Yoshihisa T.

4.97 / 5
(146 reviews)

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living), Mie, Nara, Osaka, Kobe

Languages

Japanese (Native), English

Response Time

4 hours on average

Availability Updated

Today

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

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$222/ per group

Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

Nara
7 hours

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

FROM$192/ per group

My Favorite Silver Route: Kyoto One-day Tour

Kyoto
8 hours

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.

FROM$222/ per group

Izakaya Hopping & Sightseeing in Minami Area, Osaka

Osaka
5 hours

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.

FROM$168/ per group

Cherry Blossom Viewing Walking Tour

Kyoto
7 hours

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.

FROM$192/ per group

Kobe Arima Rokko One-day Tour

Kobe
8 hours

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.

FROM$269/ per group

Reviews

P

Pappné csonka J.

5 / 5
Sep 21, 2023

Nara Sightseeing & the World of Buddhist Statuary

It was a very good idea not to spend our little time wandering around, but with a professional guide. We saw and heard much, much more than we had planned. Thank you for the lovely day!

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Judit. Thank you so much for your kind review for my tour in Nara. I enjoyed myself, guiding and talking with you, too. I hope you have returned home with lots of nice souvenirs and good memories of Japan. With best wishes. Yoshie

E

Ed L.

5 / 5
Sep 12, 2023

Great a day Kyoto tour

The trip was a well plan, informative and very detail oriented by Yoshihisa-San . Also show me the amazing structure of Kyoto Station in detail from bottom to top. Worth every single minute of your time. Also kindly to share with his umbrella with me in unexpected heavy rain during the trip.

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Ed-San. I really appreciate your nice comment on my tour in Kyoto. I am very pleased that you enjoyed viewing all the three gardens we visited today. I also had a wonderful time guiding and talking with you. Thank you so much for your kind consideration. Please get in touch when you have another chance of visiting Kyoto again. Best wishes. Yoshie

I

Ioana L.

5 / 5
Aug 28, 2023

Golden Route Kyoto

Yoshi is a wonderful guide and created amazing experiences including highlights of the Japanese culture accompanied by great food. We had a great time together and good laughs. Thank you for all the great sharing and also the extra miles that you went for us. Hope our paths will cross again

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Ioana. Thanks a lot for an excellent review for my tour in Kyoto. I am glad to learn that you enjoyed the tour and the food for lunch and dinner. I had a very pleasant time guiding and talking with you all, too. Be sure to get in touch if you have another chance of visiting Kansai area. Best wishes. Yoshie

T

Tim P.

5 / 5
Aug 11, 2023

A day full of beauty, wisdom, and laughter

We spent the day with Mr Yoshie visiting his "Golden Route" of world heritage sites in Kyoto. His experience, knowledge and professionalism helped us make the most of our one day in Kyoto. Not only did he help us get from place to place quickly and efficiently, he really brought each site to life by explaining the history and significance. He is especially good at explaining the meanings of places names and helping us understand the subtle double meanings of Japanese terms. He also was able to describe the names of plants and trees and explain why each plant was chosen for each space. Finally, he is a kind and funny many who shared many Japanese jokes with me and my Shogun. (Go on the tour and you will understand). Thank you again Yoshie!

Yoshihisa T.

Hi Tim. Thank you very much for your review, explaining my tour in detail. I am very pleased to learn that Mari and you enjoyed my poor guiding and silly jokes. I hope you will have a comfortable flight back to Puerto Rico. If you have another chance of visiting Kyoto, be sure to get in touch. Thank you again. Yoshie