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Kyoto Private Tour - Kinkaku-ji Temple ( the Golden Pavilion )
Kinkaku-ji Temple ( the Golden Pavilion )
Kyoto Private Tour - Weeping Cherry Tree at Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Weeping Cherry Tree at Maruyama Park, Kyoto
Kyoto Private Tour - Near Ginkaku-ji Temple
Near Ginkaku-ji Temple
Kyoto Private Tour - Hangesho flowers at Ryosoku-in, a sub-temple of Ken-ninji Temple near Gion, open to the public during the rainy season only.
Hangesho flowers at Ryosoku-in, a sub-temple of Ken-ninji Temple near Gion, open to the public during the rainy season only.
Kyoto Private Tour - Hangesho, only visible during the rainy season, also referred to as Half-Makeup, Hangesho is also a season word, the 11th day after summer solstice.
Hangesho, only visible during the rainy season, also referred to as Half-Makeup, Hangesho is also a season word, the 11th day after summer solstice.
Kyoto Private Tour - Gion Night Festival on July16
Gion Night Festival on July16
Kyoto Private Tour - Yasaka no Toh ( Yasaka Five-story Pagoda ) , Kyoto
Yasaka no Toh ( Yasaka Five-story Pagoda ) , Kyoto
Kyoto Private Tour - At the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama
At the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama
Kyoto Private Tour - Thunder God of Fujin-Raijin zu Byobu ( folding screen ) painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu, housed by Ken-ninji Temple near Gion ( a reproduction photographed by a Canon camera equipped with the cutting-edge technology )
Thunder God of Fujin-Raijin zu Byobu ( folding screen ) painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu, housed by Ken-ninji Temple near Gion ( a reproduction photographed by a Canon camera equipped with the cutting-edge technology )
Kyoto Private Tour - Wind God of Fujin-Raijin zu Byobu ( folding screen ) painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu, housed by Ken-ninji Temple near Gion ( a reproduction photographed by a Canon camera equipped with the cutting-edge technology )
Wind God of Fujin-Raijin zu Byobu ( folding screen ) painted by Tawaraya Sotatsu, housed by Ken-ninji Temple near Gion ( a reproduction photographed by a Canon camera equipped with the cutting-edge technology )
Kyoto Private Tour - Soryu-zu (Twin Dragons Painting ) on the ceiling of the doctrine hall in Ken-ninji Temple According to Zen Buddhism, dragons are believed to be symbolic animals to protect the teachings of Buddha.
Soryu-zu (Twin Dragons Painting ) on the ceiling of the doctrine hall in Ken-ninji Temple According to Zen Buddhism, dragons are believed to be symbolic animals to protect the teachings of Buddha.
Kyoto Private Tour - One of the pair of bronze foxes placed in front of the oratory hall of Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine Foxes are symbolic animals of Inari shrines which enshrine the kami or deity of harvest.
One of the pair of bronze foxes placed in front of the oratory hall of Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine Foxes are symbolic animals of Inari shrines which enshrine the kami or deity of harvest.
Kyoto Private Tour - Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine Vermilion-colored thousand torii gates.
Fushimi Inari Grand Shrine Vermilion-colored thousand torii gates.
Kyoto Private Tour - At Sekisui-in ( national treasure ) of Kosan-ji Temple, Toganoo, Kyoto
At Sekisui-in ( national treasure ) of Kosan-ji Temple, Toganoo, Kyoto
Kyoto Private Tour - On the way to Kiyotaki, Kyoto
On the way to Kiyotaki, Kyoto
Kyoto Private Tour - At Gio-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
At Gio-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Kyoto Private Tour - At Jojako-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
At Jojako-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto
Kyoto Private Tour - At the garden of Okochi Sanso ( a private mountain villa), Arashiyama
At the garden of Okochi Sanso ( a private mountain villa), Arashiyama
Kyoto Private Tour - At the garden of Okochi Sanso ( a private mountain villa ), Arashiyama
At the garden of Okochi Sanso ( a private mountain villa ), Arashiyama
Kyoto Private Tour - Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto Private Tour - Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto Station Building
Kyoto Private Tour - Byodo-in Temple, Uji
Byodo-in Temple, Uji
Kyoto Private Tour - At Byodo-in Temple, Uji
At Byodo-in Temple, Uji
Kyoto Private Tour - Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara and the wisteria flowers. The shrine was originally established by the Fujiwara clan. Fujiwara literally means the field of wisterias. So many wisteria trees are planted in the precinct of the shrine.
Kasuga Grand Shrine in Nara and the wisteria flowers. The shrine was originally established by the Fujiwara clan. Fujiwara literally means the field of wisterias. So many wisteria trees are planted in the precinct of the shrine.
Kyoto Private Tour - Lantern-lit room in one of the buildings in Kasuga Grand Shrine
Lantern-lit room in one of the buildings in Kasuga Grand Shrine
Kyoto Private Tour - Umeda Sky Building seen through colored maple leaves in late December
Umeda Sky Building seen through colored maple leaves in late December
Kyoto Private Tour - Kobe Port Tower at Harborland
Kobe Port Tower at Harborland
Kyoto Private Tour - Harborland, Kobe
Harborland, Kobe
Kyoto Private Tour - Thunder Gate of Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Thunder Gate of Senso-ji Temple, Asakusa
Kyoto Private Tour - Tokyo Skytree seen from the Azuma-bashi Bridge, Asakusa
Tokyo Skytree seen from the Azuma-bashi Bridge, Asakusa
Kyoto Private Tour - Night View of Tokyo Tower
Night View of Tokyo Tower
Kyoto Private Tour - Hama-rikyu Garden near Tsukiji
Hama-rikyu Garden near Tsukiji
Kyoto Private Tour - Hama-rikyu Garden near Tsukiji
Hama-rikyu Garden near Tsukiji
Kyoto Private Tour - The Torii Gate to Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
The Torii Gate to Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima Island
Kyoto Private Tour - The arch-shaped bridge at Itsukushima Shrine
The arch-shaped bridge at Itsukushima Shrine
Kyoto Private Tour - The Atomic-bombed Dome, Hiroshima City
The Atomic-bombed Dome, Hiroshima City
Kyoto Private Tour - Hodaka Mountain Range and Kappa Bridge　
Hodaka Mountain Range and Kappa Bridge　
Kyoto Private Tour - A view from Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi Highland
A view from Kappa Bridge, Kamikochi Highland
Kyoto Private Tour - At Shirakawa-go village
At Shirakawa-go village
Kyoto Private Tour - From the observatory of Shirakawa-go village
From the observatory of Shirakawa-go village
Kyoto Private Tour - Mizu-basho flowers at Shirakawa-go village
Mizu-basho flowers at Shirakawa-go village
Kyoto Private Tour - A view of snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range from Ame-harashi Seashore, Toyama Prefecture
A view of snow-capped Tateyama Mountain Range from Ame-harashi Seashore, Toyama Prefecture
Kyoto Private Tour - Yukimi-shoji ( Snow-viewing paper sliding doors ) On a snowy day the snow-covered garden can be seen through the glass windows.
Yukimi-shoji ( Snow-viewing paper sliding doors ) On a snowy day the snow-covered garden can be seen through the glass windows.
Kyoto Private Tour - Tsubo-niwa Garden One tsubo means a two tatami-mat size. This type of gardens were designed to appreciate the outer atmosphere from inside, making good use of limited premises.
Tsubo-niwa Garden One tsubo means a two tatami-mat size. This type of gardens were designed to appreciate the outer atmosphere from inside, making good use of limited premises.
Tour Guide - Yoshihisa T.

Joined 2016

Yoshihisa T.

4.97 / 5
(287 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living), Kobe, Nara, Osaka

Languages

Japanese (Native), English

Response Time

4 hours on average

Availability Updated

3 days ago

About Tour Guide Yoshihisa T.

Hi. My name is Yoshihisa. Call me "Yoshie", please. It means good or O.K. in Japanese. I live in Joyo City, Kyoto Prefecture, located just in between Kyoto and Nara. I was born and raised in Iga, Mie Prefecture. Iga is a birthplace of ninja and a renowned haiku poet, Matsuo Basho. I might be a descendant of ninja. I aim at becoming a linguistic ninja, following a part of Basho's lifestyle with the incorporation of seasonal changes into my tours. In addition to visiting famous temples and shrines, I invite you to lesser-known places of historic interest.

Once in a month I go hiking or mountain climbing with some friends mainly in mountains surrounding Kyoto and Nara basins. Recently I have got intrigued by the charms of Buddhist statues, which are manifestations of people's wishes and prayers. I also like izakaya (Japanese-style taverns) hopping, tasting delicious dishes and locally brewed sake at reasonable prices. Especially I like communicating with people from home and abroad, talking face to face. Some of the above-mentioned elements are included in my walking tours. I hope you will discover new aspects of cultural and natural beauty in Kansai area through one of my tours which you could never gain otherwise.

One of my favorite phrases that come from Zen Buddhism is Ichigo Ichie or this meeting-but only once in a lifetime. My interpretation goes this way: This place and this moment never cross again. Each and every good encounter, however, lingers on like the sound of a temple bell. Won't you explore a deeper world of Japanese culture in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with me?

Important

It is desirable to carry overseas travel insurance because the guide is not liable for any damage or loss incurred during the tour. It is also requested to bring enough Japanese yen with you because some restaurants and taxis do not accept credit cards.

Tours

All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!

Categories

Highlights
Highlights
Art, Culture, & Historical
Art, Culture, & Historical
Food & Drink
Food & Drink
Nature & Outdoor
Nature & Outdoor
Day Trip
Day Trip
My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
Kyoto
8 hours

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

FROM$250/ per group
My Favorite Silver Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
Kyoto
8 hours

My Favorite Silver Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

FROM$250/ per group
Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
Nara
7 hours

Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

FROM$237/ per group
Izakaya Hopping & Sightseeing in Minami Area, Osaka
Osaka
5 hours

Izakaya Hopping & Sightseeing in Minami Area, Osaka

FROM$187/ per group
Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour
Kobe
7 hours

Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour

FROM$281/ per group
Cherry Blossom Viewing Walking Tour
Kyoto
7 hours

Cherry Blossom Viewing Walking Tour

FROM$206/ per group
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Reviews

K

Kendall R.

5 / 5
Jun 5, 2026

A Five-hour Tour in Nara for Kendall's Family

Nara
5 hours

Customized

“Great tour around Nara”

Our five-hour tour of Nara with Yoshihisa was fantastic, and we highly recommend him. From the very beginning, his communication leading up to the day was clear and helpful, making the planning seamless. As soon as we met at the train station, he went above and beyond by helping us resolve an issue with our IC cards that we couldn't fix on our own, which saved our trip back home. Another thoughtful touch was a beautiful gift of origami made by his wife, which was a wonderful surprise. Yoshihisa did a great job tailoring the day to our specific interests. We started at a beautiful garden, which was a major interest of ours, before exploring the temples. Throughout the day, he handled all the logistics of getting tickets at each site and guided us smoothly, sharing useful information about Japanese customs, history, and traditions. He was also glad to answer all of our questions and selected a site for a great lunch. We kept up a quick pace to fit everything in, allowing us to see many great temples and sites around Nara before returning to the station. If you are looking for a knowledgeable, helpful, and organized guide, definitely book a tour with Yoshihisa.

Kendall R.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Kendall. I appreciate your excellent comment on my tour in Nara. I am very pleased to learn that you and your family enjoyed the Nara tour with me a lot. I also had lots of fun, guiding and talking with you all. I wish every one of you good health and the best of luck. Yoshie

J

Julia J.

5 / 5
Jun 1, 2026

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

Kyoto
8 hours

“Absolutely wonderful guided tour!!!”

Yoshi was amazing. He took us to places that we never would have found before. We also got to ride every transit system which was a treat because we were too scared to venture on our own for fear of getting lost. He was knowledgeable and kind and even walked my daughter and I to our tea ceremony after the tour!

Julia J.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Julia. Thank you so much for your nice comment on my tour in Kyoto. I also had a lot of fun, guiding and talking with you and your family. I can imagine that you and your daughter enjoyed your tea ceremony wearing kimono. I wish all of you good health and the very best of luck. Yoshie

Aimee W.

Aimee W.

5 / 5
May 25, 2026

My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

Kyoto
8 hours

“Yoshie was the best!! ”

We missed you the next day Yoshie!! We had so much fun exploring Kyoto, the tours were amazing, you were so much fun, the homemade origami’s were beautiful that your wife made, tell her thank you so very much. We will definitely be back to see you again. From the bottom of our hearts thank you, we appreciate everything! Chad and Aimee

Aimee W.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Chad and Aimee. I really appreciate your very kind comment on my two-day tour in Kyoto. I also had a great time, guiding and talking with you two. I am pleased that you liked all the dishes at the yakitori restaurant. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again in the near future. With all the best wishes. Yoshie

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