EXPLORE JAPAN WITH A LOCAL FRIEND

Osaka Kyoto Nara Hyogo Shiga English-speaking guide

— Through My Experiences Living in Australia & Canada —

In January 2025, I moved to Brisbane, Australia on a working holiday visa. Getting settled was no small feat — finding accommodation, securing a job, and opening a bank account all at once. My first home was a shared house with eight people, which turned out to be one of the most challenging experiences of the trip. There's plenty to share about that chapter, but I'll save it for when we're out exploring.

In July 2025, I relocated to Cairns — a city in far north Queensland — to complete the 88 regional work days required to extend my visa. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I made. I found a comfortable apartment, a great roommate, and a job I genuinely enjoyed. Cairns quickly became my second home, and I left with memories I'll carry for a long time.

I returned to Japan briefly at the end of 2025, then set off again in February 2026 — this time to Victoria, Canada. What struck me most was just how different Australia and Canada feel, despite both being English-speaking countries. I've now been in Victoria for over three months and continue to discover something new every day.

I'll update this page once I'm back in Japan — likely September or October.

The full stories? Those are for the road. Ask me anything while we explore Kansai together. 🌿

Currently accepting early inquiries
✉️ Contact form below · 📩 Instagram DM

I DON'T SHOW YOU JAPAN —
I HELP YOU UNDERSTAND IT.
AND TOGETHER, WE FIGURE OUT
WHY IT WORKS THE WAY IT DOES.

Kansai scenery
9 hours · your choice of start time · 1–5 people
Full Day Deep Dive
From ¥30,000 / group  ·  up to 5 people

A full 9-hour day across Kansai, built around your schedule. Choose any start time between 7:00 am and 2:00 pm (wrapping up by 11:00 pm at the latest). I move at your pace — a mix of iconic landmarks and hidden gems that guidebooks miss.

Example)
▸ Osaka Castle & surrounding park
▸ Fushimi Inari & local restaurant
▸ Avenue of Metasequoias
▸ Nara Park
Kyoto
Kobe
Shiga
Nara

📷 Click each photo slot to add your own image

Sound like you?

This experience is open to everyone — but it tends to resonate most with these kinds of travellers.

🗺️
Japan lovers who keep coming back
"I don't want just another trip — I want to truly understand this place."
🏠
Considering moving to or living long-term in Japan
"Before I commit, I want to see Japan through the eyes of someone who actually lives here."
🎒
Working holiday travellers & backpackers
"I'm not here for the tourist version — I want the real Japan."

* Of course, anyone is welcome. These are just the types of people who tend to get the most out of it.

Coming soon

Be one of the first to
experience and share
your honest review.

Coming soon

Be one of the first to
experience and share
your honest review.

Coming soon

Be one of the first to
experience and share
your honest review.

Hiro
📷
Hiro
Osaka Local · English-speaking guide · WHV Australia 🇦🇺 · Canada 🇨🇦

"Hi, I'm Hiro — an Osaka local who's lived abroad and wants to show you the Japan I know and love. I guide in English, and I'm happy to answer any questions about life in Japan — not just the sights."

Simple. No back-and-forth.

01
Send an inquiry
Use the contact form below with your travel dates and interests.
02
I reply within 48 hrs
I'll confirm availability and we'll discuss your preferred start time and route.
03
Payment
Pay via Wise. Full payment due 7 days before your experience.
04
You're confirmed ✓
I'll send a confirmation with meeting point details. See you in Kansai!

Or reach me directly at jpwithalocal@outlook.com  ·  @jpwithalocal

💳
Payment
  • Wise — the only accepted payment method.
    No Wise account required — pay with any card or bank transfer.
    Send to: jpwithalocal@outlook.com
  • Full payment is due 7 days before the experience date.
📋
Cancellation Policy
  • 7+ days before: Full refund.
  • Less than 7 days: No refund (100% cancellation fee).
  • Weather: This experience runs rain or shine. Come prepared!

After this, you'll never see Japan the same way again.

Let's connect
on Instagram.

@jpwithalocal