Shohei

"Play by Ear" Traveler

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

Hi there! Nice to meet you

Hi! My name is Shohei

(Show-hey....like, Hey! are you watching my Show!?)

**Don't see a tour that suits your needs??**

you can always message me and I would be more than happy to plan a private custom tour just for you! (ie, Kyoto-Nara day trip, visit our world heritage sites like Kiyomizu Temple and Nijo castle, visit prominent Japanese gardens etc)

**WHAT I DON'T DO,,,, food tours, cycling tours, tours with cars, geisha tours**

**I ONLY do walking tours up to 8 PEOPLE

I was born in Japan, moved to US at age 4. Our family moved to Dublin, OH and that's where I spent all my childhood. After high school, I attended Berklee College of Music in Boston to study guitar and pursue my musical career.

Guitar is my passion, and I've playing for more than 20 years. (check out my spotify page https://x.gd/VH5Pp) I've been living in Kyoto since 2012 and loving every moment of this beautiful place! So many beautiful world heritage architectures, rich history, beautiful art, and can't forget about the top quality food!

I love to show people around because there are so many things to share,,,, from hidden gems, grand shrines, zen gardens, medieval streets, buddha statues in the alley, etc. I especially love to visit spiritual places, like shrines and temples. Story telling is also my favorite thing to do with the guests,,,, and I surely would love to hear stories about you and your culture as well!

looking forward to seeing you and having a good time!

  • I live in Kyoto
  • I speak 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

Mitch and Melissa, Ryan and Paige
28 May 2025
We had one and a half days together and it was worth it. Shohei was a great guide. He was super friendly and made the learning fun and chill. Spoke excellent English as he has lived in the US only recently returning to Japan in 2019. I think for touring in Kyoto with all the many sights spread out all over the city it is well worth the splurge! He took us to a great local Ramen restaurant for lunch and we really enjoyed his company and expertise. Thank you Shohei!Great exprerience
xgd6hp8px9
20 May 2025
If we could give 11 out of 10 we would! My husband and I spend 2 days in Kyoto with Shohei and enjoyed every minute of it. Shohei is a full package: his English is outstanding (he lived in US for many years!), being native of Kyoto he not only shows most amazing places (we kept saying wow!) but also knows the best ways to get there without the crowds, he is an expert on convenient inexpensive places to have very tasty lunch, he is very flexible and understanding and has a great sense of humor, he is just a pleasure to spend time with! If he got availability on the day you are in town - run to book him!Look no further!
Alex
11 May 2025
Arian
9 May 2025
Growing up in the states, Shohei was very easy to understand. He had a very good knowledge about Kyoto and the sights and a fun way of communication. Sometimes he was maybe a little bit toooo sarcastic but that is really just individual preference.Exceptional english skills and knowledge
Stephanie
3 May 2025
Shohei was phenomenal. Knowledge, funny, flexible, and organized. Everything you’d want in a guide. He was truly a highlight from our time in Kyoto. I would recommend him to anyone. Amazing guide!
Anne
2 May 2025
Shohei was easy to communicate with, excellent English and very knowledgeable about the Nijo Castle. Very helpful to guide us to our subsequent activity. Nice easy going guide
Debbie
24 April 2025
Early walk through old Kyoto which was beautiful & atmospheric. Stunning but peaceful gardens, awesome temples, a way of living at one with nature & your environment. Loved it all. Even got an amazing coffee! Shohei brought great perspectives, charm & fun.Kyoto at its best 👌
Rikard
23 April 2025
We met this nice guy and had three wonderful hours full with interesting stories about Kyoto’s history combined with modern life in Japan. Shohei is very knowledgeable about history and presented it in a relaxed way. Thanks for a memorable afternoon AoRInteresting and relaxed
Naomi
21 April 2025
We were a group of adults and teenage boys. Before we left for Japan I was in touch with Shohei about the tour. He always responded promptly and was flexible about what the tour was going to cover. Shohei was knowledgeable and fun. He was able to enagage both the teenagers and adults. As well as the tour he gave useful advice about other things we might want to do in Kyoto, given our interests. They all proved to be spot on. We planned to do a day trip from Kyoto. He gave us advice about how to navigate the trains and buses. We couldn't have done the day trip without his help!
Elena
19 April 2025
Shohei is a wonderful person and guide. He is is positive and knowledgeable person. We spend nice . It was really interesting to listen his stories. Highly recommended!Amazing

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. Shohei, "Play by Ear" Traveler