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

Janet
11 September 2025
We had only a short time to explore Kyoto during our cruise stop and reached out to Ted (Yoshihiro) through the With Locals website. From the moment we reached out, Ted was very helpful—he explained how to get from Osaka to Kyoto via the Shinkansen and suggested options for how to make the most of our limited time. We chose a tour of Gion and Higashiyama, and Ted was already waiting at the designated meeting point when we arrived. He gave us an informative tour, sharing insights into the history of Kyoto, as well as the traditions of Kabuki, Geiko, and Maiko. We continued on to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple and Yasaka Shrine, where we learned more about the significance of Buddhism and Shintoism in Japanese culture. The surrounding park area was serene and beautiful—a peaceful highlight of Kyoto. Thank you, Ted, for an enriching experience! Enriching tour of Gion and Higashiyama
Howard
10 September 2025
We just completed an amazing 7 hour private tour with Ted to see the highlights of Kyoto. Ted was very well organized, professional, and communicated with me throughout the process. We had chosen 4 primary sites to visit but as we finished a little early Ted, at no additional charge, gave us a few options to see for a 5th additional site. We really appreciated that added flexibility. Ted was an incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and personable guide. He took several amazing photos of our group and gave us a great suggestion for lunch. We recommend him at the highest level. I plan on booking with him again on our next trip to Kyoto. Important Note: We had an ambitious 1 day itinerary and with Ted’s assistance we booked a private driver for the day. If you can mange the budget, I highly recommend the private driver. The rate through Ted was lower than if I contacted the transport company myself. It was very hot during our September trip, having toe driver drop off/pick-up directly in front of most of the sites was definitely a lifesaver. Amazing Kyoto tour with Ted!
Travis
7 September 2025
We had such a great time with Ted walking through Kyoto! He promptly reached out to us prior to the tour/ after we signed up to introduce himself. We felt we could ask him any questions to help us prepare. Based off what we wanted out of the trip, he constructed a great day that matched exactly what we wanted to see. He was respectful, professional, and knowledgeable on his history. He was also very genuine!! He recommended us great restaurants for the remainder of our trip. Thank you for being so welcoming and showing us your city!! Ill be recommending to all my friends and will be contacting when I’m back :) A spectacular tour through Kyoto!!
Dominique
25 August 2025
We enjoyed very much the tour with Yoshihido. He gave the tour a personal touch and we learned a lot from him. Excellent gyided tour
monika.wagner.paf
18 August 2025
Our guide was very nice and gave us a really good time in Kyoto. He was very kind and well informed about everything we wanted to know about the town and history. He also helped us with a reservation in a spezial keiseki restaurant. Thank you very much. we were 6 people, the price was a little bit high for 3 hours 310 €.Umfassende, sehr persönliche Betreung
Karol
16 August 2025
3h tour with Yoshihiro at the beginning of our Kyoto adventure gave us great insights into Kyoto culture, Kabuki history and religious context. Exactly whether we needed! Local stories and family atmosphere. Taste of Kyoto Culture
Irene Kanter
12 August 2025
Ted is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, he answered all our questions along the way and made sure to make the tour engaging for our teenage girls as well.Very nice tour!
Katarina
6 August 2025
We booked a private 90min Tour with Yoshihiro (Ted). Communication before our meeting was very easy. Ted was really great and so friendly. He gave us a nice Tour of Gion and answered our many questions. He also gave us many recommendations and asked where we were planning on going next. After the tour he sent us a lot of information on our next stops via Whatsapp! I can fully recommend booking a tour with him. Thank you so much for a great time!Fun and interesting Tour with Yoshihiro
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

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