Higashiyama – Culture Center of Kyoto, Walking Tour. The Highlights and Hidden Gems

Hi! Thank you for visiting my bio. My name is Louis, your local tour guide. I'm new to this website, but I have 15+ years of experience as a Buddhist priest (15+ years) and have countless tours for both international and Japanese tourists in Mount Koya and vicinity. Also I can share an unique point of view for Japanese culture because I was born and raised in the US up to the age of 14. Now I work with one of the most experienced guide in the region, Daisuke K., and he shares all the knowledge I should know in order to provide the best curated private tour experience for you! I also love the food, particularly because I had a restricted diet as a priest, and want to share my new passion with you. Here are some reasons why you should message me! ◆What Kind Of Guide Am I? I'm a flexible, easy to be with local guide. Historical and cultural knowledge is an important factor to adorn your Japan trip, however, I don't talk like a teacher in the class. I'm your friendly companion to have fun time with. Of course, you are more than welcome to ask me any further questions, anytime, but I always try to focus on entertaining my guests like your friends and having a smooth and efficient day in Kyoto to see more sites than you could do on your own. ◆Native in English I was born and raised in the US, so I'm a native English speaker. I moved to Japan at 15 and have lived here since, so my Japanese has also a native-level proficiency. Language is a huge part. No one wants to feel stressed in communication. In this sense, I can be your best travel partner. ◆Experience As A Guide I was an esoteric Buddhist priest on Mount Koya, one of the most secret mountains in Japan. I guided both Japanese and international visitors for about 15 years as a Shingon priest. Now I constantly brush up my skills as a guide and hospitality specialist with one of the top guides on ToursByLocals, Daisuke K., focusing on tours in Kyoto, to mix the knowledge I learned from Shingon Buddhism and perspectives as an immigrant, and the expertise he gained from years of experience in Kyoto. ◆My Spare Time I like spending time with my family – I'm a father now and this is why I left the mountain. I'm a camper too, so ask me about camping in this region if you are a nature person. ◆In My Tour I cover major sites in Kyoto as well as local hidden gems. For lunch, we share the latest restaurants information within the team and pick the best option for the day, satisfying yet location-wise efficient so it doesn't affect the itinerary. ◆Why I Want To Pursuit This Career Since moving to Japan, every day has brought new discoveries and learning experiences. As a result, I completed the Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage multiple times—a feat rare even among Japanese people—and ultimately became a monk myself, accumulating fifteen years of experience. Today, I am passionate about my work as a guide, bridging my roots in American and Western culture with the Buddhist and Japanese culture that has shaped most of my life. ◆Bio – If You Have Time I was born in the US and moved to Japan at 15. Inspired by my father’s devotion to Kukai, the legendary esoteric Buddhist priest, I completed the Shikoku 88-temple pilgrimage several times and later trained as a Shingon priest on Mount Koya. I guided both Japanese and international visitors for about 15 years, specializing in the Yoshino-Kumano mountain region. After leaving temple life to start a family, I began seeking fulfillment in the tourism industry, connecting people to Japan’s spiritual and cultural heritage. My family and I, including my two-year-old daughter, now live in Kansai, Japan, and I’m eager to move into the tourism industry through meaningful, culturally rooted work. Sincerely, Louis