Yoshihiro

The Japanese Local

Responds quickly
  • I live in Kyoto
  • I speak 日本語, English
  • Verified Local host
  • Response time less than 7 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 7 hours

My Kyoto in pictures

Book one of my offers in Kyoto

Let's explore Kyoto together! As your local guide, I'll show you the best of Kyoto on a private & personalized tour for you.

Did you know that I can personalize your experience?

All Withlocals tours are completely customisable to your needs. Just let me know your preferences for a private and personalized experience!

Responds quickly

Reviews

Alex
6 March 2025
Ted was great in showing us (family with two boys of 11 and 14) around in Kyoto. Great inside tour of Kyoto
Henry
26 February 2025
We cannot recommend Ted highly enough. His knowledge and enthusiasm was ever-present throughout our tour. He had clearly given much thought to the structure and content of the tour and was also very eager to know what we wanted out of the morning, and our time in Kyoto more generally. 10/10Fantastic morning in Kyoto
E
24 February 2025
Yoshi was very knowledgeable about both authentic Japanese culture, how it related to modern culture (both theater and movies), and gave great recommendations for local restaurants and shops that were both authentic and a good value. We love to support locals, during travels, and this was a great experience! Would highly recommend to anybody who comes to Japan.Amazing local experience
Janne
23 February 2025
We had a lovely day with Ted! He showed us different shrines in Kyoto and could tell us a lot about the cultural and historical significance. We were a bit jetlagged from the flight, but Ted managed to keep us awake and tell us lots of interesting facts. Thank you!Great stroll through the city!
margie
22 February 2025
We had a great morning with Ted in the Nishiki markets - myself and my two daughters. We had been there before on our own, and had not discovered half of the things Ted showed us - from puffer fish sashimi, to wagyu beef sushi to soy milk donuts and deep fried ice-cream, plus all sorts of spices and Japanese flavourings, and tempura tuna with sake in a crowded, popular bar. He was very generous and kind, and amusing...I would highly recommend this experience. The price you pay includes all the food you eat - Ted handles the cash, and the negotiations!"Ted" Yoshihiro broadened our palates!
Reid
16 February 2025
Yoshihiro (or Ted to us Americans) is an excellent and knowledgable guide. He gave us a comprehensive view of Buddhist, Shinto, and secular traditions in Kyoto, has wide ranging knowledge of the city's art and history, and showed us the culture on a deeper level than most guides. He's also a very pleasant and fun guy. He also led us to an great tempura restaurant after and gave us some nice recommendations for other parts of our trip. I would highly recommend Ted to anyone visiting Kyoto.Great Experience with Ted
Matt
7 February 2025
Yoshihiro was very knowledgeable and fun to spend the day with. He listened to what we were interested in and put together a great itinerary. Communication was easy and we all learned so much. Highly recommended!Outstanding walking tour in Kyoto
Synnove
4 February 2025
Ted took us through the artistically startup journey led by the female with a sword - he gave insightful story telling linked to the Geisha neighborhood. The guiding towards temples and shrines gave us a good basis for continuing to visit more interesting places in Kyoto. Thank you Ted!Kyoto insights
Phillip
27 January 2025
I had an excellent informative tour with Ted!Great tour!
MaryAnne
12 January 2025
Yoshihiro (Ted) changed our meeting point closer to our hotel which was very kind. We learnt a lot about how to get around and some local history in our 1.5hr tour. Ted even went out of his way to get us to the markets at the end of our tour. A friendly local guide. Great start to Kyoto

This is Withlocals

Play now

Connect with locals whenever and wherever!

Get the app to become part of the fastest growing local travel community. Ask your local guide to personalize your experience to your needs. Keep all your bookings at hand. Sounds cool, right?

  1. Japan›
  2. Kyoto›
  3. Yoshihiro, The Japanese Local