Joined 2023
Nori I.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
7 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 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!
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. 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
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.
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.
Reviews
“Kyoto half day walking tour ”
Nori was well traveled and very knowledgeable about the historical and cultural sights in Kyoto. He has lived in the US for many years and we enjoyed talking to him about many subjects. He was flexible to our schedule and our 6 person group.
Nori I.
Thank you very much for your kind comments! It was fun for me also to explore the Kiyomizu area, Gion and the Nishiki Market. In Kyoto everywhere you go there is so much history behind the place. Also, you were very lucky to see the end of foliage. I might have rushed a bit but I think you were able to see quite a lot during the half day. Hope you will enjoy the rest of your trip here in Japan and come back to explore more places!! Take care!
“Kyoto Evening & Day Tour”
Nori provided great planning prior to the trip & suggested the best itineraries that could work in the given timeframe. During the tours Nori was informative, knowledgeable and aware of the best places to avoid crowds and suggested some off the beaten track gardens which were well worth seeing. It was a pleasure to spend time with Nori to share an insight to his town.
Nori I.
Thank you for your kind comments. I am really glad that you two were able to enjoy the tour. Due to the delay of foliage, you were able to see amazing views of some of the best gardens in Kyoto. Thanks also for the delicious cookies. They are already gone! Hope you can come back to Japan in the future someday. Happy holidays!
“Kyoto tour with Nori on 11/21/24”
My family had a customized tour with Nori on 11/21. Nori has picked us up at our hotel and took to various sights in Kyoto. He was very knowledgeable and kept us on schedule despite me taking lots of photos :) He has spent lots of time with us, was very patient, explained historical sights and took through hidden pathways to avoid crowds. He was also our personal photographer :) Time spent with Nori was very worthwhile as we would not have been able to accomplish so much on our own plus get all the history behind it. We especially loved our very last stop at the candy shops! We highly recommend Nori and would not hesitate to use him again. Thank you, Nori!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind comments. I am really glad that you enjoyed my tour! Yes, I love the mochi shop as well! I hope you can come back sometime in the future. Will prepare some other nice hidden gems for you guys!! Happy holidays!
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