Hi, I’m Tom
Hi, I’m Tom
I’ve lived in Kyoto for 7 years
I speak English, Japanese, German
I am University Faculty Staff
Hey there! I'm Tom, your friendly local host here in Kyoto. Whether it's immersing myself in the diverse events and film festivals at arthouse cinemas, or delving into the captivating history of poets and artists from the Heian era, there's always something new to discover. One of my favorite pastimes is spending a day wandering through the serene mountains and temple trails or finding peace in the tranquility of a temple. You'll often find me exploring Kyoto's foodie wonders, and having heartfelt conversations with locals, especially in the charming neighborhoods of Kamigyo-ku and Kita-ku. With a deep understanding of Kyoto's history and an intimate knowledge of the lesser-known neighborhoods, I'm your go-to for unlocking the secrets of this enchanting city. So, let's embark on a journey together, and uncover the hidden treasures Kyoto has to offer!
My knowledge & interests
History
Culture & customs
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Cinema
Parks
Gardens
Scenic routes
Hikes
Political history
Economic history
Social history
Religious history
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Classical architecture
Third wave coffee
Department stores
Street markets
Traditional culture
Popular culture
Religious customs
Lifestyle culture
Alternative or underground culture
Traditional art
Contemporary art
Art history
Second-hand markets
Bookstores
Classical music
Pop music
Indie music
My reviews
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Tom really made out short stay in Kyoto unforgettable. For 5 hours, he expertly guided us through our wishlist and then showed us way more. From hidden gems and their stories along the way, to actively picking up on my wanting to see snow monkeys and taking us there , it was a phenomenal day - and exactly what we needed to experience Kyoto in as little time as possible
December 2024
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We had the most interesting tour with Tom . He is really knowledgeable and is very enthusiastic about local history. His English is very good, he took us also to less touristic sites and was very attentive to our interests. We highly recommend the experience. Yael
November 2024