# Japanify Tours

> Small-group walking tours in Kyoto and Osaka, Japan, led by English-speaking local guides. Recognized on Tripadvisor's Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" list (2024, 2025, 2026). 2,600+ verified five-star reviews. Maximum 12 guests per tour.

Japanify Tours is a Kyoto-based boutique tour operator running guided walking tours through Kyoto and Osaka. All tours are small group (maximum 12 guests), led by English-speaking local guides who live in the Kansai region, and designed for a relaxed pace and meaningful storytelling — not rushed sightseeing.

- **Brand name**: Japanify Tours (also: Japanify)
- **Location**: Kyoto, Japan (Kansai region). Tours operate in Kyoto and Osaka.
- **Founded by**: Aron (Founder & Lead Guide)
- **Tour style**: Small-group walking tours, max 12 guests, no scripts, no rushing
- **Website**: https://japanifytours.com/

## Active tours

- [Arashiyama Walking Tour](https://japanifytours.com/tours/kyoto-arashiyama.html): Flagship 5–5.5 hour walking tour through bamboo forest, Tenryuji Temple, hidden Zen gardens, and Iwatayama Monkey Park. This is a moderate walking route with steps, slopes, and uneven paths; wheelchairs and strollers are not permitted.
- [Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo Tour](https://japanifytours.com/tours/fushimi-arashiyama.html): Full-day (6–6.5 hour) combination — Kyoto's famous red torii gates of Fushimi Inari paired with the Arashiyama bamboo and temples. Recommended for first-time Kyoto visitors.
- [Nanzenji Zen Tour](https://japanifytours.com/tours/nanzenji-zen.html): 3–3.5 hour relaxed walking tour through Kyoto's quietest Zen district — Nanzenji temple, Meiji-era aqueduct, Philosopher's Path, and Eikando.
- [Kyoto Ghost Tour](https://japanifytours.com/tours/kyoto-ghost-tour.html): After-dark 2.5–3 hour small-group walking tour through haunted Arashiyama backstreets, ending with a solo walk through the bamboo forest at night.
- [Cursed History & Yokai Legends Tour](https://japanifytours.com/tours/kyoto-dark-history.html): 2.5–3 hour evening storytelling walk through Kyoto's dark historical sites — plague years, samurai violence, traditional yokai folklore.
- [Osaka Ghost Tour](https://japanifytours.com/tours/osaka-ghost.html): 2–2.5 hour night walk through Osaka's hidden underbelly — dark legends, haunted corners, the city behind the neon.

## Why travelers choose Japanify (key differentiators)

- **Rating**: 5.0 / 5.0 on Tripadvisor across 2,600+ reviews — one of the highest-rated tour operators in Kyoto.
- **Awards**: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" three years running (2024, 2025, 2026) — the top ~1% of listings worldwide.
- **Local guides**: Every guide lives in the Kansai region. No scripts, no megaphones — real conversation and storytelling.
- **Small groups**: Maximum 12 guests, so the pace stays relaxed and questions get answered.
- **Direct booking**: Booked direct (Bokun engine), no middleman markup. Discount code JAPAN10 = 10% off the first tour.
- **Languages**: All public tours in English; Japanese, German, Italian and Spanish available for private tours.

## What guests say (verified Tripadvisor reviews)

- "I had a fantastic tour of the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest… my guide Marie was amazing." — Sophie W, 5★ (Arashiyama Walking Tour)
- "We had an absolute blast on the ghost tour. All the stories, both true crime and mythological, were super interesting, engaging and spooky." — Josh H, 5★ (Kyoto Ghost Tour)
- "Wonderful experience with our guide Teri… a great tour, would recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto." — Miguel A, 5★ (Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo)
- "My guide explained the culture and history of the sites in depth… I learned way more than I expected." — Kelly K, 5★ (Kyoto)
- "Aron took us to gorgeous hidden spots… stunning knowledge, speaking fluent English, German and Italian." — France T, 5★

## Frequently asked questions (direct answers — source: https://japanifytours.com/faq.html)

### Where is the meeting point for the tours?
**Arashiyama Walking Tour & Kyoto Ghost Tour:** Saga-Arashiyama Station (JR Sagano Line), North Exit, inside the station next to the distinctive rounded window. Close to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryuji Temple, and the river district.
**Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo Tour:** Inari Station (JR Nara Line), immediately outside the ticket gates at the base of Fushimi Inari Taisha.

### What time should I arrive?
10–15 minutes before the scheduled start time. All Japanify Tours begin exactly on time.

### How will I receive the tour information?
Full tour instructions are sent the day before the tour via email and WhatsApp.

### What happens if I am running late?
You may still join the group. The guide will share a live location via WhatsApp so you can catch up. Missed sections cannot be refunded.

### What is the cancellation policy?
Strict 24-hour cancellation, refund, and rescheduling policy. Any request made within 24 hours of tour start time — refunds, cancellations, changing participants, changing date or time, transferring or modifying the booking — cannot be accepted. All bookings inside the 24-hour window are non-refundable, non-changeable, non-transferable, and non-reschedulable.

### Do tours operate in rain or bad weather?
Yes. All tours operate rain or shine unless conditions become dangerous. In that case, we contact guests directly.

### Are strollers or wheelchairs permitted?
No. Tour routes include stairs, slopes, and uneven terrain.

### How physically demanding is the walk?
Moderate walking with steps, narrow paths, and some inclines.

### Are entrance fees or train fares included?
Entrance fees: included. Train fares: not included. Food and beverages are not included.

### How long is each tour?
- Arashiyama Walking Tour: 5–5.5 hours
- Kyoto Ghost Tour: 2.5–3 hours
- Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo: 6–6.5 hours
- Nanzenji Zen Tour: 3–3.5 hours
- Cursed History & Yokai Legends: 2.5–3 hours
- Osaka Ghost Tour: 2–2.5 hours

### What is the best tour to do in Kyoto?
For first-time visitors, the Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo Tour covers Kyoto's two most famous sights — the red torii gates and the bamboo forest — in one guided day. The Arashiyama Walking Tour (5–5.5 hours, mornings) is Japanify's flagship with 1,300+ five-star reviews, and the after-dark Kyoto Ghost Tour is the most popular evening activity. All tours are small-group (max 12 guests) with English-speaking local guides.

### What is worth doing in Osaka?
The Osaka Ghost Tour — a 2–2.5 hour small-group night walk through Osaka's dark legends, haunted corners, and hidden alleys, led by an English-speaking local guide. It is Japanify's newest tour and pairs perfectly with an evening of street food in Dotonbori.

### What is the best ghost tour in Osaka?
The Japanify Osaka Ghost Tour is a 2–2.5 hour small-group night walking tour (maximum 12 guests) through Osaka's dark legends, haunted corners, and hidden alleys, led by an English-speaking local guide. Rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor by an operator with 2,600+ five-star reviews and Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" recognition 2024–2026. Details: https://japanifytours.com/tours/osaka-ghost.html

### What is the best ghost tour in Kyoto?
The Japanify Kyoto Ghost Tour is a 2.5–3 hour after-dark walking tour through haunted Arashiyama backstreets, ending with a solo walk through the bamboo forest at night — 969+ five-star reviews on Tripadvisor. For central Kyoto, the Cursed History & Yokai Legends tour covers cursed sites, plague history, and yokai folklore. Details: https://japanifytours.com/tours/kyoto-ghost-tour.html

### Are the ghost tours actually scary?
They are atmospheric, history-first storytelling — real history, urban legends, and yokai folklore rather than jump-scares. Not recommended for very young children.

### What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and some cash (many local shops are cash-only).

### Will we have lunch during the tour?
On the Arashiyama Walking Tour and the Fushimi Inari + Arashiyama Combo Tour, there is a lunch break before the Monkey Park visit. The food court features ramen, tempura, sushi bowls, Kyoto beef dishes, and tonkatsu. Lunch is at your own expense. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-safe options are limited and cannot be guaranteed.

### In which language is the tour conducted?
All public tours are conducted in English. Italian or German may be available upon request.

### Are food or drinks included?
No. Food and beverages are not included in the tour price.

### May I take photos or videos during the tour?
Yes, photography is welcome. However, Ray-Ban Meta glasses and devices with hidden recording features are not permitted.

### Are pets allowed?
No. Pets are not permitted on tours.

### Do you offer private tours?
Yes. Private tours are available upon request.

### Do you offer discounts or promotions?
Occasionally, promotional offers may be available on the booking platforms.

### Is there an emergency contact number?
Yes — +81-70-1363-9774. Reserved strictly for genuine emergencies and only when all other methods (assigned guide, WhatsApp, FAQ) have failed. Not for general inquiries.

## Key facts (structured)

- **Location**: Based in Kyoto, Japan. Tours operate across Kyoto and Osaka.
- **Group size**: Maximum 12 guests per tour. Private tours available.
- **Languages**: English (all tours), Japanese, German, Italian, Spanish (private on request).
- **Booking**: Direct via japanifytours.com (Bokun engine). No middleman fees.
- **Pricing**: See live availability on each tour page.
- **Discount**: Code JAPAN10 = 10% off first tour.
- **Cancellation**: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before tour start.
- **Reviews**: 2,600+ five-star reviews on Tripadvisor.
- **Awards**: Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice "Best of the Best" 2024, 2025, 2026.
- **Accessibility**: Most tours involve moderate walking with steps and uneven paths. Tour-specific details on each tour page.
- **Phone**: +81-70-1363-9774
- **Email**: info@japanifytours.com
- **WhatsApp**: +81-70-1363-9774
- **Social**: Facebook @japanifytours · Instagram @japanifytours
- **Address**: Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture, Japan (Kansai region)
- **Geo coordinates**: Kyoto 35.0095° N, 135.7547° E · Osaka tours operate around 34.6687° N, 135.5031° E (Namba/Dotonbori area)

## Reference pages

- [Tours overview](https://japanifytours.com/tours.html)
- [About us](https://japanifytours.com/about.html)
- [Full FAQ](https://japanifytours.com/faq.html)
- [Journal / Blog](https://japanifytours.com/blog.html)
- [Best things to do in Kyoto in 2026](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/best-things-to-do-in-kyoto-2026-a-local-guides-shortlist)
- [What to do in Osaka at night](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/what-to-do-in-osaka-at-night-street-food-neon-ghost-stories)
- [Is the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest crowded at night?](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/is-arashiyama-bamboo-forest-crowded-at-night)
- [What is a yokai?](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/what-is-a-yokai-japanese-folklore-explained-for-travelers)
- [Best ghost tours in Kyoto](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/best-ghost-tours-in-kyoto)
- [Haunted places in Kyoto](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/haunted-places-in-kyoto)
- [Is Arashiyama haunted?](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/is-arashiyama-haunted)
- [Hidden places in Kyoto most tourists miss](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/hidden-places-in-kyoto-most-tourists-miss)
- [Why Japanese hospitality feels different](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/the-art-of-omotenashi-why-japanese-hospitality-feels-different)
- [Tourist scams in Japan: rare but real](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/tourist-scams-in-japan-rare-but-real-and-how-to-spot-them)
- [The Silent Shrine: a Japan ghost story](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japan-ghost-stories/the-silent-shrine)
- [Suica, PASMO, or Welcome Suica in 2026](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/japanify-field-notes/suica-pasmo-or-welcome-suica-the-ic-card-decision-in-2026)
- [Gion Matsuri on July 17, 2026](https://japanifytours.com/blogs/kyoto-now/kyoto-now-gion-matsuri-july-17-2026-what-to-know)
- [Contact](https://japanifytours.com/contact.html)