Kyoto, Mie, Nara (Living), Osaka, Wakayama, Kobe
English
3 hours on average
2 days ago
Lived in Chicago (5 years), Toronto (1 year), Singapore (2 years), Indonesia (4 years) and Birmingham, UK (11 years) to construct business platform, now retired after 40
years employment in Japan. Dynamic tour guide who develops many different ways along with rich experience overseas to entertain large or small tour groups. Enjoys the interaction with tour groups, very strong group presentation and communication skills, finds each guest question as an opportunity to learn anything new. Constantly learning information about each tour spot to enhance tours. Guided 8,549 guests all over the world across Japan as of June 30, 2024 since Feb 2015.
We spent the day in Kyoto with Masahisa (Mike). We started the day at Katsura Imperial Villa - the gardens were magical. It is an incredible place, off the beaten path, and is worth a special visit. If you can get a tour with Mike, it is very special. From there, we went to Sanjūsangen-dō, the home of 1001 Buddhas. It is really awe inspiring. The 1001 Buddhas, and the statues of the deities, are amazing. After a well needed cold. drink, we made our way into the Kyoto National museum, which had a range of ceramics, scrolls, paintings, etc., which were all interesting. After lunch, we visited a craft area, which had a range of beautiful craft goods made in the Kyoto area. We could have hung around there all day! Mike was a terrific guide, and is kind, and generous. As much as we enjoyed the sights, we enjoyed meeting Mike even more. He took such good care of us on a hot and humid day, and made our tour of Kyoto one to remember. If you get a chance to get a tour with Mike, we recommend you do so. And I understand he can guide in many areas around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, etc., so you would have many options. Again, thank you so much Mike!
Guy Thank you for coming all the way to Kyoto in this sweltering heat from beautiful country. I still dazzle with the photos I took of the pure white sandy beach and clear blue sky at your Pearth Beach, West Coast which I visited some time ago. The scorching heat here is still continuing, so please take care of your health and I wish you return home safely. Thanks Masahisa
Masahisa is an outstanding guide with unmatched work ethics - it was a pleasure to spend two days with him. Initially, he stood out for me by detailed long responses. It allowed us to collaborate ahead of time with extremely detailed customized planning of the trip. Masahisa ensured that our wishes were accommodated, including a bullet train ride. He showed up on time for both days and stayed extra, as needed. Incredible planning skills resulted in minimal waiting for trains, even with 3 train changes. Masahisa is very kind and friendly - he took a lot of group pictures for us, and even printed them! He provided us with very detailed portfolio of information for both days. He was not available for the third day, so gave us detailed instructions. Choices of lunch places for both days were excellent. He went extra mile to book world-known Kobe beef restaurant for us. Highly recommend!
Alexander Thank you for stopping by Kansai in this scorching hot season. Hearing about your homes in S.F, NYK, Evanston, Northwestern Univ, and other update from your party reminded me of my active days in my yourth in US . I was also grateful for the two enjoyable days. If you have the opportunity, please come again. Wish you all return home safely with great family memory in the Far East Island. Thanks Masahisa
Msahisa (Mike) is a true professional and a gentleman. Despite living near Nara he travelled to and from Osaka to make sure we had no issues. He gave us tremendous history and whisked us around Nara via bus and taxi to insure we maximized the experience. Plus he took many wonderful pictures of our family that will be treasured. Arigato Masahisa-San We heartliy recommend him for others!
Chris I’m sure you're all tired from walking through the vast Nara Park after a long flight and not being able to compensate for the time difference. Wish you continue to enjoy your journey here, and return home safely with great family memory. Thanks Masahisa
Mike was a great tour guide whose attention to detail and kindness really made our trip. His knowledge of Kyoto and Japan made sure we left with a lot of good information. We went to many places, and he made sure our experience was streamlined and easy to follow. Thank you so much for the awesome adventure!
Jennifer Welcome from City of Big Hearts. I'm sure you are all probably tired from walking such a long distance today without recovering from jet lag. I wish adventure in the Far East for rest of days will be a memorable one for your family. Thank again for visiting us all the way. Thanks Masahisa