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Joined 2018
Koichi W.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga (Living), Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
4 hours on average
Availability Updated
5 days ago
About Tour Guide 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.
Important
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? I would also like to take you some hidden gemes in Kyoto. Beat the crowds!
Early Bird Tour Western Kyoto including Bamboo Forest and Kinkakuji Kinkakuji
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Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Kyoto is a city full of charm, both ancient and modern such as the stone gardens of Zen temples, orange gates of Shito shrines, traditional cafés, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museums and so on. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!
Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour
Kyoto is a city full of charm, both ancient and modern such as the stone gardens of Zen temples, orange gates of Shito shrines, traditional cafés, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, modern art museums and so on. I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips to enjoy the city. Let's explore together and discover the real Kyoto with me!!
Western Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor Full Day Tour
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Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? On this tour, we first visit Kiyomizudera Buddhist temple to avoid busy tourists. And then, walk down to Gion Geisha Town through Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka worshiper's path of the temple which is designated as a historical preserved area for its beautiful townscape. Then we are going to famous Fushimi Inari Shrine or Sanjusangen-do temple. Beat the crowds!
Early Bird Half Day Tour Eastern Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu Temple
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Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for many torii gates like an orange tunnel. But most tourists just visit only the entrance. I would like to show you the deep inside of Fushimi Inari Shrine through tunnel and take you to the top of mountain. From Inari mountain, we will walk a part of “Higashiyama Trail” hiking course, then we will visit the family temple of imperial house and Sanjusangen-do temple.
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
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Full-Day Nara Deear Park and Uji Green Tea Town Tour from Kyoto
On this tour, we will visit Nara and Uji Green tea Town. Nara was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical sites, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. On our way back to Kyoto, we will hop off at JR Uji Station and visit the Green Tea Town of Uji. If you have time to spare, taste the finest green tea.
Full-Day Nara Deear Park and Uji Green Tea Town Tour from Kyoto
Reviews
Ryan J.
“Great day in Osaka”
We recently visited Osaka for the first time. We explored the city with Koichi-san. Our itinerary included many highlights including Osaka Castle, Shin sekai, Dotonburi, and more! Koichi-san provided great details about each sight, and took great pictures of us! It was great chatting all day and learning about Osaka from someone who lived there! I recommend Koichi-san for a fun and informative tour!
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Koichi W.
Thank you for the wonderful rating and heartwarming comments. Though it was a short time, I was truly delighted to share such a wonderful time with a nice couple like you. I also sincerely appreciate you accommodating my request and allowing us to toast with beer at that secret??? public spot. I look forward to seeing you again. Arigato and Ookini!! Kkoichi
Evelyn L.
“Excellent- Best Guide”
Koichi was the perfect guide. He was punctual and met us at our hotel early! He provided a brief overview and then off we went. This was the first time we’d used a guide and given this experience I wouldn’t hesitate to reserve with him again. . Koichi guided us to the key locations and provided us a brief historical background and context. Also helpful was he explained the layout of Kyoto train system and how to get around. Friendly and personable. I highly recommend him as a guide
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Koichi W.
Thank you for giving me such a nice rating and comment. I am very happy to have been able to share a wonderful time with you. I was delighted that you learned and used some Kyoto dialect. This time, we did not have much time. So please come again in the near future, since I would like to show you more interesting places and things next time. Arigato and Ookini!!
Tom R.
“Great days with Koichi”
We had two and one half days in Kyoto with Koichi and he was a great guide. He is prompt, friendly and very knowledgeable. Kyoto is such an amazing place, my only regret is not spending a few more days. Will definitely come back another time.
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Koichi W.
Thank you for your wonderful review and kind comments. It would be an honor to see you again in the near future. Please do come back to Japan, and to Kyoto. And feel free to reach out to me anytime, even if you don't have a specific reason. Arigato and Ookini!!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Shiga
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Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I’m Michiko, a local guide born and raised in Kyoto. I love meeting people from around the world and sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.and I love fun things! I went to the UK to watch musicals, and recently I spent a year living in Thailand — experiences that deepened my love for art, culture, and people. Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique shows in shop windows! Let’s explore Kyoto together and find its heart — the beauty, people, and stories that make it special! with BIGLOVE!
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Nori I.
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love. I am a certified English interpreter guide certified by Kyoto City, Uji City and Otsu City. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
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Tatsuhiro N.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
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