Hi, I’m Alvin
Hi, I’m Alvin
I’ve lived in Kyoto for 4 years
I speak English, Indonesian and some Japanese
I am a Graduate Student.
Hey there! I'm Alvin, your enthusiastic local host in Kyoto. My heart lights up when I take leisurely strolls around the neighborhoods, turning ordinary roads into captivating art through my creative lens. Kyoto's charm is my inspiration, and I can't wait to share it with you. During my free time, you'll find me at my favorite cozy restaurant, savoring a delightful meal before embarking on adventures through the city's hidden gems. As a Kyoto expert, I know the ins and outs of the Arashiyama area with its enchanting Bamboo forest and the vibrant Kawaramachi area, the central commercial district of the city. I'm well-versed in the city's popular tourist spots and their intriguing histories, but I go beyond that! With a passion for sharing Kyoto's wonders, let's embark on a journey filled with creativity, culture, and exploration!
My knowledge & interests
Engineering in Department of Urban Management
Arts
Culture & customs
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Art galleries & museums
Parks
Gardens
Scenic routes
Social history
Architectural history
Religious history
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Modern architecture
Third wave coffee
Vintage shops
Street markets
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Popular culture
Religious customs
Lifestyle culture
Rituals & ceremonial customs
Local speciality drinks
Traditional art
Digital art
Thrift stores
Specialty shops
Video game stores
Landscape photography
Night photography
Classical music
Pop music
Rock music
Pop culture
My reviews
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Alvin was prepared, he was responsive to our requests and he was incredibly helpful in having us have a perfect experience during our tour. I would highly recommend him for anyone looking for a tour in Kyoto!
March 2025
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If you want a private tour of Kyoto on foot, where you get to see the major attractions, but walking off the beaten path, book this tour and request your Alvin as your guide. He is extremely knowledgeable, polite, friendly, interesting and emotionally intelligent. He planned my itinerary around my sensitivities and interests. All that was required of me was to tell him exactly whom I was and what I liked and he accommodated me at every instance. I cannot remember or spell the names of the places that we visited and hope the pictures will help. Today you sent me an angel in human form and he touched my soul. Thank you so much.
March 2025
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I’ve left a review already on trip advisor. Too many duplicates.
March 2025
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We had an amazing time with our guide Alvin. The itinerary he came up with was perfectly timed, and he had so much knowledge about the history and lore/legends. He talked anime and video games with my husband, which was nice. It really felt like we were being shown around by a friend. Also, I am sure he could have walked circles around us but he was very intuitive when it came to setting the pace. I never felt like he was walking too fast or had issues keeping up, and I am not what anyone would call athletic. Also, he took GREAT photos of us.
January 2025