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Hiroshi Y.

Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .

Hiroyuki T.

Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Kyoto, Osaka and other places as I was a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one. If you need a good guide in the Tokyo area, I have a friend on GoWithGuide I can recommend you!

Ayumi S.

Academic Knowledge & Global Mindset – Your Local Expert for Culture and Sports! Hi everyone! I’m Ayumi, a local guide based in the Kansai area. I studied Tourism at University, where I explore the deeper historical and cultural backgrounds of Japan's most famous sites. Having traveled to many countries myself, I know exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, authentic local experiences and stress-free environment. Why book with me? Academic Insight: I don’t just show you the sights; I share the "why" behind them, from the architecture of Himeji Castle to the rituals of a tea ceremony. Active & Diverse: Whether you want to go hiking in Kobe, watch a professional rugby match, Baseball game, Soccer game, or find the best hidden yakitori spots, I’ve got you covered. Flexible & Friendly: I understand the needs of international travelers and will help you navigate Japan (including your JR Pass) with ease. Shopping & Sweets Expert: I am a huge fan of shopping! If you need recommendations for Japanese cosmetics or the best local snacks, just ask me. I especially have a "sweet tooth" for Apple Pie and Daifuku (mochi)—I’m always on the hunt for the best ones in town! Let’s go beyond the guidebooks and discover the real Japan together. I look forward to meeting you in Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe!

Yuri T.

I'm Yuri, a national lisenced English tour guide. I was born and raised in Osaka. Now I live in the countryside of Nara. Also, I do love eating, traveling, meeting local people, and exchanging our value and cultures. I'm flexible. Please tell and ask me if there are any places which you want to visit and anything which you want to do in Japan. I'll plan the trip only for you. I am looking forward to seeing you in my tour, let's make your trip unforgettable!

Jose david V.

Hello there! I am hoping you're having a great day!! My name is Jose, born and raised in Spain (Barcelona) and I have been living in Japan for the last 10 years, first it was Hiroshima that I called home, for the past few years it has been Kyoto. I have a wide knowledge of japanese culture, it's social life and it's manners, as well as the most impressive monuments, streets, parks and temples. I love the city of Kyoto and all of the wonders it has to offer to the people whom decide to visit it, from the Fushimi Inari temple to the Nijo Castle. It is a surprising city with combines the best of modern day activities with the reminiscence of old Japan. I would like to share my experience in Japan with you, so you have the greatest experience possible.

Yuta I.

Hi, I’m Yuta, a Kyoto-based private guide offering tours in English and German. With 79 five-star reviews, I create relaxed, personalized days that combine must-see highlights, quieter local places, great food, and memorable photos. Hallo, ich bin Yuta, ein privater Reiseführer mit Sitz in Kyoto, der Touren auf Englisch und Deutsch anbietet. Mit 79 Fünf-Sterne-Bewertungen gestalte ich entspannte, maßgeschneiderte Tage, die die wichtigsten Sehenswürdigkeiten, ruhigere lokale Orte, großartiges Essen und unvergessliche Fotos miteinander verbinden. (From now on, I will continue in English for a while.) As a local guide, I know Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara very well. I love showing both the famous highlights and the smaller hidden spots that most visitors don’t get to see. I design custom tours for individuals and groups, whether you’d like to explore Kyoto’s temples and gardens, Osaka’s lively neighborhoods, or Nara’s peaceful parks and friendly deer. Along the way, I share stories, history, and insights to help you experience these places more deeply. I also enjoy taking photos during tours so you’ll have lasting memories of your visit. Most importantly, my goal is to make your time in Japan enjoyable, relaxed, and truly special. If you have questions or would like help planning, please feel free to reach out. I look forward to welcoming you and showing you the beauty of Japan!

Kazunori O.

Hello! I’m Kazunori. I’ve been guiding visitors around Kyoto for the past two years. So far, I’ve guided more than 30 groups. Many guests have told me I should become a professional guide, and their kind reviews encouraged me to join GoWithGuide. I know Kyoto very well, especially Arashiyama and the Higashiyama area, including Kiyomizu-dera. My goal is to help you enjoy Japan so much that you’ll want to come back again. I’ll be happy to share Kyoto’s history, food culture, and traditions in a simple and enjoyable way. I look forward to meeting you and showing you the beauty of Kyoto!

Toshi T.

Hello! I’m Toshi, your local insider and itinerary planner in Kansai. I’m new to GoWithGuide, but I’ve spent over 35 years helping people enjoy life’s most meaningful moments in beautiful places. For decades, I was a destination wedding photographer in San Francisco. My clients came for the photos, but they remembered the whole experience: carefully planned journeys around historic City Hall and the city’s hidden viewpoints, with every detail handled so they could relax. From 2016 to 2018, I led the Canon KelbyOne Worldwide Photowalk, guiding groups of up to 20 along scenic San Francisco routes to support the Spring of Hope Kenya Children’s Home. Today, I bring that same warm hospitality, careful planning, and eye for beauty to Osaka, Kyoto, and all of Kansai. Why travel with me? A local’s eye for the special: I’ll take you beyond the landmarks to quiet side streets, the best viewpoints, and the everyday Japanese life most visitors walk past. Smooth, stress-free days: After decades of managing tight schedules for international clients, I’ll handle the trains, the timing, and the details so your day feels relaxed. Tailored to you: Family, couple, or solo, we’ll build the day around your interests and pace, whether that’s history, food, temples, or hidden neighborhoods. A photographer’s instincts: I won’t run a photography lesson, but I always know where the light is best. I’m happy to point out a great spot or take your picture along the way. Early start for photographers: Every tour offers an optional early start for the best morning light at the first stop, potentially before most visitors arrive: Fushimi Inari’s torii gates, Arashiyama’s bamboo grove, or Osaka Castle’s grounds before the tower opens at 9:00. I can’t guarantee empty sites, especially in peak seasons and on weekends and holidays. Let’s skip the crowded, cookie-cutter routes and plan a day in Kansai that shows you Japan’s true soul. Send me a message, and let’s start planning!

Toshiyo O.

I was born and raised in Kyoto.Kyoto has a lot of things to see and experience. Kyoto is an ancient city with a lot of world heritage. I am happy to show you both traditonal aspects of Japan and modern things. I use public transportation and I am good at walking. Also I am very flexible.

Koichi W.

Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones"　(It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.

Haru Y.

Hello, I am Haruhiko. I was born in the year 1957 in Hyogo and was brought up there before entering the university. I graduated from university in Osaka. After graduating the university, I worked as international sales people for about 45 years. My job was to go to foreign countries and sell our products to foreign customers. I went to about 20 countiries about 200 times. Throught these business trips, I talked much with lots of foreign people not only about business matters but also private and other matters. I have found it will make my experiences wider and make my knolwdge deeperto talk with people with different culture, hisotry and backgound. My hobby is to go to Buddhism temples, Shinto Shrines & Castles and to learn about culture & history of this country. I began to think that how it is interesting to introduce them to foreign people. I got the License of Guide Interpreter (English) and began to guide in the year 2022. My favorite area of guide is Kansai area such as Kyoto, Nara Osaka & Hyogo. I have guided these areas about 500 times. If you have a chance to come to Kansai Area, why doon't you join my area !! I am looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.

Hideo Y.

Hello, I'm HIDEo YOSHIda. Please call me HIDEYOSHI, the same name as the famous shogun who built the Osaka Castle in 1585. I was born in Kobe and worked in Osaka for nearly 40 years. I would like to introduce the Kansai region to you ,including Kobe, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Wakayama. Kobe is one of the two largest ports in Japan, along with Yokohama. After the opening of the Port of Kobe in 1868, foreigners built their residences on the hillside of the Kitano-cho area, overlooking the ocean. Many of the foreign residences are now open to the public as museums, including the Weathercock House, with it's symbol weathercock on the triangle-shaped roof. In Meriken Park, the red Port Tower (the city's landmark), creates a beautiful contrast against the white Kobe Marine Museum. The museum's design was inspired by the waves and sailing ships. When you have a chance to visit Osaka, please join my tour. I'm sure you'll enjoy the interesting and historical, scenic spots. For example, Shin-Sekai is a downtown area with a strange mix of nostalgic atmosphere and contemporary energy. You can try local foods (kushikatsu, sushi, tempura) at a reasonable price. Billiken (a famous statue of the spirit of luck) will be waiting for you!!. Dotombori is a popular street with a lot of flashy signboards. Osaka is widely known as a "Kuidaore-no-machi", or literally "drinking and eating luxuriously to death." Osaka Castle was built by Toyotomi HIDEYOSHI in 1585. Oh, it's my residence, isn't it ! These days "The Wizarding World of Harry Potter" area in USJ, or Universal Studios Japan, is also attracting more and more people. I'll be looking forward to seeing you !!

Adam W.

Hello everyone, and welcome! My name is Adam i am from the UK, and I’ll be your guide today. I’ve lived in Japan for many years and have a passion for Japanese culture, history, and local life. My goal is to help you experience Japan beyond the typical tourist spots and create some great memories along the way. If you have any questions during the tour, please don’t hesitate to ask.

Ahmed A.

Hello! I’m Ahmed, a passionate tour guide based in Kyoto, Japan. Originally born in Kuwait, I moved back to Palestine where I earned my Medical Degree (MD) in 2008. In 2015, I was fortunate to receive a Japanese government scholarship to pursue further studies at Kyoto University, one of Japan’s top institutions. Living in Kyoto opened my eyes to the rich history and stunning scenery of this ancient city, which served as Japan’s capital for over a thousand years. It ignited my passion for culture, history, and food, leading me to embark on a rewarding career as a tour guide. I have traveled extensively across Europe and Asia, and I love sharing my knowledge of Japanese culture with others. I can provide historical insights at every stop, recommend the best local cuisine, and create personalized itineraries, including day trips from Tokyo to Kyoto. I’m fluent in English and Arabic, and I thrive on connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Whether you’re interested in exploring temples, experiencing traditional cuisine, or simply enjoying the beauty of Kyoto, I’m here to make your visit unforgettable. Your safety and comfort are my top priorities. I measure my temperature before our tours and am happy to wear a mask if it makes you feel more comfortable. While I'm not a driver, I will accompany you in your vehicle or arrange for a separate car and driver if needed. Book with confidence and get ready to explore Kyoto with me! I can’t wait to show you why I believe this city is the most beautiful in Japan. Ahmed, MD, PhD, MBA

Dominic W.

Konnichiwa, I'm Dom - nice to meet you! Originally from Switzerland, I fulfilled my dream of moving to Japan and now live in Kyoto. In addition to my daily Aikido training, I work as a private tour guide, offering personalized experiences of the city. Whether you're interested in one of the tours listed on my website or prefer a custom tour based on your interests, I’m here to help make your visit to Kyoto unforgettable. How did I end up in the Land of the Rising Sun? My fascination with Japan began in childhood and has only deepened over the years. I immersed myself in studying the country's culture and history, exploring countless books, and, according to my friends, was probably a bit too enthusiastic about it! I always knew that visiting Japan was inevitable, and it became a reality after I started training in Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art. This journey brought me to Kyoto, where I completed a two-year intensive program to become an Aikido instructor. Having achieved that goal, I am now teaching while continuing to grow as an instructor, with the long-term vision of one day opening my own dojo. If you’re visiting my website, it means you share an interest in exploring Kyoto’s rich culture and history, an enthusiasm we have in common! I fell in love with Kyoto, and my goal is to help you experience the city in a way that will leave you as captivated by it as I am.

Karim A.

Hello and welcome! My name is Karim, and I'm your local guide for unforgettable tours across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara — three of Japan’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. With a deep passion for Japanese history, food, and culture, I specialize in creating fun, informative, and personalized experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you want to explore ancient temples in Kyoto, vibrant street food in Osaka, or the peaceful charm of Nara’s deer parks and shrines, I’m here to help you experience it all like a local. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, I’ll make sure your visit is filled with authentic stories, local insights, and great memories. Let’s discover Japan together — one step, one bite, and one beautiful view at a time! Looking forward to meeting you, Karim