Traveling in Japan can be incredible. It can also be overwhelming. That’s why we offer custom, stress-free private tours in Kansai’s most iconic cities: Osaka, Nara, Himeji, and Kobe. With bilingual support and deep local knowledge, your guide helps you connect with the places, people, and culture—without the hassle.


We specialize in private tours across Kansai. Each plan is built for your pace and interests. Whether you're exploring Osaka Castle, feeding deer in Nara, strolling through Himeji Castle, or enjoying a quiet afternoon in Kobe, we make your journey smooth and meaningful. With years of local experience and fluent English and Japanese, we help you connect with the culture—not just see it.

Visiting Japan can feel unfamiliar at first. But with the right guide, it becomes simple and enjoyable. Getting around, reading signs, ordering lunch all become much easier and enjoyable when someone’s there to support you. That’s what we do.
You’ll explore deeper, learn more, and make memories that last.
We tailor each trip around your interests. No templates. No pressure.
We help with everything from train stations to ticket machines and local tips.
We go at your pace. No rushing, no tight schedules.

No two travelers are the same, and no two tours should be either. Whether you want a deep dive into local history or a laid-back day with good food and great views, we build your plan around what matters to you. With flexible timing, local knowledge, and personal support, we make it easy to enjoy Kansai without the stress.

Every plan is built around what you want to see, eat, and experience. We handle the routes, timing, and logistics. You just enjoy.

Perfect for families, friends, or couples. All ages welcome. We adjust the pace and focus based on the group.

We’re there to make your trip easier. From buying tickets to changing plans mid-day, we’re ready for it.
With years of expertise in travel planning and guiding, our team is dedicated to creating journeys that inspire, enrich, and empower every traveler. From personalized itineraries to immersive cultural experiences, we focus on making your adventures seamless, memorable, and transformative.
Years of Expertise
of Destinations
Years in Japan
Bilingual Support

Lively, bold, and food-obsessed. Osaka is where you’ll find bustling markets, street food stalls, and a casual, energetic vibe that’s hard to resist. It’s great for first-time visitors who want to experience a mix of culture and fun.
Highlights: Osaka Castle, Dotonbori, Namba Yasaka Shrine, Universal Studios Japan, takoyaki and okonomiyaki.

Japan’s first permanent capital and a peaceful escape from the city. Nara is home to friendly deer, giant Buddha statues, and beautiful temple grounds. It’s a great half-day trip that feels like stepping into a slower, quieter Japan.
Highlights: Nara Park, Todai-ji Temple, Kofukuji, walkable temples and tea shops.

Known for its classic temples, peaceful gardens, and traditional wooden houses. From the geisha district of Gion to the quiet paths of Arashiyama, Kyoto gives you a deep sense of Japan’s cultural roots. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful seasonal views in the country.
Highlights: Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu-Dera, Arashiyama bamboo forest, Kaiseki dining.

A stylish port city with a mix of city charm and mountain scenery. Kobe is famous for its namesake beef and offers an easygoing, beautiful day trip with options for ropeways, gardens, and sea views.
Highlights: Kobe Harborland, Mount Rokko, ropeway to the Herb Garden, Kobe beef tasting

Home to Japan’s most spectacular surviving feudal castle, Himeji is ideal for history lovers. The white castle towers above the city and is surrounded by gardens and quiet streets that make for a relaxing and memorable visit.
Highlights: Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden, traditional architecture, scenic backstreets

🍜 Food to Look Forward To
Takoyaki – Octopus-filled snacks grilled on the street (Osaka must-try)
Okonomiyaki – Savoury cabbage pancake with your choice of fillings
Kaiseki Ryori – Elegant, seasonal multi-course dining (Kyoto specialty)
Kobe Beef – Famous for its soft texture and rich marbling

Welcome to your personalized journey through Japan’s cultural heart! I’m Tony, a Hawaii native living in Kansai for over 20 years. I’ve traveled across Europe and Asia, and I love meeting people from all over the world.
Whether you’re exploring Kyoto’s hidden temples, Osaka’s street food, Nara’s peaceful parks, or riding the Rokko ropeway to Kobe’s lush Herb Garden, I’ll guide you with local insight and a passion for travel, culture, and connection.
Japan is my second home—I’m outgoing, soccer-loving, and always excited to share the beauty of this country, especially its food, traditions, and hidden gems.
Our small team is made up of local, friendly, and experienced guides who share the same passion for helping guests explore Japan with comfort and cultural insight.
¥30,000 covers your first 3 hours for up to 4 guests. No hidden fees, no surprises—just clear, fair pricing. You can pay in advance using PayPal or in cash on the day if confirmed.

Need more time? It’s just ¥5,000 per additional hour. Great for longer adventures across Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, or Himeji.

Bring up to 4 people for the same base rate. Planning for 5 or more? We’ll give you a quick custom quote.
The base rate is ¥30,000 for 3 hours. This covers up to 4 people. Additional time is ¥5,000 per hour. For larger groups or special requests, we’ll give you a quick quote.
No extra charge for groups of 4 or fewer. The price is per group, not per person. For groups of 5 or more, just let us know and we’ll adjust the plan.
Planning, guiding, and support throughout your tour. Transportation, meals, entrance tickets, and personal expenses are paid by each guest separately.
We accept PayPal in advance or cash on the day (if confirmed). Refunds through PayPal may have small transfer fees deducted.
Yes, please try to book at least 48 hours in advance. This gives us time to plan properly. Same-day bookings may be available if a guide is free.
The tour fee covers your private guide and all the planning for your day. However, you’ll need to cover your own:
-Transportation costs (trains, buses, taxis, etc.)
-Meals, snacks, and drinks
-Entrance fees to temples, museums, or attractions
-Any shopping or personal expenses during the tour
We’ll always let you know in advance what to expect, so there are no surprises.
We ask for at least 48 hours' notice for cancellations or changes. This helps us manage schedules fairly for both guests and guides.
-Cancellations made 48 hours or more in advance can be refunded.
-PayPal refunds may have a small transfer fee deducted, depending on their policy.
-Same-day cancellations are non-refundable unless there's an emergency.
-If a guide has already made bookings (like train tickets or entry fees), those costs may not be refundable.
-For cash payments, no cancellation fee is charged as long as notice is given.
We’ll adjust. Whether it’s visiting a museum, relaxing in a cafe, or doing something indoors, we always have a backup plan.
Yes. We build tours as long or as short as you want. The hourly rate makes it easy to extend the day if you’re having a great time.
Absolutely. All tours are custom. You can suggest places, or we can make recommendations based on your pace and interests.
Yes, we adjust the pacing and plan based on who’s coming. Our tours are family-friendly and senior-friendly.
Yes, we adjust the pacing and plan based on who’s coming. Our tours are family-friendly and senior-friendly.
Tony leads many of the tours, but Kansai Local Guide is a small team of trusted bilingual locals. You’ll always be in good hands.








Whether it’s your first trip or your tenth, we’ll help make it the easiest and most rewarding one yet. Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe—see them with someone who knows them well.


Private tours through Osaka, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji led by a bilingual local with years of experience. Real stories, flexible planning, and relaxed travel—your way.
© Tony Nelson DIY. 2025. All Rights Reserved.