Makoto Y.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara (Living), Osaka, Mount Koya, Kobe
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Makoto Y.
Hello, I’m Makoto (Mac) and I'm a national-licensed tour guide.
My previous career as an automotive engineer, gave me the opportunity to learn English and to live in the US, Germany, and England. After I retired, I learned more about the Japanese history especially focusing on Nara and Kyoto to become a historical specialist of the Nara area. I now live in Ikaruga town in Nara prefecture, where the UNESCO World Heritage, Horyuji temple is located. I regularly offer guides on the Fujinoki tumulus, which is located near the Horyuji temple. It contains very interesting Archaeological findings from the end of the Kofun Period.
Recently, there are many foreign tourists who come to Japan, and I hope they enjoy learning about the culture and history of Japan. I would like to help tourists have a broader and deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and that is the reason why I decided to become a tour guide to help and support their experience in Japan.
Nara is the place where Japan started. The capital was located in Asuka, Fujiwara and Nara before it moved to Kyoto. Therefore, there are many places to visit in Nara to trace the original history of Japan, which I have a depth of knowledge.
Let’s explore the roots of Japan together!!
Important
No special conditions
Tours
Kyoto 1 Day Tour covering Most Popular Spots
This tour covers the most popular spots in Kyoto with scenic beauty.The spots are selected from Fushimi area, Arashiyama area, and Kitayama area of Kyoto.From the point of scenic beauty, you will see Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine, Arashiyama Bamboo grove, and Kinkakuji Golden Pavilion, whereyou can take memorable pictures. You will visit the major scenic sites in one day effectively. These three areas are apart from each other, but can be travelled by JR-train and bus in relatively short time.
One day tour of Osaka
Osaka has been developed as international commercial city historically. People have developed the special culture in food, entertainment. This tour covers the historical sight-Osaka castle, Downtown-Dotonbori, and new Osaka station area with Umeda Sky building. We may add some more spots depending upon the interests of the customer. You enjoy the local gourmet dining, entertainment, and historical sights. You will catch the energy of Osaka people as the international city.
One day trip of Nara Park
-Nara Park is famous and known as Deer Park, and more than one thousand deer roam freely in the park.-Numerous important temples, shrines, gardens and museums are within minutes of one another within the park.-The most famous sites are Todai-ji temple, Kasuga Grand Shrine, and Kofuku-ji temple.-These temples and shrines were originally built in Nara period, 1,300 years ago.
Kyoto Historical Tour --- Memory of Emperor & Shogun
As emperor has stayed at Kyoto for more than one thousand years, there are so many historical places related with emperors in Kyoto.Also at samurai period, Muromati Shogun had stayed at Kyoto, and Tokugawa Shogun built the castle in Kyoto.This tour will visit Nijo-jo castle, Imperial palace, Kinkakuji temple, and Ninnaji temple to learn the history of Kyoto related with emperor and Shogun. Once you visit these historical sites in Kyoto, you will understand the history of Kyoto and Japan.
Kyoto Kiyomizu and Fushimi Tour
This tour is designed for the tourist, who is interested in the atmosphere of ancient capital, and cultures. This is walking tour of Kiyomizu area through Yasaka Shrine, where the ancient atmosphere is well remained. We plan to visit Nishimi Food Market street to see the food culture of Kyoto people also.
Nara Yakushi-ji /Toshodai-ji Temple --- World Heritage
- Yakushi-ji Temple is located about five kilometer south west of JR Nara station. - Two major UNESCO World Heritage temples(Yakushi-ji & Toushodai-ji) are located here. - After meeting at Nishinokyo station, we walk through Yakushi-ji, and Toshodai-ji Temple. - As an optional tour, we can visit Mausoleum of Emperor Suinin, next to Toushoudai-ji Temple.
Reviews
Tamara C.
“ Great introduction to Nara ”
We enjoyed our tour with Makoto. He was friendly and generous, adjusting the tour to suit my 13year old, we especially loved feeding the deer, visiting the shrines & temples the opportunity to try on yukata. I highly recommend a guided tour Makato. Thank you for showing us around Nara.
Makoto Y.
Dear Tamara, Thanks for your nice comments on my tour. I am so glad to know that you enjoyed the tour. I have recognized that you and your daughter are nice animal lover and Origami lover. I was surprised that your daughter arranged the deer Origami, the foot of which was so real. She must have some special talent. Nara is nice city especially in springtime. I hope that you visit Nara again. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide. Best regards, Makoto
Oleg V.
“ Excellent tour with Makoto ”
Makoto was a wonderful guide. He is very details oriented, provided us with a detailed itinerary, maps, and valuable history information before we even started the tour. Makoto was flexible and adjusted the itinerary to what we really wanted to see. He has a wonderful sense of humor as well and we had a fun day having him as a guide!
Makoto Y.
Dear Oleg, Thanks for your nice comments on the tour. It was nice judgement for you to visit Toji temple and Sanjyusangendo, as the visiting time is limited but they shows good Japanese history. I enjoyed guiding you Kyoto and also the history of Osaka very much. Thanks for your choosing me of your guide. Makoto
Leonid S.
“ One of the best tours ”
Makato was great! He was very flexible and adjusted to our schedule. He also changed the tour based on what we wanted to see, which made it more enjoyable. Makato helped us navigate Osaka and eliminate any complications throughout the day. He even stayed with us to find my son the dessert he wanted. Makato made the day unforgettable! On top of everything, we enjoyed his sense of humor and his ability to make the tour extra fun!
Makoto Y.
Dear Leonid, Thanks for your nice comments for my tour. I also enjoyed very much with the conversation with you and your sense of humor. The best part is that your son mentioned about the samurai picture stating that this samurai is being interviewed after the big battle. I will never forget this sense as the picture was really indicating that situation. I hope that your son will take you to Japan next time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto
Vincenzo M.
“ Nice Kyoto visit ”
Makoto was great guide through Kyoto. He is specialised in Nara , but still managed well Kyoto. Very smiley and nice person to spend time with.
Makoto Y.
Dear Vincenzo, Thanks for your nice comments. Even for me, Rokudo-chinnkouji temple was so unique temple, and nice to visit here. I enjoyed guiding you including this temple, and Ninnaji temple etc. Please consider visiting Japan again with your children next time. Thanks again for your choosing me of your guide this time. Makoto