Japan Walking Tours

28/10/2024

Where are our Cruise Shore Excursions? When will they be released? Will more be added later? Providing shore excursions is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful... [Article continues... Click link below!]

When will they be released? Will more be added later? Providing shore excursions is a multifaceted endeavor that requires careful planning and coordination.[Departing Darwin, Australia at sunset. Taken from my room at the bow]Shore excursions cannot be finalized until close to the sailing date due t...

13/10/2024

Introducing a new Kyoto Tour, available starting today! Immerse yourself in the stunning autumn foliage—but escape the crowds at the same time! Experience the beauty of the changing leaf colors in a serene and unforgettable setting. Book your tour now and discover the magic of Kyoto this season.

Embark on an exciting walking tour to the hillside temples of Arashiyama and prepare to be amazed by the stunning beauty of bamboo forests, temples, shrines, and vibrant foliage. Throughout the year, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of ancient Japanese gardens and take in the breath...

12/10/2024

Looking to check out Kyoto from a cruise ship arriving in Kobe or Osaka? Your best bet is to hop on a train for about an hour from Osaka...
[train use instructions added to this post, by request!]

Looking to check out Kyoto from a cruise ship arriving in Kobe or Osaka? Your best bet is to hop on a train for about an hour from Osaka Tempozan (where the Osaka Cruise Terminal is) or either of Kobe's Cruise Terminals to Kyoto Station. Don't bother with the shinkansen - it's a waste of time and mo...

27/09/2024

I was an Immigration Officer, many years ago. Let me give some perspective to this.

This financial requirement is no different than the requirements to visit the USA, or many other countries. Some travelers carry a printed copy of their bank balance; others carry enough cash for the entire stay. Some carry nothing at all. Most of the time, it will never be requested, and you need not present it.

But IF the Immigration Officer suspects (for some other reason) that you are/intending to illegally live and work in their country, they will then demand to see it. Even having this information is no guarantee you would be admitted. There is NEVER a guarantee of admission to any country when you arrive at their border.

26/09/2024

Japan is a country that experiences a wide variety of weather due to its unique geographical location and topography. Situated on the... [article continues at link]
https://www.jayteetours.com/post/what-s-the-weather-like-in-japan

25/09/2024

There is a 'couple's shrine' in Osaka, dedicated to what I refer to as the 'Romeo and Juliet of Japan.' Although a tragic story, the depth of their love shines through to Japanese couples, who come here to pledge their own love and devotion to each other.
https://www.jayteetours.com/tours
#日本 #神戸 #神戸市 #観光 #ツアーガイド

22/09/2024

"People often wonder why cruise lines don't just provide Google Maps locations for their ports. It would be simple enough to do...But, cruise lines probably won't ever do this, because they don't want cruisers to explore the lesser-known ports."
[Article continues at link]

• I recently encountered a situation in a Facebook cruise group where a cruise company was trying to pass off a stop in Wakayama as being in Osaka. In reality, it's about an hour and a half by train to the southern edge of Osaka City from Wakayama. • Last spring, I had to stop someone from booki...

10/09/2024

—Uzumasa Hyakki Yakou (Daily) ①14:15 ②17:30
The "Hyakki Yakou" is a parade of yokai, or Japanese Monsters!

—Uzumasa Great Parade of Demons (9/14, 10/26, 12/8) ①15:45 ②19:30 is a special "Uzumasa Great Night Parade of One Hundred Demons" featuring 100 figures!

These events look fascinating, especially the BIG one!! I'll be giving a tour in Kyoto on the first day (Sept 14). Wonder if my tour group would like to attend in the afternoon?

SAMURAIやNINJAだけが日本のヒーローじゃない。鬼や天狗の伝説が残る京都を舞台に、この秋、YOKAI（妖怪）が世界の人々を虜にする。異様な姿をした無数のもののけたちが東映太秦映画村に大集結。京の町を練り歩いた百鬼夜....

28/08/2024

Yes, you can follow all typhoon tracks and predictions in English, right here:

地図コンテンツページです。気象警報、大雨危険度、台風情報、気象情報、天気予報、季節予報、ひまわり、アメダス、ウィンドプロファイラ、海上警報、潮位観測情報、波浪観測情報、津波、地震情報、推計気象分布、震...

28/08/2024

By the time it gets here overland to the Kobe-Osaka area, it'll merely be a bit of strong rain and a bit of strong wind.

Meteorologists are finding the path of Typhoon Shanshan, a very strong and slow-moving storm, highly unpredictable.

28/08/2024

Rain , rain, go away... Yeah, looks like that's not gonna happen for another day or two.
(Aug 28 at 6:00pm Japan time. Weather imaging by Japan Meteorological Agency)

24/08/2024

I will be leading a private walking tour on New Year's Eve in Osaka, so let me share some of the exciting activities we have planned. On December 31st, Japanese cities come alive with vibrant celebrations. Many people flock to the Buddhist temples for prayers and some even participate in quirky competitions there. Meanwhile, others will be visiting the Shinto shrines to pay their respects.

When night falls, the city streets will be illuminated with colorful lights, lanterns and decorations, creating a magical ambiance. Families and friends will gather to enjoy delicious street food, watch traditional performances, and soak in the festive spirit. It's a time when the old traditions blend seamlessly with modern celebrations, making it a truly unforgettable experience for all who partake in the New Year's Eve festivities in the city.

While some shops may be closed, many others will be open late, bustling with activity. The atmosphere around the shrines and temples will be filled with a festive vibe, complete with food stalls, games, and more. I will be taking the group to explore a traditional covered market street, marvel at the beauty of Osaka Castle, and end the evening with a visit to the lively Dotonbori River area, renowned for its fantastic restaurants and dazzling lights.

24/08/2024

My tours may not be big, fancy, or full-service, and I'll admit I'm a little quirky. But my private small-group walking tours of Kyoto, Osaka, and Kobe, Japan have captured the hearts of many. If you're interested, feel free to visit my website to learn more.

Private small-group walking tours of Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka, Japan. Stage hypnosis shows and hypnotherapy since ~2001. In Japan since 2006.

24/08/2024

Important Tip: Electronic money cards come in various types, such as ICOCA, SUICA, PASMO, PITAPA, and more. While the specific cards available for purchase vary by region, they are all compatible across different regions. These cards are awesome, since they work in nearly all trains, trams, buses, or whatever, even vending machines when you want a drink!

It is important to note that not all machines at the trains stations sell these cards. Most ticket machines can charge up the cards, but only a few are designated for issuing or refunding cards. Therefore, it is essential to locate the correct machine in order to buy or refund electronic money cards.

I've found that the ones marked (for example) "ICOCA Cards" will sell/refund cards, while the ones saying "ICOCA Charge" won't.
Hope that helps!

23/08/2024

Where is my ship arriving? How do I get downtown? Is there a free shuttle? Allow me to clarify, as there is often confusion between arrivals in Kobe and Osaka.
Kobe, being a smaller city, places you directly within the city upon arrival. At Nakatottei wharf, you find yourself on the public waterfront (suitable only for smaller ships). For larger ships, such as those docking at Kobe Port Terminal (S4Q1/Q2), a five-minute Port Liner train ride to Sannomiya is available for a few hundred yen. Additionally, from either one there is typically a complimentary shuttle service to Nankin-nachi, also known as Kobe's Chinatown.
In contrast, all arrivals in Osaka are directed to Tempozan, home to the new Osaka Cruise Terminal. A short five-minute walk will lead you to the subway, although a free shuttle service is not typically provided. However, there is a free city ferry available to transport passengers to the Universal Studios Japan area, which I have detailed in another post.

23/08/2024

Where is my ship arriving? How do I get downtown? Is there a free shuttle? Allow me to clarify, as there is often confusion between arrivals in Kobe and Osaka.

Kobe, being a smaller city, places you directly within the city upon arrival. At Nakatottei wharf, you find yourself on the public waterfront (suitable only for smaller ships). For larger ships, such as those docking at Kobe Port Terminal (S4Q1/Q2), a five-minute Port Liner train ride to Sannomiya is available for a few hundred yen. Additionally, from either one there is typically a complimentary shuttle service to Nankin-nachi, also known as Kobe's Chinatown.

In contrast, all arrivals in Osaka are directed to Tempozan, home to the new Osaka Cruise Terminal. A short five-minute walk will lead you to the subway, although a free shuttle service is not typically provided. However, there is a free city ferry available to transport passengers to the Universal Studios Japan area, which I have detailed in another post.

23/08/2024

Yesterday, I led a small group on a delightful stroll through the picturesque mountain town of Nara, Japan to feed the deer and admire the magnificent Great Buddha statue (Daibutsu). It's just an hour away by train from central Osaka, making it a highly recommended day trip! The deer were incredibly friendly, especially after I showed the group how to feed them safely. It was such a memorable experience!