- City of Kyoto Visitors Host -

Tetsuya

1｜About Me
Born and raised in Kyoto, I now live near Yasaka Shrine, where daily life is closely connected to seasonal rituals and local traditions. Living in this historic neighborhood allows me to experience Kyoto not only as a guide, but as a resident.
I am also the owner of a traditional Kyoto cuisine restaurant in Pontocho, one of Kyoto’s historic geisha districts near Gion. Established in 1935, our restaurant has welcomed guests for over 90 years.
Through my tours, I hope to create warm and engaging conversations that make Kyoto feel closer and more meaningful.

2｜Why I Became a Guide
I genuinely enjoy conversations with people, especially listening to their interests, hearing their stories, and sharing ideas together.
At my restaurant, conversations with guests are part of daily life. Over the years, many guests became curious about Kyoto beyond the dining table, asking questions about traditions, customs, and local life. Their curiosity inspired me to step outside the restaurant and begin guiding in the city itself.

3｜Background & Experience
I was raised in Kyoto, where I learned from an early age how food connects to seasons and daily life.
During my university years, I spent one year studying in the United States, where I experienced life from the perspective of a visitor. This experience helped me understand cultural differences from both sides—both as a guest and as a host.
Before entering the restaurant business, I worked as an engineer at a major Japanese electronics company. Through this role, I had many opportunities to travel abroad for work, which helped me understand different cultures and ways of thinking.
In addition, I worked as an English-speaking guide at The Museum of Kyoto for four years, gaining experience sharing Kyoto’s history and culture with visitors from around the world.
This diverse background allows me to guide Kyoto not only as a local resident, but also from a technical and cross-cultural perspective.

4｜About my guiding
My tours focus on Kyoto’s living culture—how people eat, pray, shop, celebrate seasons, and carry traditions into daily life, while exploring the city together.
I enjoy helping guests discover Kyoto through my own perspective, shaped by years of living and working here.
It is always a pleasure to see their curiosity grow during the tour.
The most rewarding moment for me is when guests express their appreciation and feel a deeper connection to Kyoto.
I look forward to sharing an enjoyable and memorable time together in Kyoto.