GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
GoWithGuide
GoWithGuideFind your perfect tour guide at GoWithGuide. Relax and cherish unforgettable tours with loved ones. Create personalized tours for a truly memorable trip!
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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
(266 reviews)
Identity Verified
Interview-Based Quality Checks

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe

Languages

Japanese (Native), English

Response Time

4 hours on average

Availability Updated

1 day 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
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Reviews

Full and authentic experience from knowledgeable and experienced guide.

We had an incredible day exploring Kyoto with Yoshi. As Americans visiting Japan for the first time, we couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Yoshi took us to many of Kyoto’s most important historical sites and shared fascinating insights that made the city’s history come alive. His deep knowledge, thoughtful storytelling, and ability to explain cultural details in an engaging way made every stop meaningful. Yoshi also knew exactly where to go for the best photos and how to navigate through crowds respectfully but efficiently—ensuring we had time and space to appreciate Kyoto’s most stunning spots. His understanding of when to pause, explain, or simply let us take in the moment showed his intuition and experience. What impressed us most was his genuine respect for the shrines and temples we visited. He greeted each with a bow, shared the traditions behind them, and brought a quiet spirituality to the experience that we truly appreciated. We also enjoyed sharing meals with him—a casual local lunch and later dinner at a family-run restaurant where he knew the owners personally. Both were memorable parts of our trip, filled with great food and conversation. Yoshi is knowledgeable, kind, and deeply respectful of his culture and guests. Our day with him was one of the highlights of our entire trip to Japan, and we can’t recommend him highly enough. Thank you Yoshi, for an unforgettable experience!

Jeannie K.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Jeannie. I really appreciate your thoughtful and considerate words of thanks. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you three because you were all attentive to my explanation at each site. I am also glad that you liked the food and atmosphere of the two restaurants for lunch and dinner. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross again in the near future. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie

Amazing Day-Tour with Yoschi

Our second day in Kyoto with Yoshi was just as wonderful as the first — this time exploring what he calls his favorite Silver Tour. Everything was perfectly arranged, and we once again experienced Kyoto through Yoshi’s deep knowledge and genuine passion for his city. We began at the graceful Ginkaku-ji Temple (Silver Pavilion), followed by a peaceful walk along the Philosopher’s Path, where every step felt calm and timeless. At Nanzen-ji and the tranquil Murin-an Garden, we admired beautiful architecture, flowing water, and the quiet elegance of nature. Before continuing through the Gion district, Yoshi took us to a lively restaurant famous for its delicious okonomiyaki — a fun and tasty stop that added a special touch to the day. In the afternoon, we explored the impressive Kennin-ji Temple, the charming Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka slopes, and the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple with its sweeping views. We ended the day at the awe-inspiring Sanjusangen-do Temple, home to 1,001 statues of Kannon and a majestic central Buddha — a truly breathtaking sight. Yoshi once again proved to be an exceptional guide — knowledgeable, attentive, and kind. Thanks to him, we discovered another side of Kyoto’s beauty and spirit. It was truly an unforgettable day.

Pascal N.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Pascal. Thank you so much for your excellent comment on my Silver Route tour. I am very delighted to know that you had precisely grasped each and every good point of the places on the tour. I sincerely hope that our paths will cross someday in the near future. I wish you the very best of luck. Ichigo Ichie Yoshie

Great full-day Tour in Kyoto with Yoshi

We spent a wonderful day in Kyoto with our guide, Yoshi. Everything was perfectly organized from the start, and we explored many of the city’s most beautiful and historic sites together. From the elegance of Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and the calm of Ryoan-ji’s Rock Garden to the peaceful surroundings of Ninna-ji Temple, Yoshi shared his deep knowledge of Kyoto’s history in an engaging and thoughtful way. In the afternoon, we enjoyed Arashiyama’s Bamboo Grove, the serene Tenryu-ji Temple, and the mossy hillside of Jojako-ji, before ending the day at the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine. After the tour, Yoshi took us to one of his favorite Izakayas — a truly authentic Japanese culinary experience and one of the gastronomic highlights of our trip to Japan. Yoshi was knowledgeable, kind, and attentive throughout. Thank you, Yoshi, for a day we’ll never forget!

Pascal N.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Pascal. I really appreciate your thoughtful review for my Golden Route tour. I am pleased to learn that you were deeply impressed with each characteristic of the sites we visited. I am also glad that you liked the food and atmosphere of the izakaya for dinner. Thank you again. Yoshie

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