Masaki
- Available
- Not Available
Languages English ( License )
Reviews
( Max : 16 People )
About
Hello I’m Mike, a national licensed tour guide from Kyoto.
Meeting with people is a gift of God for me.
A new encounter inspires and enriches my heart.
People sometimes ask me unexpected questions I can’t answer on the spot.
Guiding is like a thrilling, adventurous journey.
You never get older indeed.
I retired from work as a teacher at senior high school and then started this job in 2015.
I’m familiar with Japanese history, culture, religion and architecture.
Japan is a country with a variety of delicious food.
Each place has its own food specialty.
Food is an essential part of my tours.
Some of my guests are interested in daily life experiences, agricultural or cultural experiences.
Anniversary tour, honeymoon tour, graduation tour, etc are also available.
Over these years I have guided 200 solo or group tourists from Us, Canada, Europe and Asia.
My guide areas are mainly Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. But as a national tour guide, I guide around Tokyo, Kamakura, Hakone, etc.
I love organizing the whole trip in Japan.
I can offer any advice, suggestion, or necessary information to help your tour make smooth.
Feel free to ask me.
| Excellent |
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92% |
| Very Good |
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8% |
| Good |
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0% |
| Poor |
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Price
The prices below are for a private tour for you and your partner, family or friends.
Duration |
1 Person |
Up to 6 people |
For each extra person |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hourly rate | $26.70 | $32.04 | $1.78 |
| 6 Hours | $160.20 | $192.24 | $10.68 |
| 8 Hours | $213.60 | $256.32 | $14.24 |
* Duration: 6 hours minimum and 12 hours maximum per day.
* People: 16 maximum
Private Tours
The Westside Story of Kyoto : Walk Samurai Roads with Histor...
The Story of Kyoto and Nara: Walk Ancient Roads with Histor...
The Story of Nara, Walk Emperor's Roads with a History Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make changes after I book?
Yes! If you need to make changes such as removing or adding someone to your booking or changing the date or time of your tour, contact us by phone or email
Starting and ending points of the tour.
After you secure your booking, the starting and ending points of your tour can be customized to your convenience (ex.: your hotel, nearby stations, etc.). Don't worry, we will take care of you! Some tours may have an extra fee for this service, make sure to check the tour page.
What happens after I book a tour?
After booking a tour, the guide will accept (or decline) your booking within 24 hours. Then you will be noticed by email from Triplelights.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is charged per group. Which means that you make a one-time payment for your entire group and the price will not change if it is less or more people.
Can I add more people to my booking?
Some guides accept extra people (more than the specified number) for an extra charge. Please check for the extras on the tour or booking page, or contact your guide directly to clarify.
Will there be other tourists in my tour?
No. Your tour is private, only for you and your family or friends, there will be no other group of tourists together in your tour.
Can the guide pickup me at the airport?
Yes, but there will be additional charge for that and it is not by car. The guide will go pick you up using public transportations. For further details, please contact your guide directly.
I'm travelling alone. Can I book this tour?
Yes, you can and you may be able to get a discount if you are traveling alone. Price depends on which guide you choose.
Cancellation Policy
- If you cancel in the first 14 day(s) before the meeting date ,there is a 100% charge.
- If you cancel between 15 and 29 day(s) in advance of the meeting date ,there is a 50% charge.
- If you cancel at least 30 day(s) in advance of the meeting date, there is a 100% refund.
“ Fantastic Two Days in Kyoto and Nara ”
Thanks Masaki (Mike) for a fantastic two days guiding us through Kyoto and Nara . You are very passionate about your job . We appreciate your thorough knowledge of Japanese history and have learnt much about your culture and now have a better understanding Buddhism and Shinto religions. Thank you for the photos you sent , we are not “selfie” people so it was good to have some shots of us together for a change .Also thank you for teaching us some Chi exercises whilst we had down time waiting for buses. We will continue to practice what you taught us. We highly recommend Mike as a guide , he is most professional, punctual and most of all flexible . We were able to see a number of sites that are not on the usual tourist trail . John and Roma , Perth Australia
Hi John and Roma, Thank you for sending a message. I'm very happy that you enjoyed Kyoto and Nara for two days. Yes, these cities are so called Japan's essence. For those who like history, they may be the best historical stage, no matter what country you come from. I think you had wonderful vacation here. Practice chi exercise every morning and night. Be a good meditator. See you again!
“ Wonderful Day in Kyoto ”
Masaki made our day in Kyoto very special. From the moment we met he was warm and engaging, and shared his obvious love for Japanese culture and history. He explained the itinerary clearly, and taught us to navigate the Kyoto train and bus system. During each part of his tour he shared his knowledge about not only the places but also the context in Japanese history and culture - particularly the Samurai! Masaki also gave us an interesting background in the evolution of the various religions that underpin Japanese society and history. We came away feeling that we understood the nature of historical Kyoto, not just the buildings. Our walk through Gion at sunset was very special, and we even saw several Geisha by following Masaki's special advice! As a bonus, Masaki takes excellent pho... read more
Hi Gary, Thank you for sending a good review. I heard that this is your first visit to Japan. So I was very happy to guide you around ancient capital. Probably this tour would give you general background of Japan. Kyoto is a very interesting city. The more you learn about it, the more pleasure and curiosity will be given. Hope you will come back and be a lover of Kyoto.
“ Wonderful day with a thoughtful guide! ”
I was eager to see lots of Kyoto in the limited time I had there. As a former History teacher, Masaki helped me work out a great itinerary to make the most of my time, prior to my trip. The day of my tour, Masaki arrived promptly and immediately began pointing out places of interest from steps from my Ryokan. Masaki never missed an opportunity to point out the things that were of importance to me, and went out of his way to take busses & trains in order to navigate the city quickly. He was thoughtful and always eager to discuss traditions and customs that I was unfamiliar with. I enjoyed our time in the Temples & Shrines talking about religions and relations between our two countries! He was kind, patient, and always made sure we were moving a comfortable pace for me. If I returned to Kyot... read more
Hi Ian, Thank you for your nice and warm review. I also had a wonderful time with you. Kyoto is sometime a hell city because of its harsh weather. In August, the weather was terrible. I was worried about my guest's physical conditions all the time. But in September my Kyoto smiled at you and me. I'm very happy you had a good memory with Kyoto. One more, please say hello to your girlfriend. Lovely deer and Great Buddha are waiting for your arrival next time. See you some day! Good luck! Masaki
“ Amazing day ”
Masaki San was explaining very well with a clear and delicate voice: he makes you dive right into the stories as it was a movie ! With the homemade illustrated book that he carries around, you can picture it even more ! He is not only a good guide, but he is also an amazing human being ! Even if the day spent with Masaki San was rainy, he managed to make it sunny :) We recommend him 100% ! Thank you so much !!! See you next time hopefully !
Hi John and Jean, Thank you for sending a good review. This is the moment I feel happy to be a guide. Kyoto was a capital for 1000 years, full fo historical attractions. Wish this history experience could give you a hint to your business success. As I told you during the tour, I may visit New York in next or next next January. I am sure to visit your restaurant to enjoy delicious Japanese dishes. Looking forward to seeing you again in New York. Masaki
“ Great tour guide ”
Masaki gave us a great tour of Kyoto and provided us with some great knowledge.
Dear Saunders, It was a nice experience. Looking forward to seeing your Arashiyama film in September. Thank you. Masaki
