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ABOUT YOUR GUIDE
Gerard first came to Japan in 2001, and moved to Himeji in 2003. So you benefit from his 20+ years of exploring the area, working with regional attractions,
and networking with local artisans to curate for you Hyogo’s best experiences and the hidden gems of Himeji and Kobe.
Gerard is a Certified Itinerary Manager and Tour Conductor & the creator of Facebook Group Go to Japan (Tour Ideas and Travel Planning)
He works with several tour companies to deliver tours of Himeji and Kobe for their clients, such as Boutique Japan (TX,USA), Hidden Japan (JPN), The Real Japan (UK) Okini Japan (JPN), Cruise Port Navigation (CA, USA), Travelun (AUS)
Our Services
If you are looking for a relaxing, refreshing and rejuvenating experience altogether, we offer all of that under one roof.
Planning
With your tour ideas and our advice, we'll turn your bullet-point bucket list into a bullet-proof itinerary. We’ll recommend the most logical order to visit destinations, suggest the best places to stay, and connect you with experienced and engaging guides to bring your journey to life.
Port to Platform Concierge Service
Tired from your flight or cruise and just want to have someone help you get to where you need to go? We’ll save you time and stress, ensuring a seamless transition to your hotel or connection. Relax and let us handle the details.
Luxury Accommodations
Experience Kansai's charm with stays in traditional ryokans, boutique hotels, or exclusive private villas. Enjoy impeccable hospitality, scenic views, and unmatched comfort tailored to your every need.
Off the Beaten Path Experiences
Explore hidden gems and unique locations with our expert guides, the best in the west of Japan. From secluded mountain temples to charming countryside villages, we’ll show you a side of Kansai that most visitors never see.
Why Choose Kansai VIP Tours?
Custom Service
Every detail is tailored to your desires.
Expert Guidance
Knowledgeable guides who share their love for Kansai.
Seamless Luxury
Exclusive access to the best of Kansai.
Multilingual
Tours available in English and French.
Let Kansai VIP Tours redefine the way you explore Japan. Contact us today to begin crafting your unforgettable journey.
Here is a taste of the kind of custom tours we can arrange for you.
Art, History, and Culture
Discover Kansai's timeless beauty. Explore Kyoto's temples, Nara's sacred deer, and Himeji's iconic castle. Immerse yourself in art, history, and serene landscapes, with experiences like tea ceremonies and traditional crafts tailored to your passions.
Custom Culinary Journeys
Savor Kansai's flavors with Kobe beef, Osaka's street food, and Kyoto's kaiseki dining. Enjoy sake tasting in Nada and experience Japan's renowned hospitality in every bite.
Nature and Adventure
Explore Kansai's beauty with hikes on the Kumano Kodo trails, a visit to Takeda’s misty mountaintop fortress, or a serene boat ride through Amanohashidate. Let us craft your perfect escape into nature.
Rail Travel in Style
The Joy of Luxury Train Journeys Travel through Kansai in elegance and comfort aboard Japan’s most luxurious trains. We curate custom rail itineraries that showcase Kansai’s stunning scenery, historic sites, and culinary delights. From the sleek Shinkansen to charming local lines, every journey is an experience in itself.
Onsen and Wellness
Rejuvenate Mind and Body Relax and unwind in Kansai’s finest hot spring resorts. From the therapeutic waters of Kinosaki Onsen to hidden retreats nestled in the mountains, our wellness experiences are designed to rejuvenate your body and spirit. Complement your stay with traditional Japanese massage or yoga in tranquil surroundings.
Choose Your Own Adventure
Create your dream journey with Kansai VIP Tours. From cultural treasures to romantic getaways or family adventures, we craft personalized itineraries, offering private tours and exclusive experiences.
Our Gallery
What Our Clients Say
We take pride in serving our guests with the best experience. Read what they say.
Thanks Gerard OSullivan for helping me and my family plan for our trip to Himeji this summer! Very helpful and some great suggestions given 🙂
I can wholeheartedly recommend Gerard as a tour guide. During our tour of Himeji Castle, he brought the castle's rich history alive for us and shared his passion for this beautiful city. Gerard knows the fascinating stories and the hidden spots around the castle, as well as the best angles for taking photos. He cheerfully answered all our questions, too. His tours are tailored to your interests, making for a unique and memorable experience. You'll be in great hands with Gerard!
Many thanks to Gerard who was our Himeji guide at the start of cherry blossom season. I wanted a trip that wasn’t just interesting for a history and scenery bluff, but also entertaining for my 7yo daughter. She had a lot of fun with the washi and leather making. There was a lot of walking but the dialogue provided, kept her entertained. Thanks Gerard!!
I have been working on various tourism related project with Gerard for over 3 years. He is a very reactive and kindhearted professional, with an excellent knowledge of the travel industry and efficient network. I would definitely want to work with him again in the future, therefore I would recommend him heartily to any company looking for an experienced worker.
I have been working with Gerard for over a year , and he always has been a very positive, supportive and proactive partner. It has been a pleasure doing business with him.
Gerard is a supreme communicator. Easy going but thorough with fantastic motivation skills. He has the ability to focus people he works with and get the best out of them by offering tangible solutions. Through no personal benefit to himself, he mentored and assisted me by providing me with logical, easy to follow steps to achieve my goals. His reputation amongst others in the travel industry is a testimony to his work ethic and his natural ability to work with others. I highly recommend working with Gerard in whatever capacity. On top of that, he is a highly knowledgable and entertaining Tour Guide. If you have a chance to take a tour with Gerard of the breath taking Himeji Castle, I highly recommend it!
Hey all, I just wanted to give a huge shoutout to Gerard O'Sullivan!
My husband and I were recently in Japan for the *first time* for the cherry blossom season! It was a huge whirlwind of adventure, and I loved every moment, but one of the best parts of the trip was Himeji Castle. On our last day, we went to Himeji Castle and all the trees were in full bloom! But it was also incredibly crowded and hot, and it seemed like we were going to be stuck in incredibly long lines...until we met Gerard O'Sullivan! He became our tour guide to explore the castle grounds, inside and out.
