/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/2109/19826.jpg)
Joined 2016
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
4 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
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?
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.
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1600/65599.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/3745/65476.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/885/20498.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/917/21084.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1754/37019.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/1188/28996.jpg)
Jeannie K.
“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!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/2109/19826.jpg)
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
Pascal N.
“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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/2109/19826.jpg)
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
Pascal N.
“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!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/2109/19826.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/fd80eadc-3b71-477e-917c-1c4924bd4a5a.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/74454/a3ab365c-6e5c-4d1d-b92e-83e0bda2a9c6.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16782/67164.jpg)