“Pilgrims' Routes: Mt. Koya and Kumano”
Hiroyuki took my husband and I to visit several Japanese shrines and temples. We learned much from his well-organized presentations. He wrote and even illustrated the names, places and concepts related to Shinto and Buddhist traditions. He was always polite and on time, as well as flexible to meet our interests. When he learned that we could not take the normal river boat to the Kumano Hayatama Taisha Grand Shrine because the boats were being used in a traditional competition he arranged an alternative boat ride through a portion of the magnificent Dorokyo Gorge. He then drove us to the Hayatama Shrine; at the end of the day he brought us to the Kumano riverbank where we witnessed the end of the boat race -- its most exciting part! This was an unexpected bonus, one that attests to his many years of being a responsive, experienced guide. I also wish to acknowledge GoWithGuide for its process of selecting and listing guides. Hiroyuki was one of three GoWithGuide persons who took us around different part of Japan. All the guides were excellent.
Hiroyuki T.
It was really nice spending three days in Wakayama with you. Koyasan and Kumano are special places for me. I worked for the Koyasan -Kumano UNESCO world heritage project some 20 years ago at the government. Now, it's a great pleasure for me to share my knowledge about Koyasan and Kumano with international tourists as a professional guide. Thank you very much once again. Take care of yourself and I hope that our lines cross again sometime in the future.
Alban D.
Kumano Kodo, Aug13-14, for Alban-san's group
Customized
“Kumano Kodo with Keiji-san”
We have a great time with Keiji-san in Kumano Kodo who guided us over 2 days in this spectacular environment. He took care of all logistic, was alway on spot with timing and managed to get us to see and enjoy all major sites. Keiji-san is fundamentally a kind person and took great care of us. He highly recommend Keiji-san as a guide and will look forward to seeing again in few years for a repeat.
Keiji H.
Thank you for giving me a great opportunity to enjoy 2 days in Kumano Kodo. Even though it was extremely hot and humid, every one finished all itineraries and listened to my explanation carefully. The parents of this group did a great job leading their children kindly, and the children understood Japanese costumes and behaved in good manners at temples and shrines. While eating and resting, we talked about not only Kumano Kodo things but also French/Japanse culture things, which made me more interested in France. Alban, leader of the group, and I contacted me February of 2024 and started planning this Kumano Kodo trip(the trip was held August of 2024). Our communication via Internets was smooth and comfortable, therefore, I could suggest him walking courses and sightseeing spots, which were suitable for the group. I look forward to seeing them again, preferably, in spring/autumn, when we can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn mountain leaves.
“A Perfect Private Tour”
Hiro is a wonderful, thoughtful, and considerate guide. I requested a custom 3-day tour starting on Mt Koyasan and concluding in Wakayama. Hiro rented a car and promptly picked me up at the temple I was staying at and we were off on our adventure. Hiro was a cautious and careful driver and I always felt safe. We headed to my first requested destination- a marvelous boat ride at Dorokyo Gorge. Next, Hiro arranged the perfect accommodation for me at an onsen resort in a room with a stunning view of the river. The following day we walked a portion of the Kumano Kodo trail and I very much appreciated that Hiro let me walk at my pace and enjoy the time on the path. Hiro also took me to several shrines, was knowledgeable about them all, and answered all my questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible ocean view of my second accommodation. It was awesome! On our final day, we started to walk the final part of the Kumano Kodo leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the falls but the heat and humidity were just too much for me and I could not go any further. Hiro said, "It's okay, I have an escape." We were able to stop after just a few more stairs and he went back to the parking area, got the car, picked me up, and drove to the final shrine and falls. I was so grateful! After a beautiful visit to the falls, Hiro drove me back to Wakayama, walked me into the train station, helped me purchase my ticket, and ensured I headed to the correct platform to get me back to Osaka. Hiro is a great guide and I would not hesitate to hire him again!
Hiroyuki T.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to visit sacred site Kumano with you. It's always nice to travel with a person who understands the value of Japanese culture and pay respect to our religions. Please come back to Japan someday, there are a lot more to see and to experience. And thank you very much for protecting me from a snake!
Osaka, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Osaka, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
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