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.
