Joined 2016
Yoshihisa T.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
4 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days ago
Tour Categories
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!
My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who would like to visit major scenic sites in Kyoto and off-the-beaten spots as well in a single day. The route is the one that has been favored and admired by many of my guests for the past few years. The itinerary mainly consists of three areas; Kitayama, Arashiyama and Fushimi areas. You will surely have unforgettable memories through the tour with me.
My Favorite Silver Route: Kyoto One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who have finished My Favorite Golden Route: Kyoto One-day Tour and would like to make a second-day tour in Kyoto. The tour covers most of the main tourist attractions in the eastern area of Kyoto. It also has a couple of choices according to your needs and wishes. I hope you will have a very pleasant tour with me.
Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary
Through this tour you will be intrigued with the charm of Buddhist statuary, which represents people's wishes and prayers. Figures of statues vary according to the development of eras from Asuka period to Muromachi period. At the same time you can visit Nara Park, where you can feed deer. Also you can visit a nice sake tasting place after the tour if you like.
Izakaya Hopping & Sightseeing in Minami Area, Osaka
This tour is meant for those who would like to enjoy sightseeing in Minami ( South ) Area, Osaka and eating and drinking at three izakayas ( Japanese-style taverns ) for relatively reasonable prices in a friendly atmosphere.
Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour
This tour is designed for those who would like to enjoy a variety of experiences in Kobe in a single day. The tour includes a visit to Ijinkan Town ( a former foreign residence area ) in Kobe, hot spring bathing in Arima Onsen, an aerial cableway riding from Arima to Rokko and taking in a splendid view of Osaka Bay from the top of Mt. Rokko.
Cherry Blossom Viewing Walking Tour
The tour starts at JR Kyoto Station at 9 AM. You will go to Demachi Yanagi Station by JR Nara Line and Keihan Line. From there you will begin walking. The main tourist attractions of this tour are Ginkaku-ji Temple ( the Silver Pavilion ), the Philosopher's Path, Nanzen-ji Temple, Heian Jingu Shrine Garden and Maruyama Park. The tour ends at Gion Shijo Station of Keihan Line.
Reviews
“Most Beautiful Autumn Day in Kyoto”
My husband and I had the best day in Kyoto with Yoshie; he truly epitomizes Japanese hospitality and kindness. From initial booking to the end our day at a friendly izakaya, Yoshie guided us through an amazing adventure through Kyoto. We traveled to so many places so efficiently that no time was wasted! Not only did he showed us the best of Kyoto’s sites, he gave us a history lesson at each which helped us understand and appreciate everything so much better. Yoshie had endless energy that amazed us! Better put on your roller skates because Yoshie will happily zig zag you through the most beautiful sites in Kyoto! Thank you Yoshie for giving us an incredible day in Kyoto and sharing your time with us. We hope to see you again!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Hock. Thank you so much for your kind words of appreciation for my tour the other day. I am very pleased that you had a lucky chance of visiting Kyoto at the best time of autumn foliage. Especially, the colored maple leaves at Jojako-ji Temple were amazingly beautiful, weren't they? I hope you will come to Kyoto at cherry blossom season someday soon. With best wishes. Yoshie
“Highlight of our Japan Trip - Kyoto!”
My wife and I had a fantastic day exploring Kyoto with Yoshie. We took part in the Golden Route Tour, which covered a lot of ground and showcased breathtaking sights. Yoshie was an outstanding guide—knowledgeable, organized, and fluent in English. If I could give six stars, I absolutely would! It was a real pleasure, Yoshie—thank you! He guided us through all the key historical sites in northern Kyoto and demonstrated a profound understanding of Japanese history. His educational background was evident in how well he conveyed relevant historical information. We had an amazing day that included train and taxi rides, walking 13 km, and visiting incredible attractions. Along the way, we learned a great deal about Japan's history while taking in the stunning fall colors and capturing memorable photos. Yoshie-san is a skilled photographer who recommended perfect spots to highlight the beauty of the places we visited. We wholeheartedly recommend his tour to everyone and suggest taking advantage of his photography skills and knowledge. Thank you again, Yoshie-san!
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Pranav-san. I wholeheartedly appreciate your superb review for my tour, revised Golden Route. I also had a pleasant time, guiding and talking with you and your wife. I am delighted to learn that you enjoyed yourselves to the full, including the beautiful autumn scenery and photography. Thanks again for your heartwarming comment, Pranav-san.
“Fabulous tour of Kyoto”
We really enjoyed our tour with Yoshihisa. He really hit the highlights of Kyoto on our daylong tour. It was very well organized and his knowledge of the places we visited added so much to our experiencing one of the most beautiful and fascinating cities in Japan. I can not more highly recommend using him as your guide. You will not be disappointed.
Yoshihisa T.
Hi Alan. I really appreciate your kind review for my tour, My Favorite Golden Route. I had lots of fun guiding and talking with you and your family, too. I hope our paths will cross someday in the near future. Best wishes. Yoshie
Posts By This Supplier
Tips for the Appreciation of Buddhist Statuary (4)
Kyoto, Japan
This time let's learn about myo-oh that is believed to be a messenger or an incarnation of Dainichi Nyorai in esoteric Buddhism. Myo-oh is characterized by angry facial expressions and multiple faces, eyes, hands and feet. By these strange and dreadful ...
Tips for the Appreciation of Buddhist Statuary (3)
Kyoto, Japan
This time let me write about bosatsu that is in the process of achieving enlightenment or Buddhahood. Bosatsu represents the figure of Shakyamuni, the founder of Buddhism, who was disciplining himself to attain enlightenment. At the same time, bosatsu t...
Tips for the Appreciation of Buddhist Statuary (5)
Kyoto, Japan
This is the last section about Buddhist statuary. This time let's learn about ten-bu ( Deva ) deities that have a role of guarding Buddha's Law. Most of the ten-bu were originally deities of Brahmanism and Hinduism and were incorporated into Buddhism. ...
Tips for the Appreciation of Buddhist Statuary (1)
Kyoto, Japan
You may have visited Tohdaiji Temple in Nara and seen the statue of the Great Buddha. Probably you were surprised at the big scale of the statue, but maybe you didn't pay much attention to other Buddhist statues. That's mottainai (a shame) in Japanese. ...
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I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
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