Joined 2018
Koichi W.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga (Living), Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
6 hours on average
Availability Updated
4 days ago
Tour Categories
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!
Early Bird Tour in Western part of Kyoto
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!
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide
Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!
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.
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!!
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!!
Hike in mysterious mountains of Kyoto -Kurama to Kibune-
We will visit Kuramadera which is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside. Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest to Kibune, a small town famous for Kibune Shrine dedicated to the goddess of the water "Tamayorihime". The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour. If you like, you can also enjoy "Onsen" hot spring at Kurama.
Reviews
“Must do Kyoto tour”
Another fanatastic tour.day with Koichi W a nd my favorite itinerary of both tours we did. Aryshiama, the golden pavillion and imperial palace were of an indescribable beauty on a sunny day. Koichi again provided very informative backgroup information including visual aids, knew all the best spots for.pictures and had us effectively getting around the city to beat the crowds amd havr the most productive tourong time possible.
Koichi W.
Thank you for the great rating and wonderful review. It was an honor to spend time with you. Please come back to Japan and to Kyoto. I sincerely hope that we will have the opportunity to spend time together again. Koichi
“Extremely informative and fun tour, amazing guide”
Koichi is an excellent guide, he arr arranged our itinerary so as to avoid the crowds as much as possible and preseted each landmark thoroughly with visual aids that were most helpful, he was also very helpful with our transportation (we needed to get around with IC cards, 2 taxis). He also suggested the best spots for photos. We definitely recommend him, we had a very enjoyable day!
Koichi W.
Thank you for giving me such a great review. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. I sincerely hope that you will have another opportunity to visit Japan. And I will be happy to introduce you to various Japanese sweets other than dango dumpling and sakura-mochi. Koichi
“Exceptional Guide”
Koichi was a wonderful and thoughtful guide. I cannot think of s better person to introduce us to the beauty and culture of Kyoto. He was extremely informative and was flexible on the day of the tour, accommodating our special requests. I highly recommend him!
Koichi W.
Hi! Lynsey san, Thank you very much for giving me such a nice comment. It encourages me greatly. I hope to see you in the near future. Enjoy the booze tour next time??? However, enjoy it to the extent that it does not violate Buddhist precepts "Do not drink TOO MUCH." Koichi
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