Hiroyuki T.
Available Areas
Hyogo, Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Wakayama (Living), Mount Koya, Kumano
Languages
English
Response Time
4 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
Tour Categories
About Tour Guide Hiroyuki T.
Hi!
I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations.
I am very good at cultural heritages.
And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area.
I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government.
I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional.
I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
Important
I am based in Wakayama and Osaka, but I will guide you around the country upon your requests. However, I will have to ask you to bear my transportation (and accommodation cost, if necessary).
Tours
Osaka Highlights, Best for the first timer
There are a lot of places to visit, a lot of things to do in Osaka. From historical sites to food venders hopping. CHOOSE 3-4 places you want to visit from the list below and let me know. I will customize a tour for you.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
Kyoto-WH-Golden Pavilion, Rock Garden and more - from Osaka
In Kyoto, there are a lot of cultural properties. Of them, seventeen temples and shrines are included in World Heritage as “Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Kyoto”. On this tour, we will visit three of them and Togetsu Bride and Bamboo Forest in one day from Osaka to feel the profundity and splendor of Kyoto.
Historic Monuments of Ancient Capital of Nara - from Osaka
In Nara, eight Buddhism temples and Shintoism Shrines are included in the World Heritage as “Historic Monuments in Ancient Capital of Nara” as those represent close cultural exchanges between Japan and China, and even Hellenism culture in the 8th century. On this tour we will visit three of them in a day from Osaka.
One Day in Mount Koya. Feel the Sacredness and Holiness
Mt. Koya is a very important part of the World Heritage site “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountains”. Mt. Koya is in Wakayama Prefecture and I used to work for Wakayama Prefectural Government as a general manager of Cultural Heritage Division and I was also in charge of the World Heritage Project. I know this sacred mountain very well.
Zen & Pure Land Gardens in Kyoto, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji & more
There are many temples with beautiful gardens in Kyoto. Gardens are part of religious practice and are divided into two, Pure Land style gardens to image the Pure Land of Buddha where our souls go after death, and Zen style gardens to meditate Zen. This tour is focused on Zen and Pure Land gardens in Kyoto. In addition to these, we will also visit Fushimi Inari Shrine that is very famous for its Torii gates. I also can include other places like Nishiki Market & Gion upon request.
Hiroyuki T. Japan Tour Reviews
Lori ann W.
One day tour to Mt. Koya from Osaka. Be enchanted.
“Serenity in Mount Koya”
We had a lovely day exploring Mount Koya from Osaka. Our guide took great care of us from start to finish. His calm, quiet nature suited this trip. He was able to keep my 15 year old engaged with lots of helpful information. Thank you for a memorable day.
Hiroyuki T.
(93 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind message. It was really nice traveling to Mt. Koya with you. I hope that you liked the tour and the Buddhism sacred site. I also hope that you enjoyed the food in both Mt Koya and Osaka. Thank you again.
Annette H.
Kyoto-WH-Golden Pavilion, Rock Garden and more - from Osaka
“Great day in Kyoto with Hiroyuki”
We had a really great day in Kyoto with Hiroyuki (it was a long day too and we walked over 22,000 steps!). Excellent communication prior to the day, Hiroyuki arranged to meet us at the cruise port in Osaka and customised the itinerary to suit our preferences (including the market and main temples/shrines). He very helpfully suggested we booked tickets in advance for the truly fabulous Miyako Odori Geiko & Maiko show & tea ceremony. I think what made a real difference for us was the excellent information he provided whilst travelling on the train/metro from Osaka Port into Kyoto and during the rest of the day at all the main sights. Basically we had a compact history of Japan, Buddhism, Shinto, wars etc and he answered all our questions very well throughout the day (& showed us how to get metro/train tickets!). Hiroyuki was very kind and patient with us, letting us stroll around the market and stop quite often for photos, taking us to a nice little tea shop for a break, getting taxis between sights where necessary and guiding us through the very busy Gion area. We changed our plans on the day so we could get the bullet train back to Osaka just for the experience and Hiroyuki again helped with getting the tickets and finding the right platform at the enormous station! And escorted us right back to the ship. I honestly don’t think we would have seen or understood nearly as much had we tried to do this independently or in a larger tour group. We would definitely recommend getting a personal guide in this area and would 100% recommend and use Hiroyuki’s services again. Arigato ありがとう
Hiroyuki T.
(93 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. I really appreciate your words. ありがとうございます。 You showed a lot of interests and respects to our culture, it is always nice to spend time with people like you. Please come back to Japan again, there are a lot more that I want to show you. Mt.Koya is my most favorite destination. Check it on my page! Have a safe trip. Bon voyage.
Sarah R.
Zen & Pure Land Gardens in Kyoto, Ryoanji, Kinkakuji & more
“An Excellent Mix of Popular Spots and Hidden Gems”
Hiroyuki-san was not only an excellent guide but did a great job teaching us information that gave great insight and understanding into details of all the locations. I felt like I learned a semester's worth of information in a short amount of time and I gained a greater appreciation for many of the details that are often missed at temples and shrines.
Hiroyuki T.
(93 reviews)Good morning. How are you this morning? Thank you very much for your kind message. It’s always nice to meet former JETs. They remind me of the days I spent in Tokyo. Tokyo orientation, Kobe orientation… I hope I could be a help for you to create a tour. If I could assist you in any ways, feel free to contact me. There are a lot of places that I want to show young Americans. Hiro