Joined 2020
Koichiro Y.
Available Areas
Tokyo (Living), Kamakura, Hakone
Languages
English
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide Koichiro Y.
Hello! I’m Koichiro. Please call me “Yamasan”. It derives from my family name and my friends call me so.
I worked for a machinery company as a project manager and engineer for mechanical and electrical construction projects both domestic and overseas for over 35 years. I recall my first overseas project in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia when I was 26, and the second was in Singapore. I visited many countries for surveys, meetings, commissioning, project handing over, and so on.
In 2014 at the age of 60, I decided to retire from the company and live the expected further 30 years of life with a new career and experiences. I, then, studied translation and guide interpretation. I passed the national examination for licensed guides (English) in 2015 and registered with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government in February 2016.
Until now, I have been guiding many beautiful guests mainly to popular sightseeing spots such as Asakusa, Tsukiji, Omote-Sando, Meiji Jingu Shrine, and Tokyo Skytree, and also cultural experiences of Origami making, Furoshiki wrapping, and Sushi cooking.
I am happy that I can freely arrange a customized tour together with you, or can propose my tours to you. I want to show you some parts of daily Tokyo life and introduce you to Bunkyo City which is located in the heart of Tokyo, just north of Chiyoda City where the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station are. The city is Tokyo’s typical residential and academic area where I was born, grew up, and live a happy life now.
Now, we can tour around the world but have not yet overcome COVID-19 completely. Recently, the number of passengers wearing masks on public transportation in Tokyo reduced to some 25% but we should mind about it still. Please carry your mask to wear it where or when necessary (December 2024, Yamasan).
Important
The inbound tour has been resumed. Wearing a mask depends on individual decisions, and you can enjoy tours and cultural experiences in Japan now.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Japanese Gardens and Origami Workshop in Central Tokyo
Japanese Gardens and Origami Workshop in Central Tokyo
Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour
Japanese Gardens and Tokyo Life: Bunkyo City Customized Tour
Your First Origami Online Workshop
Your First Origami Online Workshop
Tokyo Sake Brewery Tour plus One
Tokyo Sake Brewery Tour plus One
Online Introduction to Sake World
Online Introduction to Sake World
Tokyo Sake Brewery and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Tokyo Sake Brewery and Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum
Reviews
Karl H.
“Great Guide, great day.”
Well what can we say about this all round lovely man. We went with Koichiro (Yamasan), to Hakone. Travelling by train and bus it was a great experience. Koichiro (Yamasan) was great company, his relaxed and calm approach to everything made our day go smoothly. Even before we met him we knew by his efficiency and kindness we would like him. We highly recommend Koichiro (Yamasan).
Koichiro Y.
Thank you very much for your fantastic review comments. It was not a fine day, and we could not see Mt. Fuji, however, I relaxed knowing that you enjoyed the tour. I was happy to be with a nice and tough couple. We walked over 20,000 steps throughout the Hakone walking tour. Amazing! Thank you very much again.
Amy M.
“Great with his Sake”
He knows what he is doing. His knowledge of sake is good. Very enjoyable sake tour with him.
Koichiro Y.
Thank you so much for your review. I hope you have also enjoyed the last half of your Japan tour to Mt. Fuji and Osaka. During the sake tour, we were lucky to participate in a once-a-year festival of a very local temple and have a friendly time with some local people. You might bring home the Kumade, a happiness-collecting rake, which makes your 2025 a delightful year. Please convey my best regards to your good-drinker husband. I hope to see you again shortly for another sake tour. Yamasan
Florin B.
“Very good first day in Japan and Tokyo”
Yamasan guided us exceptionally well in our first contact with the city, the japonese culture and gardens. He sent us days before the tour plan, the interest sites and updated then a couple of times according to our interest. He was also very kind to come with us and help us solve a personal problem. We were very delighted with his services. Thank you, Yamasan!
Koichiro Y.
Thank you so much for your comment. It was a rainy day in Tokyo, and I was afraid that your first day here was not perfect. You, however, didn't complain about the rain at all during the tour and in your comment too. I was (and am still) very happy with your beautiful family, and hope you are continuously enjoying this first tour to Japan. Please contact me when you plan the second Japan tour. Will it be when your son graduates from the university?
Other Popular Tour Guides in Tokyo
Toru I.
Hello to all of you on the screen. My name is Toru Ishii and I am a licensed national interpretater of English language. I have been guiding scrolling around a Japanese landscape garden designated as Scenic Beauty in Yokohama city for the last 2 years. I would like to explain about time-honored Japanese architectures, transfered from Kyoto and Kamakura, designated as Important Cultural Property. I am also interested in Tea Ceremony and in the ritual of serving powdered green tea in the garden. Yokohama opened its door to overseas comers in 1859 after the Meiji Restoration. The port of Yokohama shared about 70 percents of overseas trading in Japan. The main export was raw silk thread. Now the beautiful city of Yokohama has become historically exotic and ranks as one of the most fascinating internationally trading city that attracts many foreign tourists. I am always happy to guide tourists around this historical region and Introduce the delights of Japanese cuisine and Chinese cuisine in China town according to the visitor's requests. Stepping further out from Yokohama, I would recommend Kamakura city, a 20 minutes train ride on the JR Line, where the visitor can feel the fresh ocean breeze. The nearby Zen Buddhist temples and the Great Buddha are main attractions and souvenir shopping adds the excitement. Kamakura was established by the first Shogun, Yoritomo Minamoto, in 1192 and the shogunate government lasted till 1333. He established his Samurai government which ruled over Japan. After arriving at Kamakura or Kita-Kamakura station, the visitor can easily walk around the city. This city is easily accesable by train from Yokohama (less than 30 minutes) and Tokyo (less than 1 hour). As for my background, I have experienced staying in Louisiana in the United States and studied at the university there. Now I am 60 years old and I am still working for a company, while at the same time, I work as a volunteer guide a few days a month in Yokohama city. I like traveling in foreign countries, and have experienced short time staying at several European countries, North America as well as some Asian countries. Last January, I travelled San Fransico and Merced city, California. I would be delighted to exchange cultural experience with many visitors from all over the world. If you happen to be visiting my country and if you are interested , please feel free to contact me. Toru Ishii
Sumita Y.
I have been involved in international affairs in my career, and I got qualified as a national guided interpreter in 2016. Since then, I have guided tourists from various countries such as US, Holland, Canada, France, Spain, Singapore, Mexico, China and Australia. Places I have guided are major tourist spots such as Asakusa, Ueno, Yanaka, Imperial Palace, Meiji-Jingu Shrine, Tokyo Tower, Tsukiji Outer Market, Harajuku, Shibuya, Ginza and more. I will do my best to make your trip be more impressive and memorable.
Shunta N.
Hello everyone! I was born and raised in Kawagoe, a charming historic city located just next to Tokyo in Saitama Prefecture. Two years ago, I graduated from university here in Japan, and I now work as both a tour guide and a study abroad support advisor. Three years ago, I had the life-changing opportunity to study abroad in Vancouver, Canada. The warmth and hospitality of the locals left a deep impression on me. I discovered the joy of immersing myself in a new culture and way of life, and I truly came to appreciate the beauty of connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Now, I want to be the one offering that kind of experience to others. As your guide, my goal is to make your journey in Japan truly special. Through GoWithGuide, I strive to go beyond typical sightseeing—I want to create meaningful opportunities for you to engage with Japan’s rich culture and traditions on a deeper level. I’m committed to providing a safe, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience for every guest. Let’s not just visit Japan—let’s feel Japan. Join me on this unique journey, and together, let’s discover the heart and soul of this incredible country. I look forward to meeting you soon!
