Hello! I’m Andy Murao, your personal guide to Japan.

I’m a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter based in Kobe, and I enjoy helping travelers discover not only Japan’s famous sights, but also the culture, history, food, and everyday life behind them.

My goal is simple: to make your time in Japan enjoyable, comfortable, and meaningful.

I believe the best tour is not a fixed itinerary. Before your tour, I will listen to what you would like to see, eat, experience, and learn about, and then suggest an itinerary that fits your interests, pace, and available time.

During the tour, I can also adjust the plan according to the weather, crowds, your energy level, or simply something you discover along the way. If you find an interesting shop, restaurant, street, or place you would like to explore, we can stop and enjoy it.

I particularly enjoy showing visitors Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe by public transportation and on foot. I believe that traveling by train, subway, and walking through local neighborhoods can give you a better feeling for how people actually live in Japan—not just the famous tourist attractions.

At the same time, I understand that every traveler is different. If you prefer less walking, or if you are traveling with children, older family members, or anyone with mobility limitations, I can adjust the itinerary and incorporate taxis or private transportation when appropriate.

I also enjoy sharing the less visible side of Japan: why Japanese customs developed, how Shinto and Buddhism coexist, how people live and work, what Japanese food means to us, and the differences between cities such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe.

My aim is not simply to show you Japan.

I want you to understand Japan, enjoy your time here, and feel confident exploring Japan on your own after our tour.

And yes—I do love walking! So if you enjoy exploring a city on foot, we will probably get along very well. 😊

I look forward to meeting you and helping you create your own memorable experience in Japan.

Best regards,

Andy Murao