Joined 2025
Steve R.
Available Areas
Kumamoto (Living)
Languages
English (Native), Japanese, Spanish (Native)
Response Time
1 hour on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
About Tour Guide Steve R.
Hello! I'm Steve and I’m originally from Sydney, Australia, but I’ve lived in Kumamoto City for the past 28 years. I hold a Gold license. I’d love to take you on a tour of some of the region’s most historic and stunning sites. I took my profile picture on the balcony of my home, which sits high on a hill, offering great views of the city both day and night, with majestic mountain ranges in the distance.
I was a school teacher here for 25 years, starting in Japanese public schools before transitioning to an American institution.
I understand that when traveling abroad, many people prefer a local tour guide. While I wasn’t born in Japan, after nearly three decades here, I consider myself as local as it gets! Not only can I share insights about the local culture, but I can also offer a unique perspective as a foreigner who has grown to love this country as my own.
With our comfortable 4x4 full leather interior SUV, we’ll explore hidden gems that typical tour buses can’t reach, making your experience even more special.
On our way to the sites, I’ll describe anything that catches your eye so you don’t miss a thing. I know that returning back from a great trip can feel like the end of something special, so if there’s anything I can do to make the ride more enjoyable, just let me know. On the way back, feel free to play any music you like on the BOSE sound system in the car.
Important
It’s very important that you inform me of any food allergies you may have. This way, I can make sure to notify the restaurant staff and ensure your safety and comfort.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
All 10 ONE PIECE Statues Tour.
All 10 ONE PIECE Statues Tour.
Mount Aso Full Day Tour
Mount Aso Full Day Tour
Amakusa Full Day Tour
Amakusa Full Day Tour
Reviews
Richard H.
“The Best Day!”
What to say, it was an amazing day and experience. I don’t think we stopped talking the entire trip. We saw the active volcano and a dormant volcano, some waterfalls, and amazing history in between. The guide was also kind enough to stop at amazing restaurant so I could try some Kobe, chicken, and other steaks. It was the most amazing day of my trip by far! He was also kind enough to hold steady for me as our ship and everyone on it had to clear customs. We still got it done with time to spare for a fantastic afternoon nap. I would use him again ten times out of ten. Thank you!
Steve R.
Thank you, Richard! What a beautiful drive toward the volcano, at one point, we passed through a mist that looked like something straight out of a video game or a movie. We drove right through it and made it all the way to the crater. Thank you so much for lunch, the beef was incredibly tender and juicy! The restaurant is called Nabeshima, in case you’d like to visit it again while you're in Tokyo.
Lorraine T.
“Lovely Tour”
I booked this tour on behalf of my relatives and they absolutely enjoyed themselves! As we were unable to secure boat bookings for the Takachiho Gorge, Steve very kindly brought them to visit another sight with natural springs. Steve also demonstrated deep knowledge of the sights within Kumamoto. I will definitely recommend and engage Steve again should anyone else be visiting Kumamoto.
Steve R.
Thank you for your kind words, Lorraine! It was a pleasure taking your relatives on the tour. I’m sure by now they’ve shared the wonderful photos they took during their visit. Hopefully next time, you and your whole family can come together to experience this beautiful city in person. :)
Arnau G.
“Great Tour with Steve – Plan Ahead for Figure Shopping”
Steve was great. He picked us up perfectly on time. The car was very comfortable and clean. He accommodated an alternative route to go through all 10 statues. He explained a lot about the Kumamoto area and stopped at different viewpoints to admire and take some pictures too. We couldn’t buy all the figures since some places were closed: we arrived too early for Jinbe; Sanji, Chopper and Robin selling points were closed due to an unusual day off to make up for previous Golden Week festivity. I’d say that if you just want to visit the statues and take pictures, any day works. If you plan to buy all figures, make sure to tell Steve and (double and triple) check the days (and opening hours) of the selling points beforehand, and plan accordingly. Nevertheless, we could get two of the missing figures on our own, and Steve offered to drive us to the remaining ones another day, which made our day, and we left Kumamoto happy with all of them. I can only recommend Steve for a tour around Kumamoto.
Steve R.
Thank you both for the wonderful review! I’m sure you’ll find the perfect shelf at home for all the statues. Even though it wasn’t easy collecting them all, you both persevered and completed the mission! Enjoy the rest of your trip in Japan, you still have so much more to see! :). If I ever play COD online, I’ll be watching out for you!!!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kumamoto
Satoru O.
Bonjour, je m’appelle Satoru. Je suis guide certifié par l’Etat. Lors de votre voyage au Japon, vous aurez certainement quelques inquiétudes quant au fait de devoir vous exprimer dans une langue si différente de la vôtre. Vous serez peut-être aussi un peu stressé à l'idée de ne pas réussir à faire tout ce que vous avez prévu pour votre voyage. C'est avec plaisir que je vous apporterai mon aide pour que vous puissiez passer les vacances de vos rêves. Je ferai de mon mieux pour que votre voyage soit à la fois amusant et intéressant. Qu'aimeriez-vous manger ? Qu'aimeriez-vous acheter ? Vous serez surpris par la quantité de choix à laquelle vous ferez face. Je vous guiderai parmi toutes ces bonnes et belles choses. A chaque étape de votre voyage, vous vous poserez des questions telles que "Pourquoi?" ou "Comment?". Je serai là pour y répondre toujours de façon simple et rigolote. Je suis conscient que votre temps au Japon est précieux et qu'il représente aussi un gros budget. Je ferai en sorte que votre voyage soit inoubliable en partageant avec vous ma passion pour la culture japonaise. A bientôt au Japon.
