Hi, I’m Michael

(71)
Kyoto
Michael

Hi, I’m Michael

(71)

I’ve lived in Kyoto for 6 years

I speak English and some Japanese

I am a Restaurant Owner and Chef

VIDEO CALL Michael

Hello, I'm Michael, and I would like to introduce myself and share with you why I live in Kyoto and love it so much. My journey began seven years ago when I took a break from my Italian restaurant in Houston, Texas, and traveled to Japan. Starting in Sendai and Matsushima, I went down to Miyajima and Hiroshima, and then I worked my way back to Tokyo. Along the way, I stopped in Kobe, Osaka, Nara, and Kyoto. After only two days and nights in Kyoto, I knew that this city was special. Once back in the USA, I made a plan for the next chapter of my life. Living in Japan! Moving and living here has been, and is so rewarding. The people are so kind, the country is amazingly beautiful and the food is absolutely delicious. During the first few years, I explored the countryside and traversed most of the city, worked as a rafting guide on the Setagawa River, and, up until last December, owned and operated one of only three Cajun establishments in all of Japan. My hobbies include surfing, scuba, camping, enjoying wines from across the globe, museums, the fine arts and obviously cooking. I hope you will allow me to spend a little time with you so I can show you what makes Kyoto one of a kind. Thank you

My knowledge & interests

Hosts graduation BS Science Journalism Hosts expertise Food
Street food Local cuisine Food markets Art galleries & museums Parks Gardens Street photography Wine Gin Local beers Department stores Vintage shops Street markets Popular culture Lifestyle culture Japanese sake Antique shops Landscape photography Night photography Classical music Pop music Jazz music Rock music Blues music R&B Soul music Funk music Reggae Shochu
VIDEO CALL Michael
kyoto

My reviews

    Amazing experience seeing the Gion area in the evening, would highly recommend doing this one on one experience

    Jul 2025

    Amazing experience and could not have asked for a better tour guide , thank you Michael.

    Jul 2025

    Michael knew the history, language , culture and made us feel like we were old friends, the tour went by in a blink! We had so much fun and he recommended food places and souvenir shops as well as other sites to see on the rest of our days! I can’t believe we lucked out to get such a wonderful guide!

    Jun 2025

    We toured the city on foot with Michael. We saw a good variety of things and he was flexible. Michael knew a lot about the culture and history and it was our best tour on the trip.

    May 2025

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