All My Private Tours in Kansai & Beyond
Fully Customized Private Tours Across Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe & Beyond
Here you’ll find all of my Kansai private tours in one place.
Each tour below is a starting point, not a fixed package. Choose a destination that interests you, and I’ll shape the day around your pace, your interests, and the season.
Every itinerary is built around you — whether you’re drawn to the ancient temples of Kyoto, the street food culture of Osaka, the sacred deer parks of Nara, the castle towns of Kobe and Himeji, the timeless beauty of Hiroshima, or the quiet charm of the Japanese countryside — from the hidden gems of Osaka’s suburbs to the historic ninja town of Iga Ueno.
Unlike group tours, there is no fixed schedule and no compromise. A private guide gives you deeper access — the stories behind the shrines, the local restaurants most tourists never find, and the insider knowledge that transforms a good trip into an unforgettable one.
Not sure where to begin? Tell me what you enjoy, and I’ll recommend the right combination.
Feature Destinations
Osaka Suburban Tour
Maki's Secret Gourmet Tour of Kobe
Private Tours
Private Tour of Kyoto
My customized private tour of Kyoto can take you from the Buddhist temples in the ancient city to the bamboo forests just outside. On the same recommended trip, you can experience a Gion tour (Geiko and Maiko), Hanami (flower & cherry blossom viewing in spring) or Koyo (autumn color foliage) depending on the season. Alternatively, treat yourself to a Kyoto food tour or Sake brewery tour.
Private Tour of Nara
Have you ever fancied feeding rice crackers to deer? If so, now’s your chance on this amazing tour of Nara where we can head to Nara Park to feed the animals. This Nara day trip journeys through ancient Buddhist temples stopping at UNESCO heritage sites and beautiful Japanese gardens. You can also taste sake in the birthplace of the famous Japanese alcoholic drink.
Private Tour of Osaka
The bright lights of Osaka await and I can offer you a range of niche tours of my wonderful city. I have anime tours, Osaka food tours, and traditional city and history tours. You can spend your day weaving through the back alleys to see the hidden gems of the metropolis or head to famous landmarks such as the impressive Osaka Castle.
Osaka Suburban Tour
Discover the real Osaka — beyond the tourist trail. From Minoh Falls and Katsuoji Temple to Sakai’s UNESCO kofun tombs, Tondabayashi Jinaimachi, and Osaka’s wine country, this private suburban tour takes you to places most visitors never find.
Private Tour of Kobe, Himeji, & Akashi
Explore the wonders of Kobe, Himeji, & Akashi in just one day on this day trip from Osaka. Take a train to Himeji Castle or stay in downtown Kobe and sample the delights of the city. If you’re a foodie then you may enjoy a Kobe food tour or an Akashi sushi tour. If you love sake then you must check out one of the many local breweries. In winter, why not head up the mountain and ski or soak the winter chill away in the oldest hot springs in the country.
Maki’s Secret Gourmet Tour of Kobe
Kobe has one of Japan’s most sophisticated food cultures — and the best places are not the ones in any guidebook. Maki is a Kansai gourmet insider with over a decade of experience and relationships that open doors most visitors never find. An evening of carefully chosen restaurants, standing bars, and sake counters in Kobe and Akashi. By application only.
Private Tour of Japanese Countryside & Beyond
Travel through rural Japan and beyond to experience the more traditional side of Japanese life. From the beautiful countryside to the stunning mountains and fascinating islands, rural Japan is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. My exclusive itineraries are packed with unique and unforgettable experiences from a tour of Hiroshima and WWII memorials to a visit to the dinosaur fossils and museum in Fukui.
Virtual Tours of Japan
See the beauty of Japan from the comfort of your own home with my virtual tour experience. I will provide a running commentary with local insight and perspective. Fire up your computer, phone, or tablet to see the stunning landscapes of my beautiful country from the comfort of your own home.
Tokushima and Naruto
Looking to escape the tourist crowds and experience the authentic side of Japan? A journey to Tokushima or Naruto on Shikoku Island offers an unforgettable blend of dynamic nature, rich culture, and mouthwatering local cuisine. You’ll be captivated by the pristine, untouched landscapes, the famous traditional Awa Odori dance, and unique Japanese craftsmanship, like the ancient art of indigo dyeing.
Hiroshima and Miyajima
Hiroshima is a city known for its deep historical significance and tragic connection to World War II. It stands as a symbol of peace and resilience, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park. If you’re staying in Kansai, I can guide you on a memorable day excursion to this remarkable city, where history and peace intertwine.
Iga Ueno
Many people have heard of Ninjas, whether from samurai movies or pop culture. However, what you’ve seen in films and TV shows often differs from historical reality. On this private Iga tour, you’ll uncover the fascinating truth about the legendary Iga Ninja, their role in feudal Japan, and their unique way of life.
Fukui
Dramatic cliffs, ancient Zen temples, and the world’s largest dinosaur museum. Fukui is one of Japan’s most rewarding — and least visited — destinations.
Mount Fuji & Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka
Witness snow-capped Mount Fuji rising dramatically above the ocean—a view few travelers experience. Best seen from the Izu Peninsula’s west coast or aboard a scenic ferry crossing Suruga Bay.
Okayama
Visit Okayama — the Sunshine Prefecture. Blessed with the calm Seto Inland Sea to the south and forested mountains inland, Okayama offers a rare combination of deep history, magnificent nature, and authentic daily life that most international visitors never discover.
How My Kansai Private Tours Work
Kansai is compact. Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Kobe all sit within about an hour of each other by train, which makes the region ideal for private touring. From a single hotel in Osaka or Kyoto, you can reach ancient temples, castle towns, food markets, and quiet countryside without long transfers.
On the day of your tour, I meet you at your hotel lobby or a nearby station, and we travel together by train, subway, and bus — the same way local people do. You never need to work out a ticket machine or a transfer. Before your trip, we exchange emails so that each day reflects your interests, your walking pace, and any special needs in your group.
Destinations Across Kansai
- Kyoto — temples, gardens, and geisha districts, with quieter alternatives to the most crowded sites
- Nara — Japan’s first permanent capital, the Great Buddha of Todai-ji, and the deer of Nara Park
- Osaka — castle history, soul food, and the city I call home
- Osaka Suburbs — Minoh Falls, Katsuoji Temple, and the ancient kofun tombs of Sakai
- Kobe, Himeji, and Akashi — Himeji Castle, Kobe pearls, and the sake breweries of Nada
- Hikone and Nagahama — an original castle and historic streets on the shores of Lake Biwa
- Iga Ueno — the real history of the Iga ninja
Multi-Region Journeys Across Japan
My tours are not limited to Kansai. I guide throughout Japan, and many guests travel with me across several regions — from a few days to two weeks or longer. For example, a longer journey might follow Tokyo – Kanazawa – Kyoto – Nara – Izu, or Kobe – Hiroshima – Kyoto – Fukui – Manza – Tokyo. A shorter trip might cover Naruto – Tokushima – Takamatsu – Iga. I plan the whole route, handle the trains and timing, and guide you from the first day to the last.
Beyond Kansai, my tour pages include Hiroshima and Miyajima, Okayama, Fukui, Tokushima and Naruto, Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula, and the wider Japanese countryside.
Choosing the Right Season
Cherry blossom season in early spring and autumn foliage in late autumn are the most beautiful times in Japan — and the most crowded. If you travel in these seasons, I plan the timing of each visit carefully and include lesser-known spots that are just as beautiful. Summer is hot and humid, so I build in shade, indoor stops, and longer breaks. Winter brings clear skies, fewer visitors, and the warmth of hot springs.
Why Travel With a Licensed Local Guide
I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in Osaka. Before becoming a guide, I spent many years in international business, and I studied in Canada and the United States. That background helps me explain Japan’s history, etiquette, and everyday culture in clear, natural English — with context that goes far beyond a guidebook.
Many of my guests return to Japan and ask for me again, and many introduce their family and friends.
Planning Your Kansai Private Tour
Tell me your travel dates, the size of your group, and what you enjoy, and I will suggest the right combination of destinations — in Kansai or across Japan. See the frequently asked questions for details on how booking works, or contact me directly to start planning.
TAKE MY GUESTS’ WORD FOR IT
