hidden in the misty cedar forests of Wakayama, Koyasan is famous for its spiritual atmosphere, stunning temple architecture, and the unforgettable Okunoin cemetery trail. We’ll leave Osaka behind and head deep into the mountains in my iconic Mitsubishi Evo6. Unlike public transport, this experience is comfortable, time-efficient, and fully guided.
Koyasan UNESCO Temple Road Trip — Scenic Drive in a Mitsubishi Evo 6
Reviews
Dylan C.
“Amazing time with Jonathan in Osaka!”
I had a personalised tour with Jonno in the Evo 6 (great car) and wanted to hit a lot of Osaka’s main hotspots. Jonathan helped us out with a customised itinerary and was super lovely, funny and knowledgeable about each site we went to. We not only had heaps for fun throughout the day but also just had fun hanging out with Jonno. This was also easily the best bang for your buck tour we have done on our Japan trip (we’ve done a lot), and you also get to ride in a super cool car. We’re super grateful for this experience!
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Jonathan R.
Thanks Dylan! I genuinely had a blast hanging out with you guys, and I enjoyed putting together the customised itinary adding extra recommendations here and there. I haven't been on the Tempozan Ferris wheel in years, so it was a great opportunity to get in on a great night-spot with you guys.
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
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Rina K.
Hi I'm Rina. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to Japan. I was born and raised in Osaka, and I’m truly excited to show you both the city’s famous landmarks and its hidden gems. Osaka is full of incredible food and fun places to explore. I’m always thinking about how to design routes that feel comfortable for each guest and what kind of scenery will make them fall in love with this city. Seeing guests react with surprise and joy to the little moments in everyday Osaka is one of the most rewarding parts of guiding. My hope is simple: I want you to enjoy Osaka with ease and leave feeling even more connected to this place. I’m confident in my stamina — I’ve guided an eight‑hour tour without lunch — but I also offer slow‑paced, relaxing tours. Together, we’ll create a plan that matches your interests and energy level so you can enjoy the day without stress. You can count on me for the best timing to avoid crowds, truly delicious local spots, and places only Osaka residents know. My goal is to give you a warm, memorable experience that makes you think, “I want to come back to Osaka again.” I look forward to guiding you through an Osaka you’ll want to return to.
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Takashi M.
Hi, my name is Takashi!! When I go abroad, I think that how nice it would be to have a friend there and hang out together. I want you to feel like you have a friend in Osaka and we can go around and explore. I was born and grew up in Japan. And I speak English, Spanish and Japanese. I can be the perfect guide for you!! I can guide you in any city in Japan, just let me know where you wanna go :)
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Nikki K.
I am a Kyoto City Certified Guide, recognized as a top performer in its official training program as well as a Goverment-Certified Luxury Travel Guide. Having lived in 7 countries for nearly 30 years — including 9 years in the U.S.(California, New York & Texas) — I offer a truly global perspective and an intuitive understanding of international guests. As a descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai,” sharing Japan’s history and spirit is deeply personal to me. My background as a licensed New York City tour guide, the official VIP protocol at the World Expo 2025. British Airways flight attendant, medical interpreter, and TV reporter has shaped my ability to connect effortlessly across cultures. I primarily guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Uji, with bespoke journeys to Tokyo, Naoshima, and Himeji Castle available upon request. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the true heart of Japan!
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