Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living), Wakayama, Mount Koya, Kobe, Himeji
English
4 hours on average
Today
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!
Our guide Shuji took excellent care of our family. He was very considerate planning the tour so the children and adults can enjoy the place. He made suggestions so it was easy for the kids to navigate (5 and 7 years old). He recommended which place to eat and advice us which place to avoid. He was very patient answering my nephew's questions about fishing! Unfortunately it rained but it was towards the end of our tour. We would highly recommend our guide Shuji. Thank you for the wonderful tour. Lynette and family ( Philippines)
Thank you for your kind review. We visited Nara considering the sudden heavy rain and the condition of 5 and 7-year-old children. The most challenging thing for me was the series of questions from 7-year-old boys about fishing. Yes, I also had a pleasant day in Nara. Thank you very much. See you sometime.
We had a great day visiting Himeji and its garden with Shuji. He was very accommodating and discreet. It was a perfect day!
Thank you for the wonderful review. As you suggested starting early, we were able to enjoy Himeji Castle and Kokoen Garden during the cooler hours. And we got amazing seats for lunch. It really was a lovely tour. I would love to go on a tour with you all anytime. I hope you enjoy the tours for the rest of your stay in Japan.
We spent a day with Shuji in Kyoto and went at the end with him to Osaka where he lives. It was a great day. He is very knowlegeeable about Japanese history and culture (he taught world history before retiring). His Englsh is great. The Kyoto part was exploring three temples that were further out and we might have missed without his guidance. Osaka was a brief tour of the central area, including the night life and street food. He recommended a great restaurant for us after. Highly recommended. Kent and Luca
Dear Kent and Luca, Thank you so much for the great review. We really had a wonderful time. Since you had already visited many places in Kyoto, I was able to take you to my most favorite hidden gems. And thank you very much for your barrage of jokes! I hope I can see both of you again. Shuji O.
Shuji was an excellent guide, we had a wonderful, interesting day.
Thanks for the great review. We enjoyed the beautiful roses in the Nakanoshima Garden and were lucky enough to get nice seats at the riverside cafe. Above all, visiting the Sky Building was an unexpected opportunity for your wife, a professional architect. We really had a great time today. Thank you very much.