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Joined 2019
Joji T.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka
Languages
English
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Joji T.
Hello!
I am Joji. Please call me Joji. Or Bonjoji, if it is easier for you to remember from the name of the famous Rockband BonJovi. I was born and raised in Kyoto untill 19 years old. But I have not paid attention to the fact that the city was an old capital of Japan. There was a small old temple near my house and I used it as nothing more than a good place to play "hide and seek" then.
I studied English and graduated from University of South Carolina with Statistic major. During my work at a precision equipment company, I have lived in California and New Jersey in the states for 12 years. While I was in the States, I have been treated like a family by many local American people. So, it is a time that I treat you back well while you are traveling in Japan. (If you were not American, no worries and I would treat you same.)
Now, I got old and developed an interest in the history and culture of Kyoto and Nara, having learned more about it through English National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter Test, UNESCO World Heritage Academy and Cultural Examination, Kyoto Tourism Examination, Nara Sommelier Examination and etc. Spending a couple of years, I have successfully passed all these examinations.
My hobby is visiting old ruins in the world so that I have been to Vesa Merde in the States, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile, Volbilis in Morocco, Tikal in Guatemala, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and etc. When I go to unknown places, I normally hire a local guide. I think it is the most efficient and smartest way to learn the places. Now, it is a time tha I share what I know about beautiful Kyoto and historical Nara, as a guide. The goal of my guiding is to make your journey more enjoyable while you are in Japan. Please feel free to contact me and let's enjoy the tour together.
Bonjoji
Important
Currently, my main coverage is Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, but I can mostly go anywhere if you can bear my transportation fee. I am easy and flexible.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Must-see sightseeing spots in East side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
To visit must-see 7 sightseeing spots of eastern Kyoto for 1st time travellers: ① Fushimi-Inari Shrine: famous for its thousands of red torri gates forming photogenic tunnels ② Kiyomizu Temple: popular for its historic wooden stage offering stunning view over Kyoto city. (in addition, ③ Sanneizaka slope, ④ Ninennzaka slope, ⑤ Yasaka Koshindo, ⑥ Hokanji Pagoda) ⑦ Gion District: traditional kyoto atomosphere with Geiko/Maiko culture Upon your requests, you can add more sites or customize it.
Must-see sightseeing spots in East side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
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Essential 3 popular sites (Shrine, Temple and Castle) in Kyoto for a day trip travelers
This 5 hour tour is specially designed for busy travellers from * Tokyo: Leaving from Tokyo/Yokohama at early morning and arriving at Kyoto before noon by a bullet train. Then, must go back with a sama day. * Kobe/Osaka: Docking in Kobe/Osaka seaport at early morning and arrive at Kyoto before noon by JR train. Then, must go back with a same day. The places to visit are photogenic Shrine, famous Temple and historical Castle * Fushimi-Inari Shrine * Kiyomizu Temple * Nijyo Castle
Essential 3 popular sites (Shrine, Temple and Castle) in Kyoto for a day trip travelers
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Must-see sightseeing spots in West side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
This tour is designed to visit two areas of the west side of Kyoto for 1st time travelers: ① Kinkakuji Temple ② Arashiyama (You can choose 4-5 places from following choices) * Bamboo grove * Tenryuji Temple * Togetsu bridge * Iwatayama Monkey Park * Otagi Nenbutsu Temple * Adashino Nenbutsu Temple * Nisonin Temple * Ohkochi Garden * Sagano preserved district * Diorama Kyoto Japan and etc. Or, other places like Ryoanji Temple, Ninnnaji Temple etc
Must-see sightseeing spots in West side of Kyoto for 1st-time travelers
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Essential 3 popular sites and one additional site as you like in Nara
This tour consists of three must-go sites and one additional site which you would like to go. Two sites are ①Todaiji Temple, so-called Giant Buddha statue temple ②KasugaTaisha Shrine, so-called 3000 lanterns shrine ③Nara Park with many deer And one additional site which you would like to go. Typical choice is as follows: *Kofukuji Temple *Yakushiji Temple *Toshodaiji Temple *Horyuji Temple *Kohriyama Castle and etc. Or, please feel free to customize the tour as you like. I am very flexible.
Essential 3 popular sites and one additional site as you like in Nara
Reviews
Kathryn D.
“A wonderful day in Tokyo”
Our tour with Joji was our first full day in Tokyo and what a day it was! We couldn't believe how much we were able to pack into 6.5 hours and yet nothing felt rushed. Joji is a great guide and teacher. We were very nervous about using public transportation on our own but Joji taught us so well we had no issues the following days. We also asked Joji for a change in our itinerary and he happily obliged and took us to Gōtokuji Temple (instead of Shibuya Crossing) which was one of our favorite spots of the day. We highly recommend this tour! Thank you Joji!!!
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Joji T.
Kathryn Very glad to hear you have enjoyed the tour. The beckon cat you bought will bring you more happiness to you and your family. Please come back again !!! Joji
Jo A.
“Tokyo with Joji T.”
We had a great experience with Joji. Joji had planned out our day but was also flexible to allow us to stop at other places of interest and for much needed breaks. Joji shared his knowledge of the sites we visited, and provided us with a thoroughly enjoyable day.
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Joji T.
Jo, very glad to hear you enjoyed the tour. I appreciate you wrote the nice review. Thanks to the good weather, we could see nice view from Shibuya Sky. Please come back, again!
Isabel C.
“Great time in Tokyo”
It was a great pleasure to spend an 8 hour tour with Joji in Tokyo. We received in advance a detailed itinerary covered all our interests by him. Joji is a very polite and sensitive guide endowed with a sound knowledge of historical and temporary developments in Japan and its capital. We enjoyed this tour very much and we recommend this guide to our highest satisfaction.
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Joji T.
Isabel Thank you for writing the nice review while you are still busy traveling. It was my pleasure to guide both Isabel and Michael. I am glad to hear you have enjoyed my tour. Since both of you were not just interested in Japanese history & culture but wanted to learn them, so that it was worth explaining them. Please enjoy the rest of your trip. Regards, Joji
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
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Nicolas I.
Hello, my name is Nicolas. I’m originally from Argentina and have been living in Japan for the past eight years, proudly calling Osaka my home. Being married to a Japanese wife has given me a strong personal connection to the culture and a deeper understanding of everyday life here, far beyond what most visitors get to see. Tourism has always been my passion and profession, and I have spent these years working in the tour industry, helping travelers discover Japan in a meaningful and enjoyable way. I love sharing not only the famous landmarks, but also the small details, stories, and local experiences that make this country so special. My goal is to make every tour feel relaxed, authentic, and memorable—like exploring Japan with a knowledgeable friend who truly loves living here. I look forward to welcoming you and showing you this amazing place I now call home.
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Robert K.
Hello from the enchanting Kyoto! My name is Robert, I studied Japanology at University and live in Kyoto. I offer professional tours in Nara and Kyoto. Let's visit the beautiful temples, Zen gardens and shrines together, combined with the culinary experiences that these cities have to offer. You will learn a lot about the history and culture of this beautiful country. It is very important to me that my guests experience a relaxing time without any hustle and bustle, that they can enjoy the beauty in peace, and that they find a moment of tranquillity far away from their hectic everyday lives. If I have piqued your interest, please feel free to contact me. We can discuss the tour itinerary together; I will tailor it entirely to your personal wishes. Thank you for taking the time to read my advertisement. I look forward to hearing from you. Best regards from Kyoto, Robert
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Fumi U.
I have spent nearly 30 years working in a Government organization, contributing to development projects in Latin America and African countries. During this time, I cultivated strong cross-cultural understanding and effective communication skills. For the past 10 years, I have lived in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico, where I managed a guesthouse, operated a jewelry workshop, and provided guided tours. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of hospitality and attentiveness, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Leveraging these skills, I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japan with international guests and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
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