Hi, I'm David.
Konnichiwa ! I'm David, your local friend, guide, and maybe even a magician for the day. Based in Kyoto and Osaka, I've spent over 20 years soaking up the culture, food, and hidden corners of this country I now call home. Originally from Indonesia, I combine an international perspective with deep local knowledge to create custom tours that feel more like a fun day out with a well-connected friend than a textbook history lesson. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve helped thousands of families or groups of travellers discover the real Japan - not just the temples and must-sees, but the stories behind them, the alleyway ramen shops, the quiet shrines, and those surprise moments that make a trip unforgettable. And yes… sometimes, even a little magic happens along the way. Before becoming a full-time guide, I worked in global firms as a software engineer and recruiter, before leaving the corporate world to pursue more creative roles: including producing TV shows and performing magic for audiences around the world. These days, when I’m not exploring Kyoto and Osaka with guests, I’m performing virtual magic shows and sharing my knowledge in the art of virtual engagement with global teams at companies like Google, Meta, and more - bringing wonder, laughter, and energy to remote, hybrid, and distributed teams around the world. So, whether you're visiting for the first time or the fifth, I’d love to craft a one-of-a-kind adventure with you! full of culture, stories, laughter, and those moments that make you say, “Wow, I’m really here.” Let’s make your Japan trip unforgettable.
Pick your Kyoto with me
Want it your way?
Every tour is private and flexible. Tell me what you love and I'll shape a day around it.
Request a personalized offerWhat guests say
We had a great time with David. He was knowledgeable and flexible when our kids needed to stop and rest or eat. I would definitely recommend using D…
We had a blast with David. He is knowledgeable, kind, fun and interesting. He led the tour with very relaxed energy and made us feel right at home in…
Hi there! Nice to meet you
Konnichiwa ! I'm David, your local friend, guide, and maybe even a magician for the day. Based in Kyoto and Osaka, I've spent over 20 years soaking up the culture, food, and hidden corners of this country I now call home. Originally from Indonesia, I combine an international perspective with deep local knowledge to create custom tours that feel more like a fun day out with a well-connected friend than a textbook history lesson. Over the past 10+ years, I’ve helped thousands of families or groups of travellers discover the real Japan - not just the temples and must-sees, but the stories behind them, the alleyway ramen shops, the quiet shrines, and those surprise moments that make a trip unforgettable. And yes… sometimes, even a little magic happens along the way. Before becoming a full-time guide, I worked in global firms as a software engineer and recruiter, before leaving the corporate world to pursue more creative roles: including producing TV shows and performing magic for audiences around the world. These days, when I’m not exploring Kyoto and Osaka with guests, I’m performing virtual magic shows and sharing my knowledge in the art of virtual engagement with global teams at companies like Google, Meta, and more - bringing wonder, laughter, and energy to remote, hybrid, and distributed teams around the world. So, whether you're visiting for the first time or the fifth, I’d love to craft a one-of-a-kind adventure with you! full of culture, stories, laughter, and those moments that make you say, “Wow, I’m really here.” Let’s make your Japan trip unforgettable.
My tours in Kyoto
23 private, fully personalized experiences
Kyoto After Dark with a Local
5.0•247 reviews€41 pp • 2 hoursFull Coverage Kyoto City Tour
4.9•129 reviews€178 pp • 8 hoursArashiyama, Nara & Fushimi Inari: Day Trip from Kyoto by Train
5.0•314 reviews€129 pp • 10 hoursEssential Osaka: From Sky Towers to Street Markets to Castles Full Coverage Tour
4.9•804 reviews€125 pp • 5 hoursCity Escape: Day Trip Arashiyama & Bamboo Grove
4.9•1,155 reviews€154 pp • 6 hoursHighlights & Hidden Gems of Osaka
4.9•921 reviews€53 pp • 3 hours
Don't see the perfect tour? I'll build one for you.
Tell me your interests, pace and dates and I'll get back to you.
Reviews
5.0 ★ · 86 reviews- Nichole6 October 2026 · Withlocals Your Way! - Osaka City TourDavid was amazing
We had a great time with David. He was knowledgeable and flexible when our kids needed to stop and rest or eat. I would definitely recommend using D…
- Emalee4 October 2026 · Treasures of Kyoto: Geishas and Traditions TourSo much fun!
We had a blast with David. He is knowledgeable, kind, fun and interesting. He led the tour with very relaxed energy and made us feel right at home in…
- Tomasz8 September 2026Historic Day Out In Kyoto
We spent a fabulous day with David being shown around Kyoto. David Prepared the itinerary after I explained that it was historic temples and sights t…
- Mirijam8 September 2026 · A Magical Evening in Osaka: City TourTop-notch!
David was absolutely amazing. Very knowledgeable and a great storyteller. The tour was personalized so that nothing overlapped with our own tours.