Why I do this work
I work as a guide in Kyoto,
introducing Japanese culture and history to people from around the world.
What I aim to share is not only information,
but the deeper values and ways of thinking
that have been cultivated in Japan over time.
There are already many wonderful tours in Kyoto.
Visiting famous places is, of course, a meaningful experience.
At the same time,
I believe there is another way to experience this city.
Since you have come all the way to Japan,
I hope you can take home something
that stays with you beyond the trip itself.
For me, a journey does not begin on the day of the tour,
and it does not end when you leave Kyoto.
It begins the moment you encounter something that resonates with you —
perhaps even when you found this page.
And it continues,
quietly, in your daily life afterward.
I hope this experience becomes
a meaningful connection between you and Japan.
From sightseeing to experiencing
What I offer is not about seeing more places,
but about creating time to truly experience them.
To experience means:
To feel with your senses
To notice something new
And perhaps,
to see your life just a little differently
Through this kind of time,
travel can become more than sightseeing.
It can become a moment of awareness.
A Cultural Interpreter of Kyoto
My role is not just to guide you.
I help translate Japanese culture
into something you can personally understand and relate to.
Not only through explanations,
but through shared moments, conversations, and perspectives.
I also continue to study traditional Japanese culture myself.
For example, I practice tea ceremony (Urasenke),
learning not only its form, but the mindset behind it.
This ongoing learning shapes the way I guide,
and allows me to share culture from within,
not only from knowledge.
Why Kyoto
I was born and raised in Arashiyama, Kyoto,
and later spent about 20 years living in Tokyo.
This experience has allowed me to see Kyoto
both from the inside and from the outside.
Kyoto is a place where over 1,000 years of history
have shaped a unique way of life.
Many aspects of Japanese culture
can be experienced through Kyoto.
That is why I believe
it is the best place to begin understanding Japan.
What you may experience
During the tour,
I share stories about Japanese culture and history.
But more importantly,
I provide a perspective that helps you see beyond what is visible.
When you understand the background,
things you might have overlooked begin to reveal themselves.
Small discoveries,
quiet realizations —
these are often what stay with you the longest.
How I guide
My tours are small and personal.
I value conversation,
and we move at a calm and unhurried pace.
By taking time to understand the meaning behind each place,
the experience naturally becomes deeper.
You will be guided by me personally,
so you know exactly who you will spend time with.
This allows you to join with a sense of clarity and ease,
rather than uncertainty.
I also place importance on safety,
and have completed advanced first-aid training
to be prepared for unexpected situations.
About me
Yusuke Tanaka
Born and raised in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
I have guided more than 350 tours
and received positive reviews from over 1,000 guests.