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Nori I.

Kiyomizudera in the fall

Arashino Nenbutsuji in Arashiyama

Arashiyama bamboo paths

Fushimi Inari

Komyoin garden

Aburimochi in Kyoto

One of the oldest tea houses

Moss garden in Arashiyama

The mountains of Arashiyama

The backside of Arashiyama

Ginkakuji

Weeping cherry blossom

Cherry blossom at its peak

Beautiful camellias in Higashiyama

The Nishiki market

One of the most sacred shrines in Kyoto

Monkeys of Mt. Iwata

Great view of Lake Biwa

Hikone castle - National treasure

Hachimanbori moat

Moat in Shiga used for many movies

Charcoal grilled tofu with miso

Silk stole from Aizome experience

Lunch with fresh local ingredients

Joined 2023

Nori I.

5.00 / 5

(73 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

Response Time

11 hours on average

Availability Updated

1 day 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.

I am a certified English interpreter guide certified by Kyoto City, Uji City and Otsu City. Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around 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 facility and store closings. Please send me a message and check my availability first before booking. Thank you!

Tours

All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

FROM$334/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

FROM$193/ per group

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

Shiga

7 hrs 30 mins

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle. We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan. We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

FROM$386/ per group

Kyoto

8 hours

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with wabi sabi such as those in Sagano and one of the oldest Japanese sweets shops in Murasakino.

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

FROM$334/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

There are so many great places in Kyoto that you probably want to visit but perhaps not enough time. Also, Kyoto is getting very crowded due to a lot of foreigners visiting there. It is best to have a local person guiding you to come up with a plan that suits your preference. I can create a tour with you which includes not only popular places like the Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari but small temples with Wabi Sabi such as those in Sagano and the oldest Japanese sweet shop in Murasakino.

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

FROM$193/ per group

Shiga

7 hrs 30 mins

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

First, while it is early enough, we will drive and hike a little bit on the ancient steps to one of the oldest temples in Kyoto and Shiga called Hyakusaiji. After that, we will explore a castle that has a tower that is one of the five originals remaining in Japan, Hikone Castle. We will enjoy Oumi beef for lunch. Oumi beef is if not better, as good as Kobe beef known as one of the three best beefs in Japan. We will enjoy the scenery in Oumihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto

FROM$386/ per group

Reviews

Christopher M.

5 / 5

Nov 19, 2025

Fully customizable private half day tour in Kyoto

Nov 19, 2025

Kyoto

4 hours

“Arashiyama ”

We had a wonderful half day with Nori. He took us to see some less touristy temples around Arashiyama and was knowledgeable and helpful. We would not hesitate to recommend Nori if you’re lucky enough to be heading to Kyoto. Thanks Nori - we’ll be back! Chris, Stephanie and Laura

Jami N.

5 / 5

Nov 13, 2025

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Nov 13, 2025

Kyoto

8 hours

“Temple Tour in Kyoto”

We booked tickets in advance to visit Kokedera, a magical moss garden at Saiho-ji temple in the Nishikyo Ward. We met Nori at a nearby train station and took a taxi to the temple. The tour began with Sutra copying which served to put us in a peaceful mindset. The fall foliage along with the moss was beautiful and we couldn’t stop taking pictures! Nori then did a great job of orchestrating visits to Nisonin, Jojyakkouj, Ryoanji and Daitokuji where we learned a lot about the history and meaning of the temple zen gardens. The placement of rocks, the presence of all three elements (rock, water (represented by gravel), soil (represented by moss or trees), turtle and crane formations are all intentional and contribute to the feeling of balance and peace when viewing the gardens. Nori was prepared, patient, kind, knowledgable and flexible about walking vs taxi’s and stopping for a quick lunch. Highly recommend!

Nori I.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it. Since you two had been to Kyoto so many times, I was a bit worried to make you totally satisfied. I am so relieved and glad that you two enjoyed my tour. Saihoji is truly a special place and especially this time of year it is definitely one of the best gardens in Japan. It was great that you were able to be there and experience it including Sutra copying. Hopefully you can come back and enjoy other amazing places of Kyoto as well someday. Take care!

Paul H.

5 / 5

Nov 8, 2025

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Nov 8, 2025

Kyoto

8 hours

“Private tour in Kyoto”

Our guide Nori was both highly personable and knowledgeable. He created a great itinerary that balanced seeing as much as possible without it being exhausting. I’d highly recommend this tour to anyone who is visiting Kyoto.

Nori I.

Thank you so much for the kind words. I appreciate it. Especially this time of year spending most of the day in Arashiyama was the best thing to do. I am really glad that you enjoyed the tour. Take care!