Tour guide in Osaka Thomas L.

Osaka, Japan

English, Japanese, Spanish, Mongolian, Romanian

Tours Delivered,
Since Jan 28, 2025

20.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Thomas L., your private tour guide in Osaka

Guide #71575

4.5 (13)

Hello! My name is Tom, and I would be thrilled to be your guide as you explore the vibrant city of Osaka. Originally from the United States, I grew up in Pennsylvania and attended Penn State University, where I developed a love for connecting with people from all walks of life. After college, I spent a year living in the bustling city of Chicago before embarking on a journey that would take me around the globe and ultimately lead me to the incredible country of Japan. My passion for travel and experiencing new cultures began when I lived in Mongolia for two years. Immersing myself in such a unique and rich culture was an unforgettable experience, and it inspired me to continue exploring the world. Twenty-one years ago, I made Japan my home, and for the past two decades, I have lived in the heart of Osaka. This city has truly captured my heart with its warm and welcoming people, delicious food, and relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. Before becoming a tour guide, I've worn many hats in Japan. I've worked as a teacher, helping students develop their language skills. I've also explored the world of acting and voice acting, lending my voice to various projects and performances in Japan and internationally. These experiences not only allowed me to connect with diverse groups of people but also deepened my appreciation for storytelling and the art of communication—skills that I now bring to my role as a tour guide. Two years ago, I started guiding tours around Osaka. It has been awesome to share my love for this city with visitors from all over the world. Osaka is a place like no other, where history and modernity blend seamlessly, and every corner has a story to tell. Whether it's introducing you to the lively streets of Dotonbori, the historic charm of Osaka Castle, or the hidden gems that only locals know about, I take pride in creating personalized experiences that showcase the best of what this city has to offer. One of the things I love most about being a tour guide is meeting new people and hearing their stories. Every visitor brings their own unique perspective, and it’s always a pleasure to tailor each tour to match your interests and preferences. Whether you're a foodie eager to sample Osaka's famous takoyaki and okonomiyaki, a history buff curious about Japan's samurai past, or simply someone looking to soak up the local culture, I definitely want to make your time in Osaka unforgettable. Osaka is more than just a city to me—it’s become my second home. Over the years, I’ve discovered countless hidden treasures, from quaint coffee shops and serene temples to vibrant markets and lively festivals. I’m excited to share these special places with you and help you experience the authentic charm of Osaka that often goes unnoticed by tourists. With over two decades of living in Osaka and a deep passion for its culture and history, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insider tips to every tour. My background in teaching and storytelling ensures that our time together will be engaging, informative, and filled with memorable moments. Most importantly, I DO love doing this, and I really want to make your visit to Osaka one of the highlights of your trip. Whether you're visiting Osaka for the first time or returning to discover more, I can’t wait to show you why this city is so special. Let’s work together to create a customized tour that fits your interests and schedule. Let me help you uncover the essence of Osaka and create memories that will last a lifetime Thank you for considering me as your guide. I look forward to seeing you soon!

Delivers tours starting at

  • Osaka

  • Nara

  • Kobe

Tours by Thomas L.

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4.5

Traveller reviews for this guide

13 reviews

  • Stephen C.
    May 2026

    Thanks, Thomas for a most enlightening tour. We loved the energy of the city and the locations we toured. The food was excellent and the Okonomiyaki was a big hit as well as a surprise! Great experience!

  • Mark J.
    May 2026

    Thomas was an insightful and cordial host. He was flexible in what we were looking for in a tour of the Osaka area. He adjusted the tour, helped us immensely with transportation and gave us a deep look into life in Osaka.

  • Tabatha G.
    April 2026

    I’m not quite sure still of Thomas is a chef lol. we discussed that he was a English teacher when he came to Japan, but never really talked about anything culinary nevertheless, we definitely had an interesting fun night walking around the streets of Osaka. We only tried one food item it was a cabbage pancake

  • Olga S.
    April 2026

    What a wonderful tour around Osaka from a tour guide who has lived in Japan for many years and who gave us an insightful cross-cultural insight into the city and Japan! Thomas is a very well-educated story teller. Highly recommend.