Private tour in Kyoto Ichiro F
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Ichiro F.
4.9
Guide rating
45
Reviews
Tours delivered
7 hrs
Avg. response time
Hello! I'm Ichiro F., a government-certified English guide based between Osaka and Kobe. I guide primarily in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe, and Himeji. Since starting my career in March 2023, I have already had the pleasure of leading over 370 tours. ■About Me: After a 37-year career in the IT industry, I retired in 2019 to pursue my second act. Although my previous job didn't involve English, I have been passionately learning the language on my own for nearly 50 years. Combined with my love for Japanese history and reading, becoming a guide was the perfect path for me. I was born and grown up in Osaka. When 18, moved to Tokyo. Lived there until 60 and moved back to a city near Osaka. ■My Journey: I received my license in February 2020, right before the pandemic. While I had to wait three years to start guiding, I used that time productively to deepen my knowledge of Japan and explore Kyoto and its surroundings extensively. ■Why Guide with Me? I am now fully active, guiding 10 to 15 days a month. I love sharing the beauty of Japan’s four seasons and its deep history with my guests. Whether it’s the bustling streets of Osaka or the historical quiet of Kyoto, I am confident I can give you the best experience. ■My spare time - Reading books about Japan, history, nature, and more—both fiction and nonfiction - Practicing diving (springboard and platform) as well as gymnastics - Doing IT programming to streamline my business tasks - Exploring Kyoto and other regions to broaden my guiding range - Teaching English to Japanese businesspeople online ■Certificates/Experience - Itinerary Manager - Competition Official (Diving) - IT programming: Excel VBA, GAS, PHP, Ajax, Javascript, Python - Author of an English-learning book for working professionals (commercial publication) - Gold Driver’s License (no accidents or violations) - - - Guest Review Highlights (You can read the full reviews below.) Ichiro was a wonderful, knowledgeable and friendly guide by Marek M. Ichiro-san was extremely communicative and well prepared with maps and illustrations by Hap P. Ichiro organized a perfect one-day Kyoto plan and helped us navigate trains smoothly by Denise L. Ichiro listened to our needs and helped us visit all our bucket list items with ease by Lori H. Ichiro was outstanding—timely, organized, friendly, and full of helpful explanations by Megan N. Ichiro tailored our tour to our interests and was knowledgeable and charming by Antonia S. The tour was well planned and Ichiro was professional, knowledgeable, patient, and kind by William P. Ichirosan was fantastic—well-versed, prepared, and guided us to fascinating hidden treasures by Yukiko K. Ichiro developed a smooth Kyoto itinerary and explained each site’s history clearly by Kirk W. Ichiro created a perfect custom itinerary and was exceptionally professional throughout by Frank D. We spent two wonderful days with Ichiro visiting Kobe and Kyoto highlights by Faye W. Ichiro was flexible, very knowledgeable, and helped us escape boring bus tours by Bruce B. Ichiro researched and arranged a special vegetarian lunch and customized our Kyoto tour by Mayuresh K. Ichiro was very knowledgeable and even reserved an award-winning Kobe steak restaurant for us by Ken H. Our night tour with Ishiro was magical and unforgettable by Joan M. --- Japan Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English), Cert. No: EN01491 (Hyogo Pref.) I am not a driver. But I can arrange private vehicles.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Ichiro F.
Kyoto is known for its old places and draws millions from around the world. But many people don't notice the beauty of the surrounding mountains. These mountains are not very tall, but they give you a great view of Kyoto and beyond. Walking in the forests among these mountains feels good and is fun, especially after being in crowded places. These mountains are close to the old parts of the city, so you can easily go into and out of the path. I used to only show people around the city. But last summer, when I was near Kiyomizu Temple, I thought about exploring the mountain behind it. I felt like the mountain was calling me. After thinking for a bit, I decided to go for it. Soon, I was in a quiet, green place, all by myself, away from the crowds. I tried different paths in the mountain and found some really good ones. Now, I include walks in the mountains in my tours. People who join my tours really like this. I think you should try it too.
Recommended starting point: Kyoto sta. or your hotel (in Kyoto) 1. Yasaka Pagoda and Kiyomizu temple 2. Higashiyama Trail Hiking. 1 (mild upward slopes and rather flat ridge walking) 3. Shogunzuka Observatory (fabulous view of Kyoto Basin) 4. Higashiyama Trail Hiking. 2 (mostly mild downward slopes) 5. Chion-in Temple 6. Gion district Recommended drop off point: Kyoto sta. or your hotel (in Kyoto) * Time can vary depending on the location of your hotel. * Recommendable start time is between 8:00am and 10am. (Lunch time will be changed according to the start time) *Hiking is not hard but walkable attire is required. *When bad weather or I judge the hiking should be avoided, it will be change to Good Historic-area Walking I can customize this tour according to your preferences.
Tell your guide which places matter to you, skip what doesn't, and tailor the experience for your group's needs. Not finding what you want? Message your guide to build something unique.
1. between your hotel and the site: public transportation or taxi 2. in site: mostly walking and one short taxi ride
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Airport: ,Cruise: Osaka ports and Kobe ports are applicable.,Station: Any station in Kyoto city is applicable.,ByGuide:
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If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a deposit!
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