Joined 2023
Nori I.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
8 hours on average
Availability Updated
5 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
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
Charlene E.
“Kyoto and surroundings”
We did two tours with Nori. One by foot and the other by car. Both ere excellent. Nori is very knowledgeable and spoke very well english. I highly recommend Nori as a guide.
Nori I.
Thanks for taking my tours and leaving kind comments. I appreciate it. There was the train trouble in the morning but I am glad that after all you were able to have a fun day on the 2nd day too. Hope to see you again in the fall!
Gus D.
“A trip and tour full of memories”
A tour with Nori, is a tour like no other. He is not only an exceptional guide, but knowledgeable and accommodating, with each persons needs, requests and interests. We saw and experienced Kyoto in ways we never thought possible and that was all due to Nori. He is not a one size fits all type of guide but truly cares and respects each group. His English is exceptional and his fun and easy going personality makes touring with him effortless. If you know what you want to see or do he does everything possible to make sure that happens. If you have no idea, he is great with suggestions and works with you to make sure you are pleased. Truly, Nori was not only our guide, but became a friend we enjoyed making these once in a lifetime memories with.
Nori I.
Thank you very much for the kind words. I am really glad to hear that you were able to have wonderful time here in Kyoto. I had amazing time also with you every day for the three days. And now it is so nice to hear that you guys are coming back! I will make sure you and your son will make more great memories in Kyoto!
Jason H.
“Kyoto in 2 Days!”
We want to give our highest recommendation for having Nori as your guide. He was prompt every day, he knew the local/national history, he answered all of our (sometimes dumb) questions, he was a pleasant conversationalist, he took our photos everywhere, and showed us all that we asked for. I wish him good luck in the future. Domo arigato gozaimasu!
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind comments. It was my pleasure having you both and exploring Kyoto together. I thought perhaps you might post the unique photo with the friendly policemen. It was a very interesting experience for me as well! There is a lot more to see here around Kyoto. Hope to see you guys again in the future!
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.
Kanae O.
Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years. Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city. Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.
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.
