Joined 2023
Nori I.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
9 hours on average
Availability Updated
4 days ago
About Tour Guide 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!
Important
For some tours I can not guide everyday due to store closings. Please check my availability on each tour page. Thank you!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
Reviews
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!
Nityanand B.
“Highly recommend Nori! Nori is truly amazing and his global travel experience adds to the Kyoto tour! ”
What a fantastic tour experience with Nori - 1. He is very knowledgeable about the historical significance of the various Japanese time periods. He is able to weave the historical series beautifully and it takes you back in time. 2. His global work experience adds a lot of flavor to the tour. 3. He is flexible with what we wanted on the tour. 4. He gave us some great food, tea ceremony suggestions for our time in Tokyo. Highly recommend Nori!
Nori I.
Thanks for your wonderful comments. Due to the high heat, I was a bit concerned but I am happy to hear that you all enjoyed my tour. Hopefully you can come to Japan again some time!! Take care, Nori
Meghan S.
“A Fantastic day with a knowledgeable guide”
We had a great day with Nori and saw so much! He was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. He calibrated the day exactly right for our family. We had a limited time and really felt we were able to get the most out of our trip because of Nori’s planning. We saw all of the sites we wanted to see in a sequence that made sense, had a tasty lunch, and learned so much. Absolutely don’t hesitate to book with Nori. You will get so much more out of your visit and your day will be stress free! We can’t wait to come back and do another tour. Thanks so much for making our visit so smooth!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind words. It was fun touring around Kyoto with you guys too! It was unfortunate that your husband could not join. Hope he is feeling better. Yes, please come again to Kyoto. There is so much more beautiful places you can visit! Take care!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Shiga
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!
Tatsuhiro N.
It took me some 20 years to be qualified for this job and I feel honored for being able to help tourists from abroad understand our nation and culture. Japan is a beautiful country with a long history, tradition and rich cultural heritages, having various features in each of the four distinct seasons. Although there are now many visitors from abroad, mainly from Asian countries, they are mostly interested in shopping taking advantage of cheaper yen rather than understanding our people and culture. Kyoto and Nara are the two cities best known by foreign tourists, but not all the aspects of Japanese culture are concentrated there. If you visit the countryside other than these two cities, you will never fail to see the beautiful natural surroundings and people who will warmly welcome you. I wish to work as the bridge between Japanese people and tourists from all over the world.
