Kyoto (Living), Mie, Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Japanese (Native), English
5 hours on average
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.
“Tour in Kyoto & Kobe”
Yoshi is a very nice person, he guided us through the golden and silver pavillion, as well as a city tour through Kobe. His recommendation for lunch and dinner were great. It was sometimes hard to follow his explanations, he needs to improve his English skills. Also, when asked something particular of the Japanese culture and history, constantly he didn't know the answers. While on Kobe he made us walk through very steep streets just to show us a neighborhood which was not that relevant to us westerners.
Yoshihisa T.
(188 reviews)Thank you for your review for my tour in Kyoto and Kobe. I will try to improve my explanations so that non-native speakers of English can well understand our history and culture. I am sorry if you were not so much interested in Former Foreigner's residential area on the steep hills in Kobe. Yoshie
“Very impressive Knowledge about Kyoto‘s history”
We had a great day with him. We learnt a lot and are very happy to have him tomorrow again.
Yoshihisa T.
(188 reviews)Hi Patrick. Thank you very much for such a quick review for today's tour. I really had a pleasant time guiding and talking with you two. I am glad that I can guide you tomorrow, too. Have a good night! Yoshie
“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 :)
Yoshihisa T.
(188 reviews)Hi Katrina. I really appreciate your kind review for my tour in Kyoto. I had a fun time guiding and talking with you and your family. I am very pleased to learn that you enjoyed the essay of Yoshida Kenko, a Buddhist priest, and the waka poem of Fujiwara no Teika, a renowned waka poet. I hope you will continue a pleasant tour and return home with lots of nice memories of Japan. Best wishes. Yoshie
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan