Licensed and reliable
I am a licensed guide in Japan, and I value clear communication, punctuality, and a calm, professional approach.
Kyoto Guide Service
Kyoto Private Guide
Kyoto-born and Kyoto-raised
Not rushed.
Not confusing.
Just a calm Kyoto day with a guide you can trust.
I guide families, senior travellers, students, and visitors who want a relaxed and meaningful day in Kyoto. My style is simple: clear communication, a comfortable pace, and a plan that feels personal.
Kyoto-born and Kyoto-raised10+ years of guiding in JapanCanada-related experienceSenior-friendly and family-friendly
A good fit for
First-time visitors to KyotoFamilies with childrenSenior travellers who prefer a slower paceGuests who want a calm and personal day
Why guide with us
Clear, calm, and personal support
Deep Kyoto knowledge
I was born and raised in Kyoto. I can guide you through famous places and also quieter areas with local meaning.
University and international experience
I have long experience in international education and cross-cultural support, so I understand practical needs as well as sightseeing.
Flexible support
We can adjust the pace, route, transport, and rest breaks for families, senior travellers, academic visitors, and media needs.
About
Hello, I’m Don Tanaka
I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I have guided visitors in Japan for more than 10 years.
I also have many years of Canada-related experience, and I have worked in international education at a university. Because of that background, I am used to supporting guests from overseas in a practical and thoughtful way.
I am a father of two daughters, and I also have an elderly mother. This has made me especially aware of how important pace, rest, and comfort can be for family groups and senior travellers.
My goal is simple: to help you enjoy Kyoto with confidence, without stress, and in a way that feels personal.
Guides
Don first, with Mai available by enquiry
Main guide
Don Tanaka
Born and raised in Kyoto, Don is a licensed guide known for his calm and reliable approach. He personally handles tours whenever available and is the first point of contact for bookings. He spent over 20 years in Vancouver, where he also worked as a guide, building strong international experience. As a father of two daughters, he understands the importance of flexibility, comfort, and thoughtful pacing for families and senior travellers.
Guide by enquiry
Mai
Kyoto-born and educated at a well-known university in Kyoto. She has rich international experience and strong university teaching experience, and works fluently in both American English and Japanese. She may be arranged by enquiry, especially when Don is unavailable. She can also support interviews for TV, magazines, and other media.
Don is the main guide for bookings. If Don is not available, Mai may be arranged depending on the date and your needs.
Guests
Guest Photos & Kind Words
Don was kind, knowledgeable, and very easy to talk to.
We felt relaxed and well looked after throughout the day.
He made Kyoto easy to enjoy, even for first-time visitors.
Don was flexible, thoughtful, and very professional.
Our family had a wonderful and comfortable day.
We would happily recommend Don to anyone visiting Kyoto.
Availability
Weekends and public holidays are easiest to accept
The calendar below is a simple guide only.
◎ Weekends and Japanese public holidays△ Weekdays — please enquire first
Final availability depends on the date, group type, and guide schedule. Mai is arranged on an enquiry basis.
Tours and Areas
Flexible guiding for different travellers
Kyoto highlights
A classic day covering major Kyoto sights at a comfortable pace.
Beyond Kyoto
Day trips or custom routes in nearby areas such as Osaka or Nara.
Families
Easy-going tours with flexible timing, breaks, and child-friendly planning.
Senior travellers
Slow-paced guiding with more rest stops and simple transport choices.
Students and academic groups
Support for educational visits, cultural learning, and university-related travel.
Media and special visits
Support for interviews, filming-related visits, and guests who need bilingual communication.
Kyoto scenes
Well-known places, shown in a calm and simple way
Kiyomizu-dera Area
Classic Kyoto atmosphere with temple views, old streets, and a strong sense of place.
Fushimi Inari
One of Kyoto’s most famous sights, ideal for an early visit and a smoother pace.
Arashiyama
Riverside scenery, seasonal beauty, and a more open and relaxed rhythm.
Kinkaku-ji
A well-known Kyoto highlight that works well in a first-time visitor plan.
Gion & Yasaka Area
Traditional Kyoto streets, quieter corners, and easy cultural atmosphere.
Nijo Castle
A good option for guests interested in history, architecture, and a slower visit.
Sample Courses
Simple ideas for your day
Kyoto Highlights Full Day
A balanced full-day route for first-time visitors who want the essential Kyoto experience.
Arashiyama Nature and Culture Day
A day with bamboo grove areas, riverside views, temples, and a slower rhythm.
Family or Senior-Friendly Kyoto Day
A gentle plan with shorter walks, more breaks, and flexible transport.
How it works
Easy from first message to tour day
1
Send me a message
Tell me your date, group size, and what kind of day you hope to have.
2
I suggest a simple plan
I will reply with an idea that matches your pace, interests, and practical needs.
3
We adjust together
We can fine-tune the route, transport, breaks, and lunch plan before the day.
4
Enjoy Kyoto with confidence
On the day, I guide calmly and clearly so you can focus on enjoying the experience.
Pricing
Clear and simple rates
Half Day
¥20,000
Approx. US$135
Most requested
Full Day
¥40,000
Approx. US$270
Extra Hour
¥5,000
Approx. US$35
Transport, meals, entrance fees, and personal expenses are not included unless agreed in advance.
FAQ
Questions guests often ask
Can you customise the tour?
Yes. I can adjust the route based on your interests, pace, age group, and travel style.
Are your tours good for families or senior travellers?
Yes. I often plan tours with slower walking, more breaks, and easy transport options.
How do we get around?
We can walk, use taxis, or use public transport depending on your comfort, budget, and destination.
Can you help with lunch?
Yes. I can suggest simple local options and help choose a place that fits your preferences.
Do you guide outside Kyoto?
Yes. I can also arrange guiding for nearby areas such as Osaka or Nara depending on the plan.
Who will guide us?
Don is the main guide. If Don is not available, Mai may be arranged by enquiry depending on the date and type of visit.
Are weekdays available?
Weekends and Japanese public holidays are easier to accept. For weekdays, please send an enquiry first.
Where do we meet?
This depends on your hotel, station access, and the route. I usually suggest a simple and practical meeting point.
What happens if it rains?
Kyoto can still be enjoyable in light rain. I can adjust the plan, transport, or indoor balance if needed.
How much walking is involved?
That depends on the route, but I can reduce walking, add taxi use, and plan more breaks if needed.
Can children join?
Yes. I can make the day easier for children with more flexible timing and a lighter pace.
How should I contact you?
You can use the contact form or email me directly. Please tell me your date, group size, and what kind of day you want.
Contact
Let’s plan your Kyoto day
Please send me a short message with your travel date, group size, and what kind of tour you are hoping for.
DateGroup sizeKyoto only or beyond KyotoFamily or senior-friendly needsWeekend/holiday or weekday
or email directly
A short message is enough. I will reply as clearly and simply as possible.