Joined 2018
Toshi M.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living)
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
10 hours on average
Availability Updated
4 days ago
Tour Categories
About Tour Guide Toshi M.
Hello, my nickname is Toshi. I am a nationally licensed tour guide, working mostly in the Kansai Region, Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. I was born in Kyoto and live in Osaka now. I went to the U.S. and stayed there for several years. Returning to Japan, I began to work as a media coordinator. Media coordinator helps foreign film makers, TV productions, or journalists who want to produce documentaries or TV programs about Japan. I assisted them in such ways as finding locations, setting up interviews, coordinating logistics etc. Some of the things that a media coordinator should do is similar to what a tour guide does, in order to present good guiding services.
As I have worked on various media projects, I traveled extensively throughout Japan. That experience led me to a greater appreciation for my own country and culture. Japan’s culture is very unique and rich with entertainment, art, literature, craft work, Manga, temples and shrines, festivals, food and drinks, etc.. It’s countless. I would like to share these things with you. I presented some tours around Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara in my tour pages. If you would like to explore Osaka, Kyoto and Nara, or else, please let me know. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.
Important
* Toshi will charge actual transportation fee (R.T.) to get to your hotel from his home in Osaka at the end of the tour.
* Duration of guiding service : minimum 6 hours and maximum 10 hours during the period of March 20th ~ November 31st.
* If you are working for a travel agency, please note that my guiding service is not available for your tour program, thank you.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Osaka : OLD & NEW Tour 6 hours
Firstly, you will visit Osaka Castle. The castle was built in the late16th century during the medieval ages. After learning about the Warring State Times in Japan, you will visit The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living to see and feel how the people in Osaka lived in the 1830s. On the contrary to visiting a few historic places besides Tenmangu Shrine as “Old”, we will visit Dotonbori Area, as “New”, representing modern times in the Southern part of Osaka.
Osaka: Culinary Culture Tour 6 hours
In this tour, first we will visit Osaka Castle, one of the must-see spots in Osaka. Then we will visit food-related places, such as Dohtonbori Canal Area and Kuromon Market. Sometimes, Osaka is called "Tenka no Daidokoro". It means, "the kitchen of the country". We will visit these exciting spots, focusing on the culinary culture in Osaka. In the conclusion of this tour, you will have an idea why Osaka is called "Tenka no Daidokoro".
Kyoto : Fushimi Inarii ・Kiyomizu-dera・Geisha District
"Higashi-yama" means Eastern mountain in Japanese. It is an interesting area with historic and scenic spots. They are located on the foot of Eastern mountains in Kyoto city. Anyone can enjoy visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine and Kiyomizu temple. In addition, walking in the historic site gives you a feel of olden time Kyoto atmosphere, and you will find a unique impression while strolling in the Gion Geisha district.
Reviews
“Nice person, perhaps an off day”
Unfortunately, our experience did not match the rave reviews we read prior to booking. Toshi is a nice, gentle person, but was perhaps too passive and tentative during our time together. WFor example, we ended up taking the lead to find the correct subway to get to our first destination. It's possible that he was very tired that day, because he did not capture the vibrancy and energy of Osaka. We have traveled extensively and have hired guides in 5 continents. This was one of the few times that our expectations were not met.
Toshi M.
(47 reviews)Hi Lloyd, Thank you for taking your time and writing about your tour with me in Osaka. People come to Osaka with an expectations that they want to have good experiences in a different culture, such as, through visiting interesting spots, taking transport and food. I apologize for not being able to meet your expectations well in your Osaka tour. I learned a lot from this experience. I will be careful about that. If you plan to come back to Osaka, or else, please let me know, if you do not mind. Best.
“Amazing 2 days with Toshi”
Toshi was a wonderful guide throughout our two days with him through Osaka and Nara! Despite some hard to navigate crowds, he skillfully guided us with ease, allowing us to have a great experience. He took us to two great lunch spots, one of them being my favorite sushi on our trip through Japan. We also made a great memory at a sweet and tea shop he encouraged us to stop into, though not in the original itinerary. Toshi definitely wants to help make great memories for the people he guides. I couldn’t recommend Toshi more and will definitely book him again our next time in the area.
Toshi M.
(47 reviews)H i Laura, Thank you very much for saying good things about me. As you expressed, yes, we had such a good time in Osaka and Nara. I felt like I was with good friends visiting me from the States. Maybe, in a way I enjoyed this tour more than you guys. And right now, I’m enjoying remembering back especially Kimono attire of both of you, and what happened around Exit 14. I thank you for being my guest. Toshi M.
“A day with Toshi”
As first-time visitors to Japan we were extremely impressed with Toshi as a tour guide. He has an engaging personality and provides comprehensive insights into Japanese history and culture. We visited Kyoto with him and had a very fulfilling day. We would highly recommend him to other visitors to Osaka/Kyoto.
Toshi M.
(47 reviews)Hi Paul, Thank you for the warm review. I was very impressed to see both of you climb steep paths and long subway stairs with ease. You guys probably do a lot of walking on a regular basis. Another thing that impressed me was that your willingness to eat local Japanese food. I guess that kind of attitude is a secret to traveling around various countries in a fun and energetic way. I hope you both continue to travel well and have fun. Toshi M.
