Kyoto Private Tour Guides
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Popular Kyoto Tour Guides
Fumi U.
I have spent nearly 30 years working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), contributing to development projects in Latin America and African countries. During this time, I cultivated strong cross-cultural understanding and effective communication skills. For the past 10 years, I have lived in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico, where I managed a guesthouse, operated a jewelry workshop, and provided guided tours. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of hospitality and attentiveness, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Leveraging these skills, I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japan with international guests and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
Yasuhisa K.
I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
Shuji O.
Hi, I am Shuji, a licensed tour guide living near Kansai International Airport. I taught world history in high schools for four decades. So, I can explain Japanese culture or history in an easier way tailored to you who have different cultural and historical backgrounds. I also practiced Kendo, Japanese fencing, for more than four decades, and now I enjoy growing vegetables and going fishing. Therefore, I can also share some Japanese culture and its nature. I have traveled to more than 25 countries and all over Japan. I’m also passionate about photography and know many photogenic places in Japan. If you prefer to go off the beaten track, I can take you to hidden gems, including some cozy restaurants. Of course, I also know how to enjoy the crowded, most popular tourist sites. I am here to make your trip stress-free. See you soon!
裕治
我是华人，从出生以后一直住在日本。最近我取得了翻译导游的批准，所以给你们介绍一下鲜为人知的好地方 跟美食的餐馆等等。(还有随行买土产品)
Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Mana F.
Hello, my name is Mana. I am a National Licensed Tour Guide in English. I was born and raised in Kyoto. I worked for the Kyoto Prefectural Police Headquarters after I graduated from university. I know lots about Kyoto's cultures and festivals . I am good at walking. After I got married, I have been in Shiga for over 30 years. I work for at high school as a part time teacher. I am flexible in Kyoto and Shiga. I am practicing ”Rakugo”a traditional Japanese comedic storytelling art, to make my tours more enjoyable and filled with laughter. Let’s laugh together during my tours!
Eric T.
Hallow ! This is Eric Tanaka. I was born in Kyoto, and I have been living in Kyoto. I am sure that Kyoto is one of the best city for sightseeing and living. I wish if I can introduce some nice places for you by walking around city streets. Also, in suburbs, there are a lot of nice sightseeing places such as Bamboo forest, Monkey park, Fushimi shrine, Zen practice temples and so on. Let's enjoy Kyoto town and Kyoto food.with me.
Nori I.
I have lived in the US, UK, and India for approximately 20 years, and I’ve also traveled to about 30 countries. Living abroad for such a long time made me realize Japan’s value and sparked my interest in working as a translator/guide for foreigners. I’m truly passionate about introducing people to historical sites, authentic Japanese culture, and stunning natural spots that may not be widely known to people outside of Japan. There are countless places that I believe people would love. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the city and the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga and Mie. I’m here to ensure your trip to Japan becomes an unforgettable memory. Looking forward to meeting you!
New Kyoto Tour Guides
Karim A.
Hello and welcome! My name is Karim, and I'm your local guide for unforgettable tours across Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara — three of Japan’s most iconic and culturally rich cities. With a deep passion for Japanese history, food, and culture, I specialize in creating fun, informative, and personalized experiences that go beyond the typical tourist spots. Whether you want to explore ancient temples in Kyoto, vibrant street food in Osaka, or the peaceful charm of Nara’s deer parks and shrines, I’m here to help you experience it all like a local. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, I’ll make sure your visit is filled with authentic stories, local insights, and great memories. Let’s discover Japan together — one step, one bite, and one beautiful view at a time! Looking forward to meeting you, Karim
Jasmine L.
Hi, I’m Jasmine! I am a friendly, multilingual guide based in Kyoto. My tours are perfect for families with children and easy-paced for elderly guests. I offer warm, personal experiences filled with fun stories, local delights, and hidden gems you won’t find in guidebooks. Let’s explore Kyoto together!
Adrian C.
Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji. Spectacular places that amaze with their majesty, beauty, and history. I'll take you to where you'll eat the most authentic food. I'll show you the most iconic spots where you'll take the best photos of your trip. I'll reveal Japan's best-hidden secrets. You'll learn, enjoy, delight, and be amazed or shocked by the two sides of Japan. Come with me! I have a lot to tell you about Japan after eight years here. 行きましょう！
Nikki K.
I lived in the US and the UK for 12 years, and spent time in five other countries—including Canada, Iran, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Russia. These experiences gave me a deep appreciation for different cultures and an intuitive understanding of what international guests need to feel comfortable and welcome. Before guiding in Japan, I worked as a licensed tour guide in New York City and appeared on a national Japanese TV program as a field reporter, introducing local life and culture in NYC. Sharing stories and building cultural bridges has always been my passion. My career has always centered on caring for people in English-speaking roles: as a British Airways flight attendant, a medical interpreter at an international clinic, and an administrator at a UN international school with students from 65 countries. Originally from Tokyo, I’m now based in Osaka, where I serve as VIP Liaison at Expo 2025. I guide in Kyoto and Osaka, where I have both historical knowledge and personal experience. I also have a unique family heritage: I’m a direct descendant of Hijikata Toshizō, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai.” My family runs a historical museum, and I was raised with the spirit of bushido and a strong connection to traditional culture, especially in Kyoto. If you’re looking for a friendly, professional guide who can bring Japan to life in a meaningful and personal way, I’d be delighted to show you around with warmth and care. I look forward to welcoming you soon!
Yuji M.
Hi! I'm a certified guide in Osaka and your new local buddy. Let’s discover the city’s famous sights and hidden gems together. You’ll laugh, learn, and by the end, maybe even fall a little in love with Osaka.
Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page among so many wonderful guides! My name is Michiko. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here. In my twenties, I lived for a short time in the UK, and recently I spent a year in Thailand. I love traveling to different countries, and I enjoy talking with people from all over the world. When we are in a country that is not our own, I believe it is important to show respect. I always try to respect your culture, and I hope to share the spirit of Japanese hospitality with you too. Kyoto is a beautiful and special place. It has a long history, many unique small shops, and charming hidden paths. In summer, it gets very hot, so I can guide you by car for comfort. But if you like walking, I’m happy to do that too. I can also take you to some delicious local food spots! Besides guiding, I work in the theater and performance art. I love telling stories and sharing emotions. I’m looking forward to showing you not only the famous places, but also the heart of Kyoto—its quiet beauty, kind people, and unforgettable stories. …Besides guiding, I work in the theater and performance art. I love telling stories and sharing emotions. Right now, I’m working on a new artistic project: I create theater-style performances inside shop windows. My dream is to show my work outside Japan someday. I’m still learning and growing as an artist, so if you’re interested, I’d love to talk with you about Japanese performing arts, like Kabuki! I really look forward to the day I can guide you around Kyoto. Let’s discover beautiful moments together! with BIG LOVE!
Gary S.
As an inbound tour guide and outbound tour leader, I have had the honor of serving guests from over 56 countries. I specialize in both private tours and bus higaeri (one-day) tours for Japanese local tourism services. I am also proud to be a 5-star-reviewed tour guide on other platforms. I speak Japanese, English, Mandarin, and Cantonese—skills I developed during my long-term career as a project manager in international joint ventures requiring multilingual and cross-cultural communication. This enables me to interact smoothly with tourists from regions such as Taiwan, Hong Kong (SAR), and mainland China, as long as we share a common language like English. In addition, I’m currently studying French, Spanish, Italian, and German to deepen my understanding of diverse cultures and enhance the experience I provide. I believe in the importance of omoiyari—the Japanese concept of empathy and consideration—an essential trait cultivated through personal growth, social experience, and professional challenges. I always strive to stand in my guests' shoes and provide thoughtful, personalized service. I also bring a sense of humor and optimism to my work, guided by a strong belief in the power of trust, shaped by my interest in Buddhism, Shintoism, and Protestant Christianity. In August 2024, I joined my first Heiro tour led by Japanese trainers, a couple who became certified Heiro masters after completing the practice 11 times. This experience enriched both my spiritual perspective and cultural understanding.
Fumi U.
I have spent nearly 30 years working with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), contributing to development projects in Latin America and African countries. During this time, I cultivated strong cross-cultural understanding and effective communication skills. For the past 10 years, I have lived in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico, where I managed a guesthouse, operated a jewelry workshop, and provided guided tours. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of hospitality and attentiveness, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Leveraging these skills, I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japan with international guests and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
Kyoto Tour Reviews
Shane W.
“Wonderful family day”
Hiroko was a great guide. Family of 4 with two sons Aged 8 and 10. Great itinerary set by Hiroko. We started at 7am as we are early rises. Hiroko planned all the stops and guided us buying train and bus tickets throughout the day. She was very knowledgeable and super sweet with the boys. Highly recommend Hiroko as a tour guide for knowledge, timing, planning and just a lovely lady.
Evelien T.
“Day tour Kyoto”
We had a wonderful family visit with our 2 kids today with Toshiyo on our first day in Kyoto visiting Bamboo Forest and temple, golden paviljon, impérial palace and Nijo castle. We had plenty of historical explanations about the visited monuments and had plenty of time and attention when wanted. We could also ask any question to Toshiyo which was great for our first time visit in Japan.
Toshiyo O.
Thank you very much for having me as your guide and writing us the review. I appreciate it. I am very happy you enjoyed visiting my home town and getting to know our culture. Arigatogozaimasu!
Beverly F.
“My 15-year-old daughter and I loved our tour with Nori! ”
My 15-year-old daughter and I had a fantastic day touring Kyoto with Nori! He was incredibly organized, responsive, and helpful during the planning process. His deep knowledge of history and culture made each stop in the Arashiyama area more meaningful, and it was such a relief to have him guide us effortlessly through trains, buses, and crowds. He was also so easy to be around—funny, kind, and very relatable. The highlight of our tour was Okochi Sanso, the stunning private garden we might never have discovered if not for Nori’s recommendation. It was an extremely hot day, and by the time we reached the Golden Pavilion, the line was so long we decided to pivot and go shopping instead—Nori led us to market spots where we found some of our favorite purchases, including sesame and wasabi snacks, a cutting board, a kiwi slicer, and Spingle shoes! (Nori—when my husband was feeling better, I took him to Spingle and we both ended up getting shoes there! :)) I highly recommend Nori—he’s an exceptional guide and a great guy!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind words. It was a lot of fun for me as well exploring Kyoto with you guys! I thought maybe you bought something at a vintage shop in Teramachi but you bought Spingle shoes, huh! That is nice. Hopefully your husband is fully recovered and jumping like a kangaroo with the Spingle shoes!! ( : There is so many more beautiful places in Kyoto. Hopefully you can come back someday! Take care!
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Local Tour Guides in Kyoto
Create charming memories in Kyoto with a private guide! Tailored itineraries, insider knowledge, and personalized attention ensure an unforgettable journey.
Take on Kyoto’s traditional treasures with private tours in neighborhoods like Gion and Pontocho for a glimpse into the city's rich heritage. With their narrow alleys, quaint machiya houses, and traditional tea hubs, these areas create a sense of old-world charm. A private tour guide can navigate the centuries old streets, pointing out hidden gems such as specialty shops, historic landmarks, and hidden temples that branch off the typical trails.
Looking for deeper cultural experiences? Tour the city where Japanese tea ceremonies, kimono, geisha and the art of Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) thrive. Your guide will give the best recommendations for where to go, what to do and how to maximize your travel moments.