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Joined 2025
Sawyer S.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka
Languages
English (Native), Japanese
Response Time
8 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Sawyer S.
After studying western religion, I flew to Japan to study Buddhism & Shinto. I trained as a monk in the Japanese alps of Fukui prefecture, and learned traditional crafts including washi paper-making, knife making, and tea ceremony. I've visited all 47 prefectures of Japan in my decade in Japan. Now I live in Kyoto, which has some of the grandest temples and shrines in all of Japan.
My goal is to find joy through connection and share what I've learned.
As I'm new to GoWithGuide and seeking reviews, I'm currently offering discounted rates!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Kyoto Half-Day Tour: Highlights & Hidden Spots
We'll begin the day by taking a train to Fushimi Inari and its 1,000s of vermillion shrine gates. Afterwards, we'll go see the emperor's collection of buddha statues at Sanjuusangendo Temple by taxi, and talk about samurai, the shogun, and the emperor. Finally, we'll have lunch and walk to a nearby Zen Buddhist temple to try some light meditation.
Kyoto Half-Day Tour: Highlights & Hidden Spots
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Day Tour: Kyoto History of the Shogun & Samurai
Step back into Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period on this Kyoto history tour tracing the history of Japan's shoguns, including Oda Nobunaga, Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Explore key sites where they fought, lived, and ruled from in their quests to shape Japan. We will walk to Toyokuni Shrine, and take a train to Nijo Castle. All other Kyoto City transportation is covered by taxi rides included in the tour.
Day Tour: Kyoto History of the Shogun & Samurai
Fushimi Inari Ghost Stories - Night Tour
Join me for an eerie evening walk along the quieter paths of Fushimi Inari, far from the main crowds. We’ll explore between the shadowy torii gates while uncovering local legends, fox spirit tales, and unsettling encounters tied to the mountain’s history. Ideal for travelers who want to avoid the crowds and experience Japan’s urban legends after dark. This tour goes half-way up the mountain, so feel free to continue the climb afterwards, or return to the base with me at the end.
Fushimi Inari Ghost Stories - Night Tour
Reviews
Robin T.
“Great introduction ”
An excellent guide deeply knowledgeable about Japanese history and culture. Highly recommended
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Yuka M.
Hello! I'm Yuka. I was born and raised in Kyoto through and through. I know Kyoto inside and out. I am a Kyoto City Certified Interpreter Guide. I want visitors to truly experience and understand the city where I was born and raised. With many years in customer service, I take pride in my communication skills and hospitality. Having studied in U.S.,I enjoy cultural exchanges and connecting with people from different backgrounds. I also love sharing Japanese cuisine-how to make it and the culture behind it-so I can guide you through Kyoto's groumet scene in depth. Come and enojoy Kyoto through the eyes of a local!
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Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I’m Michiko, a local guide born and raised in Kyoto. I love meeting people from around the world and sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.and I love fun things! I went to the UK to watch musicals, and recently I spent a year living in Thailand — experiences that deepened my love for art, culture, and people. Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique shows in shop windows! Let’s explore Kyoto together and find its heart — the beauty, people, and stories that make it special! with BIGLOVE!
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Niko T.
KONNICHIWA!! I’m Niko! I’ve lived in Australia and worked at the Osaka Expo 2025. Through those experiences, I met people from all over the world — we hung out together, and I loved taking them to hidden local spots that tourists usually don’t find, like cozy cafés, local restaurants, and beautiful nature spots. I’m a very friendly person who loves learning new things. I enjoy not only sharing unique and lesser-known sides of Japan, but also hearing stories about your country and anything you’d like to talk about! I’m a big FOODIE! (Please go to my galleries!) Please let me make you try my favorite Japanese foods!! I also love taking a pictures and will always bring my camera with me, , so I can take beautiful photos of you during the tour — and you’ll get them on the spot as a little gift ! Providing warm hospitality to people is truly my joy. You won’t regret joining my tour — I promise! Can’t wait to meet you soon!
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