Hi, I’m Raphael
Hi, I’m Raphael
I’ve lived in Kyoto for 2 years
I speak English, Portuguese and some Japanese, German
I am a Tour Guide
Hi there! I'm Raphael, your friendly local host in the beautiful city of Kyoto. One of the things I love most about Kyoto is the unique blend of nature and traditional cityscapes—it creates the most wonderful sights. The abundance of traditional culture here is truly unmatched and makes every day an adventure. I'm passionate about exploring Kyoto, whether it's visiting the serene shrines and temples, hiking through picturesque trails, or taking leisurely bike rides through charming neighborhoods. I pride myself on knowing Kyoto inside and out, especially the hidden gems scattered throughout the city. I can take you to the best spots at the perfect times for breathtaking views. I’m here to make your experience unforgettable. Let’s explore Kyoto together and uncover its many wonders! I can't wait to show you around.
My knowledge & interests
Mechanical and Electrical Systems Engineering
Arts
Nature / outdoors
History
Architecture
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Theater
Art galleries & museums
Street art
Parks
Gardens
Scenic routes
Hikes
Political history
Social history
Religious history
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Classical architecture
Whiskey
Third wave coffee
Local beers
Artisanal tea
Department stores
Vintage shops
Street markets
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Religious customs
Lifestyle culture
Rituals & ceremonial customs
Local speciality drinks
Japanese sake
Traditional art
Video game stores
Antique shops
Food photography
Fashion photography
Night photography
Nature photography
Pop music
My reviews
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We had a fantastic time exploring Kyoto with Raphael as our guide. He was super knowledgeable about the city’s history and culture, and he made sure to show us some really cool spots that we probably wouldn’t have found on our own. Raphael was also really easy to talk to, and we appreciated how he adjusted the tour to match our interests and pace. His recommendations for places to eat and shop were spot on, and we loved the little local insights he shared throughout the day. It felt more like hanging out with a friend who knew the city inside out than a typical tour. All in all, if you’re looking for a laid-back and informative tour of Kyoto, Raphael is your guy. We had a great experience and would definitely recommend him!
August 2024
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My husband and I are visiting Japan for the first time and had a lot of questions, not only about all of Kyoto’s historical shrines and temples, but also about the history of that wonderful city and the Japanese culture in general. Raphael explained in perfect English the significance of all the details in the shrines and temples, and patiently answered our very many questions. He is a smart college student and a very kind and personable person. I highly recommend him as a tour guide
July 2024