Yoshihiro

The Japanese Local

Responds quickly
  • I live in Kyoto
  • I speak 日本語, English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 6 hours

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Hi, I’m Yoshihiro Toyoda. Everyone called me “Ted” when I used to live in America. I used to work for FA system electric engineering company and I worked long term in many countries, such as Abu Dhabi for 8 years, Columbus OH, USA for 25 year, and Bangkok for 3 years.

Since then, I have returned to Japan and been here for 5 years.

When I stayed overseas, I had the opportunity to observe Japan from an outside perspective, and realized the beauty of this country which I wouldn’t have noticed if I hadn’t gone overseas.

My wife is pianist and she loves cooking. We enjoy going out and finding a reasonable priced and tasty local restaurants in Kyoto. We have live with a Boston terrier, Dolce and we love her very much.

I enjoy playing guitar and listening to acoustic music.

I passed Kyoto Tourism Culture Certification Test, means I am `Kyoto Expert'.

This is a certification test covering about general Knowledge related to Kyoto including history, historical sites, shrines, temples, architecture, gardens, arts, traditional industrial arts, traditional culture, entertainment areas, festivals and events, Kyo-ryori (local cuisine of Kyoto), Kyoto Confectionary, customs, dialects and folk tales, geographical names, natural resources, tourism, etc.,

Please pick me as your private local guide and I will show you many unique points of Kyoto from a local, and also an outsider’s perspective.

I am looking forward to seeing you and spending wonderful time with you.

See you soon!

  • I live in Kyoto
  • I speak 日本語, English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 6 hours

My Kyoto in pictures

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Reviews

jameselliotlawrence1975
26 July 2025
We had a fantastic morning with Yoshihiro (Ted) at Shimogamo water festival. Ted has really considered our brief, 'off the tourist trail, with some fun for the kids', he hit the brief spot on. I would highly recommend booking a tour with Ted, his english is great and so is his patience and most importantly he has a wealth of knowledge. If/when I return to Kyoto i would happily spend some more time with TedAuthentic tour with a great guide
Damiano
23 July 2025
Best guide everTed simply the best
Paula
21 July 2025
We had the best time with Yoshihiro who was very communicative before our tour which made is feel very welcome. He was incredibly flexible and gave is three good optional tours on the day which was specifically nice because it was so warm so we adjusted the original plan. We visited SO many spots that we would never have seen, food we never would have tried if it wasnt for Yoshihiro. Hils english is great and he is incredibly helpful with all kinds of other tips for after the tour. Can highly recommend! Charming knowledgable guide
Anna
19 July 2025
We had a fantastic tour with Ted in the center of Kyoto! It was engaging and full of interesting information. Ted patiently answered all of our questions and even recommended a great restaurant and other places based on our interests. We definitely recommend taking a walk with Ted!Great Experience
Wu
15 July 2025
We loved spending time touring Gion and Nishiki market with Ted! He is very knowledgeable about the history of Kyoto, and he recommended amazing food for us at Nishiki market! Definitely recommend Ted, he is a fantastic guide and he was very accommodating. Learned a lot about the Culture of Maiko/Geiko, as well as Kabuki history. Ted even sent us food recommendations for our next destination which was Osaka. Superb!A great tour with Ted
Raf
6 July 2025
Yoshihiro took al the time to give us a fantastic experience. He also gave us extra advice through whatsapp, also about OsakaGreat knowledge and service
Vanessa
5 July 2025
The day we had our private tour with yoshihiro it was raining very hard in Kyoto, and even so we had an amazing time! We learned so much we would not have learned about geishas and its history. He also made sure to give us recommendations that accommodated it us it was a wonderful time and we highly recommend!!!!Wonderful knowledgeable experience
rsilverberg25
4 July 2025
Ted was awesome . Highly recommend him in Kyoto. Knew his stuff and was very accommodating to our group was above and beyond what we expected . Enjoy …Ted was an amazing guide in Kyoto
David and Susan
30 June 2025
Yoshihiro was most accommodating and came to our hotel to meet us. He is very friendly and clearly knowledgeable on all Kyoto has to offer. He gave detailed historical information with insights on why this beautiful city came to be and encouraged us to see the Silver Temple and its gardens which was the highlight of our visit. Meeting Yoshihiro
nicole
22 June 2025
Come hungry for fascinating and fun tour of Kyoto food. Ted-san guided us through both Nishiki market and the Gion area (NB: 2 tours) and kept our distractable teenagers engaged and fascinated. We all learned a lot and feel a new connection and appreciation for Kyoto and Japan. Very worthwhile (& delicious) tour!Ted-san is warm, informed local “uncle”

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