Hi there! I’m a long-time Kyoto local. My kanji name, 林, means “the woods,” which suits me well because I love nature. 🌴🌳🪴 I also spent many years living overseas, so I’m very comfortable guiding in English. Feel free to call me Steven. November and December are two wonderful months to experience Kyoto. 🍁🍂❄️ November is the heart of Kyoto’s famous autumn season, when maple trees turn brilliant shades of red and orange, ginkgo trees glow golden, and temple gardens, mountainsides and forest paths are transformed by the changing leaves. December brings a different atmosphere. As autumn fades into early winter, Kyoto becomes quieter, the air turns crisp and clear, and the city takes on a calm, almost contemplative character. It is a wonderful time for long walks, cycling, temple visits and exploring neighbourhoods that feel very different once the peak autumn crowds begin to disappear. Together, we can enjoy peaceful walks 🏞️, relaxed bicycle rides 🚲 along the rivers, hidden forest shrines ⛩️, beautiful temple routes, mountain scenery, autumn foliage and quiet local neighbourhoods while avoiding unnecessary crowds whenever possible. If you are fascinated by Japan’s beauty but sometimes confused by its culture, history, religion or everyday customs, I can help connect the pieces in a clear and engaging way. As we explore Kyoto together, I’ll bring each place to life through stories and context, so what you see becomes something you genuinely understand and feel rather than simply another place you visited. My goal is to give you an authentic perspective on Kyoto and Japan beyond the standardized narratives often presented by mass tourism and the media. My tours are especially suited to curious minds who value a deeper connection with the places they visit. Or, if you simply want a little more context while having a great time, that’s perfectly fine too. 🥳 Kyoto can feel completely different with just a little insight and ingenuity. My tours are personal, flexible and a little nerdy 🤓, but always shaped around you. We can explore on foot or by bicycle 🚲, move with the season, adapt to the weather, avoid crowds and discover places that can sometimes feel almost private. As a government-certified caregiver, I also make sure the pace is smooth and comfortable for everyone. If you have specific needs, please let me know in advance and I will do as much as I reasonably can to accommodate them. For a deeper experience, I strongly recommend a full-day tour or spending several days exploring together. November is perfect for experiencing Kyoto at its most colourful, while December reveals a quieter and more intimate side of the city. Bundle a few tours together, be ambitious 💪☺️ and experience completely different sides of Kyoto, from famous landmarks and autumn gardens to neighborhoods, mountains, forests, shrines and temples many visitors never discover. Let me make Kyoto one of the highlights of your trip this late autumn and early winter. 🍁🍂🌾❄️🍵 PERSONALIZED BICYCLE & E-BIKE TOURS 🚲 Customized half-day and full-day bicycle or e-bike tours around Kyoto are available through personalized offers. OPEN TO GENUINE INQUIRIES FROM INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL AGENCIES Let’s experience Kyoto this November and December your way. 🍁❄️😊