Joined 2018
Koichi W.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga (Living), Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
6 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
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
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!
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!!
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!!
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!!
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.
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.
Reviews
Norman B.
“The Kobe King”
If you want a guide that knows his way around Kobe then Koichi is your man.From the use of the rail system and bullet train he took us to so many interesting places. He always made sure we were well looked after and also took us for a great Japanese lunch nothing is to much trouble for Mr Koichi. I would highly recommend that you use Koichi as your guide if you want to learn a lot about Kobe.
Koichi W.
Hi! Norman san, Thank you for giving me such a wonderful comment and high rating. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. I hope to see you in the near future. I miss you. Please come again (#^.^#)
Raisy M.
“fantastic!”
We were a group of 4. We spent 4-half days with Koichi. It was a fabulous time and experience. Koichi is knowledgeable, easy going, flexible and funny. We toured various areas around Kyoto/Osaka. Initially we hired Koichi for 3 days but the experience was so positive that we added in another day and we hiked to a non tourist area with him. I must add in that Koichi captured so many amazing photos of us too. He really is a man of many talents-history buff, foodie, hiker, photographer. We will visit Japan again and meet up with Koichi again!
Koichi W.
Hi! Thank you for giving me such a heartwarming comment and nice rating. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. Your message motivates me for the next tour. I hope to see you again in the near future. I would also like to visit Osaka's foodie’s town with you. Koichi
Peter F.
“Two days with Koichi”
We spent two very enjoyable days with Koichi: one in Kyoto and one in Nara. He is very knowledgeable and helped us a lot with regard to travelling about in Japan. He speaks and understands the English language very well. He suggested that we swap the itinerary days round to make the best of the weather. We can thoroughly recommend him as a guide and I am sure anyone fortunate enough to have him as their guide will thoroughly enjoy themselves. Peter and Jane
Koichi W.
Hi! Peter san, Jane san. Thank you for your heartwarming review. Your words motivate and encourage me for the next guiding. I am truly honored to have met you two as a wonderful couple. I sincerely hope that you will have the opportunity to visit Japan again. I am so happy to have shared two wonderful days with you. Arigato!! Koichi
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