We have a great time with Keiji-san in Kumano Kodo who guided us over 2 days in this spectacular environment. He took care of all logistic, was alway on spot with timing and managed to get us to see and enjoy all major sites. Keiji-san is fundamentally a kind person and took great care of us. He highly recommend Keiji-san as a guide and will look forward to seeing again in few years for a repeat.
Thank you for giving me a great opportunity to enjoy 2 days in Kumano Kodo. Even though it was extremely hot and humid, every one finished all itineraries and listened to my explanation carefully. The parents of this group did a great job leading their children kindly, and the children understood Japanese costumes and behaved in good manners at temples and shrines. While eating and resting, we talked about not only Kumano Kodo things but also French/Japanse culture things, which made me more interested in France. Alban, leader of the group, and I contacted me February of 2024 and started planning this Kumano Kodo trip(the trip was held August of 2024). Our communication via Internets was smooth and comfortable, therefore, I could suggest him walking courses and sightseeing spots, which were suitable for the group. I look forward to seeing them again, preferably, in spring/autumn, when we can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms and autumn mountain leaves.
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.
With a real local of your choice
Just contact your favorite local
So no group tours with strangers