Yoshihisa T.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Mie, Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day 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
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
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.
Yoshihisa T. Japan Tour Reviews
“Absolute wonderful ????”
Yoshi greeted us with h a smile and a gift of origami that his lovely wife made for us. We headed on the Golden route for a day of jaw dropping temples, serene gardens and hidden gems. A delicious lunch of ramen refuelled us for the afternoon. We walked around 15kms and caught local train lines. Learnt about the history of Japan geographically and also some the of the arts and poetry that Yoshi was very fond of. It was delightful! We were sad to part and our family of 5 (including 3 teenage sons) loved spending time with Yoshi. We recommend you take at least $300 cash (for a family our size) for temple entries (about $20-30 each temple), lunch, souvenirs etc. and don’t forget your Goshuinchou book for temple stamps for a precious keepsake. We highly recommend this full day out with Yoshi :)
“Exploring Beauty in Kobe”
We had a wonderful time exploring Arima and Mt Rokko in Kobe. Arima is so beautiful and charming. It was great to walk around, get lunch at a local spot and soak in an onsen. The views from Mt Rokko was amazing. We had some limitations as we were doing this tour as part of a shore excursion. Our time in port was shortened and Yoshihisa was so accommodating and helped us adjust slightly the itinerary so we were able to see as much as we can. Yoshihisa was amazing and very knowledgeable. We learned alot, had a wonderful time and was awed by the beauty of the area. I highly recommend this tour and guide.
Yoshihisa T.
(186 reviews)Hi Sequoya. Thank you so much for your wonderful comment on my tour in Arima Onsen and Mt. Rokko. It was lucky for us that the cherry trees were in full blossom in Arima on the second week of April and that we were able to get a nice view of Kobe Port and Osaka Bay from the top of the mountain. I hope our paths will cross again someday in the near future. Best wishes. Yoshie
“Fantastic Tour”
Me and my father had a great time with Yoshihisa San. He toured us around key temples, shrines and the bamboo forest in Kyoto. For lunch we had curry rice and beef bowl which was really nice. I would strongly recommend Yoshihisa San, he is a great guide. ありがとうございます
Yoshihisa T.
(186 reviews)Hi Samuel. Thank you so much for your quick review for the tour today. I had a pleasant time guiding and talking with you and your father. I was impressed with your strong enthusiasm for learning Japanese. I hope you will keep studying Japanese and Japanese culture and visit Kansai district someday in the near future again. With best wishes. Yoshie
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