Joined 2023
Nori I.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
6 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 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
Rachel P.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Nori very knowledgeable, we saw a lot! ”
Thanks Nori for an excellent day yesterday! We felt very lucky to see so many different things in one day. Nori was incredibly knowledgeable about everything from history to culture and happily answered all the questions we peppered him with! Strongly recommend the “secluded garden” option if Nori suggests it, it was a real highlight for us!
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments! I had a fun day also with you two as well! Though it was a bit early in the season, the "secluded garden" was amazing, wasn't it. All the colors and the atmosphere there were quite nice. Hope you will have a safe and fun rest of your trip!
Petar D.
Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Oumi beef just outside Kyoto
“Beautiful trip in the countryside near Kyoto”
I had an amazing two days with Nori as guide. First day was in Kyoto and it was nice to know the place and some of the shrines in it. The countryside trip on the second day was quite amazing for a guy like me who know a little bit about Japanese history. Nori is very well prepared guide so he can help you really get into the atmosphere and also get some deeper knowledge about Japanese culture.He is also easy to communicate with and a nice company.Thank for the nice trips , see you next time I'm in Japan!
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your comments. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy the last two days. It was also a nice surprise about you knowing so much about Japan and its history. Almost everywhere we went you knew something about the place. It makes me more motivated to communicate regarding those places. Like I said and you saw there are so many amazing hidden places in this area just outside Kyoto. I really hope you can come back and we explore some other places together. Have a safe rest of the trip! If you need any help from my side, please let me know anytime!
Andrea A.
Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto
“Great mix of walking/culture/history”
Nori was knowledgeable, helpful and relaxing. We toured with him for one 1/2 day and one full day in Kyoto. I highly recommend.
Nori I.
(36 reviews)Thanks for your kind comments. I am really glad you two were able to enjoy those two days. It was fun for me also to converse and explore Kyoto together. Please have a safe rest of your trip!
