Kyoto Must Sites From Kyoto 9 H

“Our Amazing Tour Guide, Hiromi”

Our group of 4 people from Hawaii on a 3-week adventure in Japan started off by arranging a tour with Hiromi in Osaka. We thought that getting a glimpse of this city through the eyes of a local resident was the best way to go since we had only a few days here before heading down to Hiroshima. Hiromi met us in our hotel lobby and we liked her instantly. By her friendly smile and engaging manner, we knew that she was going to be a fun, easygoing, accommodating and knowledgable guide. We had a lovely time learning about Osaka and taking in some of the famous areas the city is known for. In the brief hours we spent with Hiromi, she gave us so much information and history about the city as well as taking us to places we wanted to explore. Hiromi is very accommodating and understanding since we were all not in the best shape to walk for miles and miles. Neither were we ready to climb stairs often. She worked out the itinerary perfectly for us. We also asked Hiromi if she would mind taking us on a tour of her hometown of Hirano the next day. Hirano Ward in Osaka City is known for being the most populated ward in the city, with old houses dating back centuries. Little did we know that visiting Hirano would be THE HIGHLIGHT of our 3-week adventure in Japan that spanned cities from Kyoto, Osaka, Kanazawa, Aomori, Hakodate and Tokyo. We enjoyed our casual and fun tour of Hirano immensely. Hiromi kindly introduced us to her lovely family and some close friends in town. We were mesmerized by the famous sword polisher at the Katana Research Institute Masumian/Katana Museum and spent some time there watching the master demonstrate some of his skills on a sword that was centuries old. It was fascinating and we wished we could learn more about the master and his incredible history. He is truly one of Japan's living treasures and we are grateful to have had the chance to meet him. Hiromi then took us to a bento shop where we picked up the most delicious, colorful and varied bento box! We took our bento and enjoyed it at a local cafe known for it's eco puzzle museum. What fun we had there with all the different gadgets, puzzles and knick knacks. The owners were especially kind to us and even played an old record for us on an antique phonograph because I mentioned liking Enka music. Then onward to visit the Senkouji Temple and its "hell hall" feature. How interesting that was and quite different! After paying a nominal fee to enter, we opened the door to a dimly-lit room and was met by the face of Yama, the Judge of the Afterlife. Go and have this experience too - I guarantee you it will be a first! We were then treated to some cool and tasty refreshments with Hiromi's sweet family - we shall always remember their hospitality and generosity. It was sad to part with this warm and fun-loving family. If you do go, maybe you'll get to see a martial arts demonstration by Hiromi's cute son. He is adorable and quite skilled at such a young age. Our adventure didn't end there. Believe it or not, we went to an eco cotton museum run by a friendly, energetic and talented Japan-born hula instructor. She was such a delight, dancing a hula for us, then taking us through her eco cotton museum upstairs which was extremely fascinating. We brought a hanger sample piece of fabric from Hawaii manufactured in Kyoto from the 1980's as a small gift to her and she was able to tell us the meaning of the design which was a festival being held in old, feudal Japan. She could even identify some of the traders on the design as being from Portugal. We didn't want to leave because the owner was so engaging and excited to meet us. We loved browsing through the many antique items in her museum - truly a once in a lifetime experience for us. We ended our awesome trip to Hirano visiting one of Hiromi's friends who owned a little shop with a picture of a surfboard in the front window, along with a sign that is a collectible for sure. It read, "THE LONG GROUP, KAILUA-KONA, TERRITORY OF HAWAII." The owner actually showed us a surfboard owned by her son and we chatted with her for awhile. Who would've thought that we, being from Hawaii, would meet up with people in Japan familiar wih hula, ukuleles and surfboards! We want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Hiromi. You are a true representative of the people in Japan who are so very gracious, with warm hearts, passion, purpose and respect for their heritage. We hope to cross paths with you again in the future and hope that you continue your passion of providing tourists with memorable moments and experiences through your guided tours. Until then, fond farewell (aloha) and "matane"..............please take care and I shall stay in touch. Please also thank your family from all of us for their graciousness - we sincerely appreciated it. With Deepest Mahalo, Karen, Nathan, Susan and Aileen from Hilo, Hawaii

Hiromi(he-chan) T.

(10 reviews)

Dear Karen, Nathan, Susan and Aileen Thank you for your warm message.I and my neighbors shared your review and we all very happy and appreciated ! By exchanging messages with you many times, I wanted to invite you to my home town because I was convinced that you are very nice person and trustworthy. And all you were exactly so! I was right haha! Thank you so much for greatest review for me. Your words encourage me a lot. I wish to see you again so please stay healthy. Regards, Hiromi

Hai-wei L.

5 / 5

Feb 4, 2023

Interesting food & culture tour in Osaka 4 H

Osaka

4 hours

Feb 4, 2023

“Had so much fun! ”

Thank you we enjoyed our tour very much!!

Hiromi(he-chan) T.

(10 reviews)

Thank you! I am happy to know that you enjoyed japanese cool culture tour. Thank you for sharing the time with me. HIROMI

“The perfect way to explore Osaka and Kyoto”

Hirome was a very good guide. Always on time and met us at our apartment for both of our bookes tours. She helped us navigate the subway, which put us in a good position for the rest of our stay. We did a half day Osaka tour where we went to Osaka Castle and then the main shopping districts. Hirome also kindly book our dinner for us which was very handy as it was our first night in Osaka. The next day we went by train to Kyoto. We went to a tea ceremony, Kiyomizu temple, Gion district and a samurai museum. It was a full day but fun - and a lot more comfortable with our guide. I would highly recommend Hirome for your next visit to Osaka.

Hiromi(he-chan) T.

(10 reviews)

Dear Begum Thank you very much for your review.I am very happy to hear from you again. I am glad to know that you enjoyed the tour with my assistance. Thank you for all your cooperation during the tour and please say hello to your beautiful family. regards, Hiromi