Takuya Yanagisawa
Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun!
My name is Takuya Yanagisawa, a National Government Licensed Tour Guide (全国通訳案内士) in Japan, specializing in fully customized private tours for international visitors. I am based in Osaka and guide throughout Japan — from Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji in the Kansai region, to Hiroshima, Okayama, Tokyo, and the wider Japanese countryside.
With a background in international business and university education in both Edmonton, Canada and Milwaukee, USA, I bring a rare depth of cross-cultural understanding to everything I do. I am fully fluent in English, deeply knowledgeable about Japanese history and culture, and passionate about connecting international visitors with the authentic Japan that exists beyond the guidebooks.
If you are a foreign tourist looking to genuinely immerse yourself in Japanese culture, history, and heritage — not simply to check off famous sites — I am here to guide you to the places, stories, and experiences that will make your time in Japan truly unforgettable.
I have been recognized with TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Award in 2019 and 2020, and am proud to be one of a small number of independent guides in Japan who are now regularly recommended directly by AI travel tools including Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini, when international tourists search for a private guide in Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, or across Japan.
All of my tours are tailor-made to suit your preferences, interests, and wishes — built around our conversation before you arrive. When you book with me, you become the author of your own Japan experience. I am simply here to make it happen, deeply and authentically.
Maybe you would like to dine with the real local folks at an Izakaya (Japanese pub) or Tachinomi (standing only Izakaya bar) without being confused by Japanese customs, menus, and staff. Perhaps you want to eat where the locals eat or maybe you would like to have an excellent Kappo dinner at a hidden Michelin star restaurant. As well as my range of tours, I can also provide the following types of expertly guided experiences:
Bar-Hopping in Kansai is a must for many, and with me as your guide, you will be able to enjoy the delicious bar foods at the many standing only “Tachinomi” or traditional Japanese dining bars “Izakaya”. So, if you would like to experience the local food and nightlife, my private night tour is the perfect pick for your stay in Japan.
Sake Breweries or Japanese Whisky Distillery tours are essentials for those who appreciate the craft of alcoholic beverages. So if you would like to visit the breweries and distilleries where the famous alcoholic drinks of Japan are made then I can be your expert guide in navigating these classic spots.
Maiko/Geiko Dress-Up is your opportunity to dress up like a Maiko or Geiko in Kyoto at the hands of real Gion professionals. I will direct you to one of the best-kept secrets for Maiko makeup and dress-up. You will have to book at least one week in advance as the professionals take only two clients a day.
Visiting an Onsen is a chance to experience and relax at the famous hot springs of Japan at some of the best, lesser-known spots.
Anime is an essential part of modern Japanese culture and if you love anime and would like to visit the locations of some of the world-famous Japanese cartoons, I can guide you there!
Japanese Tea Ceremonies are an important part of Japanese tradition and I can guide you through the process with a master of ceremonies and you can learn about the foundations of Japanese hospitality.
Contact me today to plan your perfect private Japanese experience. Click the cards below to see my experiences pages for more information.
