Kyoto, Shiga (Living)
Japanese (Native), English
4 hours on average
1 day ago
My name is Taka. I was born and grew up in Koka City, Japan, where the world famous Koka Ninja’s birthplace is. Koka City is just one hour away from JR Kyoto station by train. As a matter of fact, I am a descendant of Ninja/local Samurai. My family name represents the most powerful Ninja/local Samurai clan among the Koka’s 53 Ninja clans. There are twin Castles of my ancestors in my neighborhood.
When I was a college student, I was interested in foreign languages and cultures, and I studied abroad at a university in Ohio, USA as an exchange student for one year. After graduating from a Japanese college with a BA in English, I worked for a prefectural government for 31 years, and I made an early retirement in March 2023. During my service to the government, I was chosen as a Visiting Official in Michigan, USA, which is a sister state of my prefecture, and I stayed there for 2 years as the government’s representative. I have totally 3 years of living experience in the USA, and am able to speak English now.
Since I am retired from the government, I decided to start a new career as a Ninja tour guide for foreign travelers in my hometown. There are Ninja House, over 180 medieval Ninja related castles, shrines, temples, Ninja’s training mountains, and more in Koka, however no one had done the tour guide for foreigners until now. As I am able to speak English, I thought I should start a new job as a Ninja tour guide, and would like to contribute to my hometown Koka.
I am a Ninja tour specialist. I do Ninja tours in Koka city Shiga prefecture, however I can come to JR Kyoto station if you choose "Ninja's Hometown E-Bike Private Tour, from Kyoto station" course.
“Wonderful tour to introduce us to Kyoto”
We were very impressed with our half-day tour with Taka. We were able to see major temples and neighborhoods. Taka is an excellent guide. He was informative and provided context for each site without over loading us with information. I highly recommend this tour.
Taka M.
(5 reviews)It was my pleasure touring with you in Kyoto. You have a lovely family. Enjoy the rest of your time in Japan.
“Excellent, professional, very knowledgeable - would recommend highly”
Taka was punctual, professional, engaging and a very pleasant guide to walk around historic Kyoto with. He is proficient and enthusiastic; explaining in relevant details the sights visited. He was flexible, curtious and attentive. His command of English is excellent.
Taka M.
(5 reviews)Thank you for your nice comments. I enjoyed touring in Kyoto with you. You have great sense of humor and made me laugh all the time. Enjoy the rest of your travel in Japan.
“Taka is amazing!”
Taka took us to some of the most major and interesting sites around Kyoto, and tailored our tour to what we wanted to do. It was lovely being able to wander around the city soaking up the sights while Taka did the guiding and planning. He was so patient with our young family, taking plenty of breaks for snacks and going at a slower pace for our 4 and 6 year olds. He even helped us catch a taxi at the end of a long day. He was so kind and thoughtful. If we are ever lucky enough to come back to Kyoto, we will definitely take another tour with Taka!
Taka M.
(5 reviews)Thank you very much for your kind words. You are most welcome. Let's go out for a Ninja tour with me someday!