Shuji O.

4.88 / 5
(17 reviews)
 

Available Areas

Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living), Wakayama, Mount Koya, Kobe, Himeji

 

Languages

English

 

Response Time

4 hours on average

 

Availability Updated

5 days ago

 

About Tour Guide 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!


Tours

Visiting Nara from Osaka ~truly the must-see place in Japan~

Osaka
8 hours

Nara: the must-see place in Japan. Nara was the capital of ancient Japan before Kyoto became the capital. In the Nara era, Buddhism played an important role in stabilizing the country. So you can see many big old temples there. Many of these are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites and are concentrated in a small area. So, if you have only one free day to spend in the Kansai area, I highly recommend visiting Nara.

FROM$280/ per group

Bamboo grove and Arashiyama area, three World Heritages.

Kyoto
8 hours

Arashiyama is the hottest tourist destination. It is incredibly beautiful in spring and fall because of its cherry blossoms and autumn leaves. In the fall, the leaves turn brown or red! In the outstanding Tenryuji, you will see a beautiful garden with beautiful mountains in the background. There are many other beautiful places with touching stories in this area. On the way back to downtown, we can visit two world heritage sites, Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. What a wonderful route!

FROM$350/ per group

Day trip to Mt. Koya from Osaka ~ Another world ~

Osaka
9 hours

There are so many temples on Mount Koya. The famous graveyard is also massive. The scene is mysterious. It takes about two hours by train from Osaka, but you are in another world once you arrive. You can learn about Buddhism in Japan while immersed in a unique atmosphere there. Mt. Koya is the headquarters of the Shingon sect of Japanese esoteric Buddhism. High Priest Kukai founded it and began building temples here. I will explain why the Japanese people love Kukai.

FROM$280/ per group

Half-day eastern Kyoto must-sees and a hidden gem

Kyoto
5 hours

There are so many beautiful places for visitors in Kyoto. If you don't have enough time or don't want to be bothered with a lot of research, I will show you how to travel more comfortably by taking the non-standard route. This is an example of a half-day trip to Kyoto in the fall. You can easily visit hidden gems and must-see places when you book my tour.

FROM$210/ per group

The best of Kyoto in any season

Kyoto
8 hours

Kyoto has been the capital of Japan for more than 1,200 years! There are so many historic sites and beautiful places that you will be at a loss for what to choose. Please tell me about your favorite. Considering the access, the season, and the time, I will make a suitable plan. I recommend some hidden gems if you like going off the beaten track. And also the charming famous popular tourist spots worth visiting when it is so busy. I will tell you stories to help you appreciate the place.

FROM$350/ per group

Half-day eastern Kyoto off the beaten track

Kyoto
4 hours

There are a lot of wonderful places in Kyoto, especially in the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons. But, because of that, such places are so busy. So I escort you to not busy, but still beautiful places. Sometimes I wonder why tourists don't visit those places. This tour is to visit such places and I don't walk on a busy road. In the end, I'd like to recommend a restaurant, considering your allergy or preference.

FROM$175/ per group

Reviews

S

Stephen K.

4 / 5
Sep 17, 2024

Osaka 6 hour private tour

Despite being called last minute to cover for another guide, Shuji was great in reworking our tour based on our interests, on the fact that the day of the tour was a Japanese holiday, and the weather was unseasonably hot and humid. Overall we had a good time with Shuji and learned about Osaka history and culture.

Shuji O.

Dear Stephen, Thank you very much for the kind words and the lovely photo. Although I was a substitute guide that day, I had a good time with you both despite the sweltering weather. I'm afraid that you got tired because of the heat. I hope your business is perfect today. Thank you again. Shuji O.

P

Peter B.

5 / 5
Sep 14, 2024

Shuji is the best

Had an absolutely incredibly time with Shuji and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him.

Shuji O.

Hi Peter! Thank you for this most excellent review! Yes, we really had wonderful experiences in the factories of the Sakai traditional blades. I owe it to your curiosity and love for Japanese culture. Thank you very much. You are a great traveler. See you again sometime!

L

Lynette M.

5 / 5
Jul 23, 2024

Amazing place with excellent guide

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)

Shuji O.

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.

M

Myriam G.

5 / 5
Jun 18, 2024

Great Day with Shuji

We had a great day visiting Himeji and its garden with Shuji. He was very accommodating and discreet. It was a perfect day!

Shuji O.

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.