Koichi W.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Shiga (Living), Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
6 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
About Tour Guide Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months.
I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems.
Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature.
I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Important
I usually use public transportation systems such as trains, buses, taxi, and so on.
I like outdoor activities. If you would like to do hiking, cycling etc., please feel free to ask me in advance.
Tours
Full-Day Nara tour from Kyoto with a private guide
Nara is a very beautiful and interesting city known by the old name of "Yamato". It was established as the first permanent Japan's capital in the year 710. There are a lot of historical monuments in this ancient city, such as Todaiji Great Buddha Hall, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, Kofukuji Temple and so on. Nara"deer"park is also one of must-see areas. Let's walk around and play with the lovely deer!!
Early Bird Tour in Western part of Kyoto
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? Beat the crowds!
Kyoto Hiking tour Fushimi Inari to sanjusangen-do
Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for many torii gates like an orange tunnel. But most tourists just visit only the entrance. I would like to show you the deep inside of Fushimi Inari Shrine through tunnel and take you to the top of mountain. From Inari mountain, we will walk a part of “Higashiyama Trail” hiking course, then we will visit the family temple of imperial house and Sanjusangen-do temple.
Hike in mysterious mountains of Kyoto -Kurama to Kibune-
We will visit Kuramadera which is a Buddhist temple located along the steep wooded mountainside. Behind the temple's main building, the hiking trail continues through the forest to Kibune, a small town famous for Kibune Shrine dedicated to the goddess of the water "Tamayorihime". The hike from Kurama-dera to Kibune takes about one hour. If you like, you can also enjoy "Onsen" hot spring at Kurama.
Early Bird Half Day Tour in Eastern Part of Kyoto
Shall we explore some of the most popular sightseeing destinations in Kyoto while most tourists are preparing for their tour? On this tour, we first visit Kiyomizudera Buddhist temple to avoid busy tourists. And then, walk down to Gion Geisha Town through Ninenzaka/Sannenzaka worshiper's path of the temple which is designated as a historical preserved area for its beautiful townscape. Then we are going to famous Fushimi Inari Shrine or Sanjusangen-do temple. Beat the crowds!
Eastern Highlights in Kyoto for the first time visitor - Full Day Tour -
Kyoto is a big and traditonal city full of attractive things from old times to present day such as Zen temple gardens,Shito shrines, traditional café, local cuisine loved by Kyoto people, museums and so on. I think Kyoto is a kind of "Theme Park". You may encounter local people who pray to a deity in a small shrine next to shopping arcade. On this tour I would like to show you not only major sightseeing spots but also small tips. Let's discover the charms of Kyoto together with me.
Reviews
Hoang P.
“ Nara - bowing deer ”
The tour with Koichi wasn't just informative, it was interactive. He encouraged questions, patiently explaining even the most obscure details. His positive attitude and ability to tailor the experience to our interests was characteristic we looked for. When we mentioned a fascination with Buddhist art, he pointed out hidden treasures within the Great Buddha Hall that most tourists miss. Buddha hands was positioned in the form of “have no fear” on the right hand, and “wishes are granted” with the left. Koichi pointed out pillar inside the Great Buddha Hall has a hole the size of the Buddha statue's nostril carved in the bottom. Of course I tried to crawl through the whole and was able to make it. Koichi was happy that I came out on the other side. But perhaps Koichi's greatest strength was his genuine warmth. He treated us not just as tourists, but as guests eager to discover Nara's hidden gems. He helped us navigate the bustling crowds at the park, ensuring we had ample time to interact with the friendly deer. Also, don’t forget to by buy dear feed for bowing deer of Nara. In Osaka Castle, we witnessed the museum of fierce battles between Tokugawa and Toyotomi clans which last for couple of decades. We concluded the trip in Dotonbori Foodies Town where Koichi showed us his friend and treated us the local beer Prepare to be amazed with the guidance of Koichi in Nara and Osaka!
Koichi W.
Hi! I am very grateful for your wonderful review. I will always remember how much fun I had spending my days with you. I don't know if I was able to answer all of your questions properly, but your enthusiasm and curiosity have given me even more motivation. Thanks again. Arigato-gozaimasu! Koichi
Hoang P.
“ Kyoto - Unforgettable ”
Koichi was a fantastic guide who made our Kyoto adventure unforgettable. Kyoto is the first destination of our there day tours. He met us at the hotel with a smile, warm personality, enthusiasm and ready to navigate us to various famous places in Kyoto. Koichi wasn't just knowledgeable about the historical sites, he brought them to life with vivid stories and sketches. He could answer every question from us, from the complexities of Fushimi-Inari Shrine and its famous for many orange color gates like a tunnel to Sanjusangendo Temple architecture and its famous for 1001 statues of Kannon and the venue of archery contest. He rewarded us when we could locate the missing arrow from the archery completion. We walked around the Kyoto Imperial Palace, former palace of the Emperor of Japan and imagined the Imperial life in 17th century . At Kinkakuji Golden Temple, we were overwhelming with its magnificent beauty from different angle and ray of lights. He did not forget to take us to an authentic ramen on the way to the transfer station. This ramen place so particularly tasty that our family voted the best ramen for the whole trip in Japan. If you look for tour guide to accommodate your schedule or tailor the Itinerary to your interests, Koichi is the one. His expertise, passion, and genuine care made our Kyoto trip exceptional. If you're looking for a guide who goes beyond the typical tourist route and creates a truly personalized experience, then book Koichi!
Koichi W.
Thank you very much for your heartwarming review and comments. I am very happy to have shared a wonderful time with you. This time we walked together through the main tourist attractions, but if you have a chance, let's go around the lesser known places, the real Japan. It is also fun to have a chance to interact with the local people. Koichi
Hoang P.
“ Hiroshima - hopeful message of peace ”
Koichi's knowledge of Hiroshima area and the Atomic Bomb Dome was profound. He presented the history with sensitivity and respect, ensuring we understood the impact of the event while fostering a hopeful message of peace. The tour through the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum was a moving experience through dark pages of history. But the day wasn't solely focused on the past. Koichi take us to Miyajima Island via a ferry. We could walk all the way to the foot of a giant, orange Great Torii Gate. We wished we could stay overnight to see its breathtaking beauty when it was submerged at high tide. Standing before the majestic Itsukushima Shrine, we learned about its history and significance in Shinto religion. He even pointed out hidden details and lesser-known facts, enriching the entire experience. We never forgot the taste and flavor of fresh oysters thank to Koichi recommended “must try” one of the best oysters in the regions. On the way back from Hiroshima to Kyoto on a shinkansen, we learned the history of sake making and were treated by Koichi a cup of sake to complete the whole experience. We left Hiroshima with a deeper understanding of its history, a newfound appreciation for peace, and a heart full of wonder for Miyajima's beauty. If you're planning a trip to Hiroshima, I cannot recommend Koichi highly enough. He is a true expert, a compassionate guide, and an inspiration.
Koichi W.
Thank you again for your wonderful review. I remember the days I spent with you and your family. I am also grateful that I was able to be with you in Hiroshima. I would like to keep in mind the happiness of being able to walk with people like you in this way. I hope that people around the world will continue to live in harmony and that a peaceful world will spread without violence.
Nadia B.
“ Highlight of our visit to Kyoto ”
We absolutely loved this tour and would recommend it to ANYONE who wants to do a tour of Kyoto. Our guide Koichi san was super friendly, helpful, communicative and extremely knowledgeable. He picked us up from our hotel and accommodated our needs. He showed us the highlights of Kyoto and hidden local places. We brought back many fond memories of him and the city. Highly recommend!
Koichi W.
Hi! Nadia san, Thank you for giving me such a nice reviw. I am very happy to have had a great time with you and your lovely family members. I hope you visit Kyoto again if you have a chance, even thoughI was only with you for a short time. There are some hidden attractions such as wading the Kamo River, so let's try again.