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Discover Latest #Tour Guide News, Articles and Videos with Contenting

1. The Pros and Cons of Becoming a Tour Guide (The Balance) 2. How to Become a Tour Guide (Thrillist) 3. The Best Tour Guides Around the World (National Geographic) 4. How to Make Money as a Tour Guide (The Muse) 5. 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Tour Guide (G Adventures) 6. 10 Tips for Tour Guides to Make Their Tours Memorable (Travel and Leisure) 7. 10 Reasons to Become a Tour Guide (The Culture Trip) 8. Tour Guide Training – What You Need to Know (Tour Guide Academy) 9. Tour Guide Video: How to Become a Tour Guide (Travel and Adventure) 10. Tour Guide Interview: What It’s Like to Be a Tour Guide (Travel and Adventure)

Arigato Travel

11.08.2025

First Time in Osaka? Here Are Things You Need to Know. | Arigato Travel

Osaka is Japan’s lively second city, a dynamic contrast to Tokyo with its laid-back charm, delicious street food, and vibrant urban energy. I have talked with many visitors to Japan, and they all say Osaka is kind of chaotic, but in a good and charming way. If you’re planning your first trip to Osaka, here are a few key things you should know to make your visit smooth and memorable. Why Osaka? Historically, Osaka is known as the merchant city of Japan. With the bustling trades and busy hustlers, Osaka is famous for its friendly and enthusiastic locals, who are known as some of the most open and welcoming people in Japan. The city is the birthplace of konamon (flour-based cuisine), so food lovers come here to enjoy dishes like takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory, saucy pancakes with toppings). Besides its food scene, Osaka is home to Japan’s rich history, with landmarks like Osaka Castle, the Tomb of the Emperor Nintoku, and the Tsutenkaku Tower. In addition, Osaka is located in the center of the Kansai (West of Japan) region, making it a great base to explore Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. If you’re after a destination that combines food, culture, and convenience, Osaka ticks all the boxes. What to Do in Osaka Whether you're a foodie, history nerd, shopaholic, or theme park enthusiast, Osaka has something for everyone. It seems endless for what this city can provide! Dotonbori is a must-visit, where the iconic Glico Man sign lights up the street and you can sample the best of Osaka's street food. For history lovers, Osaka Castle offers a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past, while Shitennoji Temple, one of the oldest temples in Japan and the first ever built by the state, provides a spiritual exploration into Japan’s traditional scene. Get all your shopping desires satisfied in Umeda for its countless large-scale shopping and outlet malls, such as the Hankyu Umeda Mall, LUCUA, HEP Five, and Yodobashi Camera. Theme park fans should not miss Universal Studios Japan, especially if you're into the Harry Potter or Super Mario franchise! For a more local experience, try visiting Kuromon Market, Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street, and Karahori Shopping Street. Traveling with family and need more ideas? Check out our blog on family adventures in Osaka! Where to Stay Osaka has accommodation options for every budget, from luxury hotels to cozy hostels. Since Osaka is well connected by its metro system, where to stay is more of a question of preference. Namba and Shinsaibashi are central areas perfect for first-time visitors, as they put you right in the heart of the city’s food and shopping districts. You will be guaranteed all-night-long restaurants and bars to cure your midnight cravings, but be prepared for some chaos as both these districts are full of all-night party-goers. If you prefer a quieter vibe, Umeda is a great option, offering easy access to both transportation and upscale shopping. There are a few large-scale shopping malls and outlet malls in Umeda. With the Osaka Metro and JR available, Umeda is also fairly easy to navigate as a tourist. For a more local and cultural experience, consider staying in Tennoji, where you’ll be close to parks and historical sites. Best Time of Year to Visit Osaka is a year-round destination, but certain times of the year offer unique experiences. Spring (March to May) is a popular time to visit for cherry blossom viewing, especially at Osaka Castle Park. Autumn (September to November) is another beautiful time to visit, with cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn leaves (Momiji). From the end of Summer to the beginning of Autumn is also a peak season for tourism in Osaka, so expect crowds in popular tourist spots. If you prefer fewer crowds, winter (December to February) offers a quieter charm, and the city’s illuminations are particularly stunning during the festive season. Fun fact, did you know the most popular food in Japan during Christmas is KFC? So much so that you have to make reservations months prior to December! Budget Osaka can cater to a wide range of budgets. Street food is affordable, and you can fill up on takoyaki or kushikatsu (fried food on a stick) without breaking the bank. On average, a mid-range budget of ¥6,000–¥12,000 per day should cover meals, transportation, and basic sightseeing. For accommodations, budget travelers can find hostels starting at ¥2,000 per night, while mid-range hotels may range from ¥7,000 to ¥15,000 per night. For hostels, make sure you book beforehand as they can run out of space very quickly! Keep in mind that some attractions like Universal Studios Japan may require extra spending. Getting Around Osaka’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to navigate. The Osaka Metro and JR trains are your best friends when exploring the city. A prepaid ICOCA card can be used for seamless travel across trains, buses, and even some stores. If you already have one from your Tokyo travels, Suica cards can also be used in the public transportation system in Osaka. Don’t want to buy a physical card? Simply add a Suica card to your mobile wallet and you can go around the city with just your phone as well. The metro system is well connected, but keep in mind that Osaka is a sprawling city, so it’s helpful to plan your day by neighborhood and double-check the necessary trains for your travels by day. As someone who has been staying in the Kansai region for a while now, even if I can read Kanji, the station names can get confusing at times. Speaking from experience, make sure to always check your destination station name, which line goes through it, and which direction the train goes. There are station names in Osaka that can be very similar, such as the name Umeda station can encompass six different metro lines. So to be safe, always double-check! Tour Guide Needed? Osaka is a tourist-friendly city, with much English information, signs, and assistance available. And I am sure a lot of people enjoy the feeling of getting lost, exploring, and encountering cultural experiences at their own pace in such a charming city. But hiring a tour guide can enhance your experience, especially if you're keen on diving deeper into its history, culture, and food scene. Some tours offer insider knowledge, like hidden street food gems or cultural insights at historical sites. If you want a day free of trouble, planning, and confusion, try booking a tour with Arigato Travel in Osaka. Simply show up at the meet-up location, lay back, and let your tour guide bring you to the best of Osaka. Fun Fact: The Osaka vs. Tokyo Rivalry! One of the most fascinating cultural dynamics in Japan is the friendly rivalry between Osaka and Tokyo. While Tokyo is the nation’s political and economic capital, seen as more formal and business-like, Osaka is often viewed as its laid-back, humorous counterpart. This difference is often reflected in the locals’ personalities; Tokyoites are considered more reserved and polite, whereas Osakans are known for being warm, direct, and outgoing. This contrast has given rise to a light-hearted feud, with jokes about everything from how they stand on escalators (Osakans stand on the right, while Tokyoites stand on the left), their dialects, and the flavor of their food (with Kansai food being lighter in both flavor and color, such as soy sauce). The rivalry is all in good fun, and for first-time visitors, it offers an interesting glimpse into Japan’s regional diversity. Be sure to talk to locals about the best place to live or the best food in Japan, you’re guaranteed to hear some passionate opinions! Ready to Explore Osaka? Osaka’s charm lies in its blend of urban excitement, rich cultural history, and region-specific cuisine. If you’re stuck on where to stay and where to go for shopping, entertainment, or food, simply reference this blog for any concerns or questions regarding your first Osaka trip. Once armed with these tips, you’ll be ready to explore one of Japan’s most exciting cities with ease. Now, let’s visit Osaka! Featured Photo Credit: Sean Pavone If you're coming to Osaka on your next trip to Japan, check out our Umeda Craft Beer Tour for the ultimate Osakan culinary experience!

Arigato Travel

19.09.2025

Interview with Mai, a Kumamoto Tour Guide and Sake Expert | Arigato Travel

Today, we’d like to introduce you to a private tour guide from Kumamoto, Mai san. While offering excellent tours in Kumamoto, located in the Kyushu region of Japan, she is also quite skilled in the world of Japanese sake. In this interview, we will discuss with Mai san about recommendations in the area, sake breweries in Kumamoto, and dive into the reason why she became a tour guide in a beautiful spot in the country. Hello, Mai san, could you introduce yourself? Hello! My name is Mai, and I’m a private tour guide based in Yamaga City, in the northern part of Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu. I was born and raised in Kumamoto, surrounded by mountains, rivers, sea, and hot springs. After spending time abroad and meeting people from all over the world, I realized how much I wanted to share the hidden charms of rural Japan with international visitors. In addition to guiding, I also study and practice traditional Japanese arts such as Ikebana (flower arranging) and Sado (tea ceremony). These practices have taught me a lot about Japanese aesthetics, hospitality, and mindfulness - elements I try to incorporate into my tours as well. What made you want to become a tour guide? I’ve always enjoyed communicating with people from different cultures, and I love my hometown deeply. But I noticed that most foreign visitors only go to the big cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, and miss out on the real heart of Japan - small towns, nature, and everyday life. I became a guide to offer a different kind of journey: one that brings travelers closer to local people, traditional culture, and untouched scenery. Can you tell us a little about Kumamoto and what makes it unique? Kumamoto is a region full of contrasts. We have majestic mountains like Mt. Aso - one of the world’s largest active volcanoes - lush countryside, historical towns like Yamaga, and a strong tradition of craftsmanship and hospitality. The people here are warm and welcoming, and the slower pace of life lets visitors truly relax. Kumamoto Castle, beautiful hot spring towns, and delicious local foods are just the beginning. Is there any particular reason why you tour in Kumamoto and the area? Yes - because I believe this area holds the essence of Japanese culture in a way that feels very real and grounded. It’s also my home, so I can offer insights and connections that only a local can. Whether it’s introducing guests to a 100-year-old miso brewery or hiking through cedar forests, I love sharing these “everyday wonders” that you won’t find in guidebooks. What kind of food is popular in the area, and what do you recommend? Kumamoto is famous for its rich cuisine! Some local favorites include basashi (horse sashimi), karashi renkon (mustard-filled lotus root), and fresh river fish like ayu. We also offer incredibly flavorful ramen and locally made tofu, crafted with spring water. If you prefer milder dishes, I often recommend local vegetable-based meals served in traditional irori (hearth) settings in the countryside. Do you have any recommendations for travelers in the area? Restaurants, interesting spots? In Yamaga, I recommend visiting the Yachiyoza Theater - an Edo-period kabuki theater that still hosts performances. There’s also the Yamaga Onsen, a peaceful hot spring with historic inns. For dining, small family-run restaurants and sake bars serve delicious meals using local ingredients. I also love taking guests to scenic spots like Kikuchi Gorge or small village shrines hidden in the hills. You are also a sake sommelier! Why did you decide to become one and what kind of sake is your favorite? I used to work at a sake brewery in Kumamoto, which gave me hands-on experience and a deep appreciation for the craft. I personally prefer junmai sake with a lower polishing ratio - rich, full-bodied styles that really showcase the flavor of the rice. I enjoy introducing these types of sake to guests during my tours. Do you have any specific brewery recommendations in Kumamoto? Rather than recommending a specific brewery, I like to introduce guests to different local sake depending on the season and their taste preferences. Kumamoto has many small, passionate brewers, each with their own unique style. I believe the best way to enjoy sake is to try a variety and find what speaks to you personally - especially when paired with local food. Thank you for your time. Do you have anything else you’d like to add for those interested in visiting Kumamoto? Thank you for having me! I just want to say: if you’re looking for a peaceful, authentic, and truly local Japanese experience, Kumamoto is the perfect destination. It may not be as famous as Tokyo or Kyoto, but it offers something rare - a genuine connection. Whether you’re strolling through a mossy forest, sipping sake with locals, or trying your hand at a simple tea ceremony or flower arrangement, I’d love to help you experience the heart of Japanese culture here in Kumamoto. Once more, thank you, Mai, for your time and cooperation in helping our readers learn more about Kumamoto and what you do! If any of our readers are interested in the beautiful area that is Kumamoto, you may find it best to go to Mai san, an excellent tour guide who will show you everything the city has to offer. From vibrant landscapes, old historical buildings, and delicious food and sake, travelers looking for something new to escape from the usual popular tourist cities might find Kumamoto up their alley. Contact Mai san through: Email: kumamotoprivateguide@gmail.com Featured Photo Credit: Mai Have we piqued your interest in Kumamoto? Let our Tailored Travel team craft you a once-in-a-lifetime journey through rural Japan, tailored perfectly to you!

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