/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68028.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68027.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68026.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68025.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68024.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68019.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68018.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/68017.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/70874.jpg)
Joined 2018
Hiroko D.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka
Languages
English
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Hiroko D.
Hi, I'm Hiroko. I was born in Kyoto and currently live in its suburb. My parents are also from the ancient capital city, so some of its historic places were like my playgrounds when I was a child. Now, as a national certified tour guide, I would like to show you around not only Kyoto but also Osaka and Nara enjoyably and time-effectively. For your reference, I lived in New York, U.S.A. for about 20 years and worked there for about 17 and a half years, so I believe that I will be able to communicate and speak well with you in English. My motto as a guide: If you are happy, I'm happy. Please don't hesitate to ask me to customize your tour. I'm looking forward to seeing you soon!
Important
Please kindly note the following:
I basically conduct walking tours using public transportation.
Transportation, entrance fees and lunch for you and the guide are not included in the guide fee.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/categories/48/highlights-white.svg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/14580/cab72d95-5cff-4f64-bc91-2a8c2dcb18a4.JPG)
Reviews
Jonathan M.
“A wonderful day with Hiroko !”
We had a wonderful day with Hiroko ! First, she took us on an enchanting ride on a single-carriage, old-style railway running between houses on either side, to see the beautiful garden of Tenryuji Temple and the Bamboo Forest. Then we walked beside the river, on which people were taking boat rides, until we reached Togetsukyo Bridge. Next, we visited Nijo-jo Castle, which was built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first Shōgun (a must for anyone who enjoyed the fantastic ‘Shōgun’ series on the television !) and which served as the residence for the Tokugawa shoguns who ruled Japan for over 260 years. Wonderfully atmospheric ! After that, we had a delicious ‘obanzai’ lunch in a tiny, traditional restaurant in the extraordinary Nishiki Market, which is packed with an amazing array of shops, before turning into Teramachi Street, where we said good-bye. Hiroko was totally charming, with superb English and the patience needed to answer all the questions we had about Kyoto and Japanese life. We totally loved the day, thanks to her !
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/11088/70874.jpg)
Hiroko D.
Jonathan, I am truly honored by your kind, generous and quick review. It was beautifully sunny and warm today, you and your family are so nice and intelligent, and I really enjoyed your company as a guide in Kyoto. I hope you will have fun at manga/anime-related places and shops in this historic and traditional city before you head for Hiroshima. Please send my warmest regards to your family for me. All the best, Hiroko
Tim S.
“Amazing guide with a wealth of knowledge and information”
My wife and I had the privilege of joining Hiroko for a few tours whilst in Japan, including a full day in Kyoto and 3/4 day at Nara. For both tours she met us at our hotel and had planned out the perfect balance of seeing key sights but not trying to cram in too much. Hiroko clearly loves sharing the extensive history of these regions with guests, and also took us to some great local restaurants for lunch on both days. Would highly recommend using Hiroko as a guide!
Hiroko D.
Tim, I am truly grateful for your kind, generous and quick review. You and your wife are so nice and friendly, and I had great two days as a guide with such a great couple. I hope you will visit over here again sometime in near future as there are more to see and experience. Please send my warmest regards to your lovely wife for me. All the best, Hiroko
Alison L.
“Great Guide Who Went Above and Beyond”
We had booked two days in Kyoto with Hiriko. Working with her in advance she planned an itinerary that included the highlights of Kyoto grouped geographically to make our tour as efficient as possible. She speaks and understands English extremely well as she lived and worked in NY for many years. Her pace was just right and her knowledge of the sights was excellent. Unfortunately I had picked up a stomach bug somewhere before arriving at Kyoto and was not feeling great, so we cut one scheduled stop on day one. On day two I decided I should try to go to a clinic for some medication. Some things that are available over the counter in the US require a prescription in Japan and the drug stores are a bit overwhelming. I found a clinic nearby and the reviews said they spoke good English. When Hiroko showed up for our planned day, she immediately agreed to walk to the clinic with me and when there helped me secure an appointment for an hour from our arrival. She was so helpful and understanding and it made me feel immensely better to have here with me. All in, we spent the first 2.5 hours of the day dealing with my medical needs. She was reassuring and happy to make these accommodations. Long story short, the doctor prescribed a couple of medications and we still made it to 3 out of four sites on our itinerary for our second day. Hiroko was flexible and kind as well as being a super-knowledgeable tour guide. I highly recommend her.
Hiroko D.
Dear Alison, I am extremely honored by your kind and generous review. Hope you are feeling better now. Both you and your husband are nice, considerate and intelligent, and I really enjoyed being your guide in Kyoto. Please send my warmest regards to your husband for me. Sincerely, Hiroko
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/fd80eadc-3b71-477e-917c-1c4924bd4a5a.png)
Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I’m Michiko, a local guide born and raised in Kyoto. I love meeting people from around the world and sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.and I love fun things! I went to the UK to watch musicals, and recently I spent a year living in Thailand — experiences that deepened my love for art, culture, and people. Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique shows in shop windows! Let’s explore Kyoto together and find its heart — the beauty, people, and stories that make it special! with BIGLOVE!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
Syed atif Y.
A Local Friend in Kansai — Meet Atif Hey there! I’m Atif, a travel lover who’s been calling Osaka home for the past few years. What started as a curious adventure quickly turned into a deep love for this region — the food, the people, and all the little hidden corners that make Kansai so special. Now, I spend my days sharing those discoveries with travelers who want to see the real Japan — not just the postcard version. What I Offer Fun & Flexible Tours: No boring scripts here! I plan each tour around you — whether you love taking photos, tasting street food, exploring quiet temples, or getting lost in neon-lit backstreets. Local Secrets: After years of wandering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, I’ve found the best hidden gems — from tiny noodle shops to peaceful gardens and back-alley shrines. Laughs & Memories: My tours aren’t just about facts — they’re about fun. Expect stories, local legends, and maybe even a karaoke challenge (if you’re brave enough)! Why Travel with Me Because travel should feel like exploring with a local friend, not following a flag in a crowd. I love good food, spontaneous detours, and showing people the Kansai that most tourists miss. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I’ll make sure you experience something new — and unforgettable. Let’s Start the Adventure! Ready to explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe? Let’s laugh, learn, eat, and wander together — Kansai style!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
Akira F.
Hello, my name is Akira , and I am a private guide based in Kyoto. I specialize in creating customized tours that are tailored to your interests and travel style. Kyoto is a city rich in history, culture, and hidden beauty, and I would love to share its charm with you. Whether you are interested in famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, exploring peaceful temples and gardens, or discovering local food and traditions, I will design a unique itinerary just for you. My goal is to make your time in Kyoto not only enjoyable, but also meaningful and memorable. I look forward to guiding you and helping you experience Kyoto like a local.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/16782/67164.jpg)