Hiro is a wonderful, thoughtful, and considerate guide. I requested a custom 3-day tour starting on Mt Koyasan and concluding in Wakayama. Hiro rented a car and promptly picked me up at the temple I was staying at and we were off on our adventure. Hiro was a cautious and careful driver and I always felt safe. We headed to my first requested destination- a marvelous boat ride at Dorokyo Gorge. Next, Hiro arranged the perfect accommodation for me at an onsen resort in a room with a stunning view of the river. The following day we walked a portion of the Kumano Kodo trail and I very much appreciated that Hiro let me walk at my pace and enjoy the time on the path. Hiro also took me to several shrines, was knowledgeable about them all, and answered all my questions. I was pleasantly surprised by the incredible ocean view of my second accommodation. It was awesome! On our final day, we started to walk the final part of the Kumano Kodo leading to Kumano Nachi Taisha and the falls but the heat and humidity were just too much for me and I could not go any further. Hiro said, "It's okay, I have an escape." We were able to stop after just a few more stairs and he went back to the parking area, got the car, picked me up, and drove to the final shrine and falls. I was so grateful! After a beautiful visit to the falls, Hiro drove me back to Wakayama, walked me into the train station, helped me purchase my ticket, and ensured I headed to the correct platform to get me back to Osaka. Hiro is a great guide and I would not hesitate to hire him again!
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was really nice to visit sacred site Kumano with you. It's always nice to travel with a person who understands the value of Japanese culture and pay respect to our religions. Please come back to Japan someday, there are a lot more to see and to experience. And thank you very much for protecting me from a snake!
I had a great time walking with Kiyoko. The weather was perfect, the scenery spectacular and accompanied by a kind and knowledgeable guide. Kiyoko was very well prepared, friendly and interesting. I had wanted to visit this area for a long time and Kiyoko could provide history, context and make it meaningful, beyond just what I was seeing with my eyes. I would highly recommend anyone wanting to visit Kumano, Nachi Falls etc, to consider spending some of your time with Kiyoko. There is no substitute for a local guide. Thank you Kiyoko!
Simon, thank you very much for your great feedback. I appreciate your warm comment. It was my pleasure that I could be your guide today. You have been dreaming of visiting Nachi waterfall for a long time. It was a great honor for me that I could walk with you when your dream came true. I wish you would have great experiences during the rest of your stay in Japan. Please come back someday!
I had a fulfilling and fun tour experience with Hiroyuki-san! He was very knowledgable about the culture of the routes & temples. The hike up Daimon-zaka was alittle tough (due to my lack of stamina) but Hiroyuki-san was very kind and told me to take my time and took breaks inbetween. He also recommended one of best tuna restaurants by the port which was awesome. Overall, it was a pleasant experience and I look forward to meeting him again.
Stephanie-san, It was really nice meeting you yesterday. I was thinking about the tour last night after coming home. It was very good to know that you wanted to come to Nachi for a long time. The waterfalls, the shrine and the temple and the pilgrimage routes were so beautiful. But we walked the uphill stairs. Are your legs and feet okay now? Yes, see you later. Let’s walk the whole pilgrimage routes. You don’t want to walk uphill anymore? Alright, I will see you next time somewhere flat.
This tour was absolutely amazing! Kumano pilgrimage trail and Nachi falls are absolutely stunning. Hiroyuki was an amazing guide who had a lot of knowledge about the area and history of the trail. Highly recommend this tour with Hiroyuki.
Thank you very much for your kind words. It was very nice meeting you two yesterday. Kumano is far but it is worth visiting, isn't it? You will definitely like Mt Koya, too. Please come back to Japan sometime soon to visit Mt Koya. Happy birthday to US!!!
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Kyoto, Japan
Japan
Tokyo, Japan
Japan
Tokyo, Japan
With a real local of your choice
Just contact your favorite local
So no group tours with strangers