Joined 2018
Koichi W.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga (Living), Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
6 hours on average
Availability Updated
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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.
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.
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!!
Early Bird Half Day Tour in Eastern Part of Kyoto
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!
Reviews
“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
David M.
Kyoto Eastern Highlights and Shiga Lake Town Full-day Tour for David san
Customized
“Amazing tour guide ”
Toichi was my private tour guide for the past 4 days. His knowledge of Kyoto and surrounding areas is unsurpassed. He taught me about the history, culture and food of Kyoto. We went to many temples and shrines and when I asked if we could change the schedule for the last 2 days he was very accommodating. I feel like he became my friend. Thank you Toichi for making my first trip to Japan so enjoyable and teaching me so much.
Koichi W.
Hi! David san, Thank you for giving me such a wonderful review. The comment you gave me is more than I desrve. It was a great pleasure for me to share your precious time together. Atrigato-gozaimasu and I would like to say "Ookini-dosse!!" in Kyoto dialect. Koichi
Keane J.
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto and Uji Green Tea Town
“Amazing experience!”
We had an amazing experience with Koichi. He went above and beyond to ensure we had a great experience in Nara. He came prepared to teach us about Japan’s history and culture. He was well-informed, earnest, and flexible. We asked him to visit some specific shops in Nara before the tour and he built that into our day. He’s been the highlight of our trip to Japan and we wish we could spend more time with him.
Koichi W.
Hi! Keane san. Thank you for giving me such a great review. Arigato-gozaimasu! I am very happy to have had a wonderful time with you and your family. I wish we could have spent a little more time together. Please come again in the near future. Koichi
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