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Nori I.

The mountains of Arashiyama

Cherry blossom at its peak

Weeping cherry blossom

Arashiyama bamboo paths

Fushimi Inari

The backside of Arashiyama

Kinkakuji

Kiyomizudera

Moss garden in Arashiyama

Ginkakuji

Beautiful camellias in Higashiyama

Kiyomizudera in the fall

Eikando's foliage

Arashino Nenbutsuji in Arashiyama

Komyoin garden

Aburimochi in Kyoto

One of the oldest tea houses

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

Kyorinbo

Kyorinbo 2

Kyorinbo 3

Kongorinji

Nara's Big Buddha

Todaiji

Nandaimon Gate

Deer in Nara

Charcoal grilled tofu with miso

Lunch with fresh local ingredients

Silk stole from Aizome experience

Joined 2023

Nori I.

5.00 / 5

(84 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Shiga (Living), Kyoto, Mie

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

Response Time

10 hours on average

Availability Updated

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. Plus, I passed the Kyoto Tourism and Culture Exam (the 3rd level). Originally from Nagoya, I cover areas around the Kansai region including Kyoto, Shiga, Nara 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$332/ 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$191/ per group

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

Shiga

7 hrs 30 mins

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Omi 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 Omi beef for lunch. Omi 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 Omihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.

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

FROM$383/ 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$332/ 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$191/ per group

Shiga

7 hrs 30 mins

Private Car Tour - Enjoy the authentic castle towns and famous Omi 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 Omi beef for lunch. Omi 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 Omihachiman from the mountain top and the old moat.

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

FROM$383/ per group

Reviews

Sharon P.

5 / 5

Oct 7, 2026

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

Oct 7, 2026

Shiga

7 hours 30 mins

“Amazing Tour Guide”

Nori did an outstanding job in accommodating the various levels of fitness our senior group of 4 had. He did not hurry us along to ensure we accomplished everything on our list. He let us make the decision as to speed and what we wanted to see and adjusted accordingly. He did provide input when he felt his experience would help. The historical background he provided at the sights we visited was greatly appreciated. The day was like a group of 5 friends touring the Shiga area. Lots of teasing and laughter. No language barrier as Nori is fluent in English. Highly recommend Nori to anyone visiting the Kyoto area. Best guide we have ever had.

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind comments. I really appreciate it. I was a bit worried about going up on the stairs to see the Hikone castle tower but you did it! Also finding and visiting the small town you wanted to go is a nice memory for me too. I am really glad that you felt like you were going around with a friend. That is my motto whenever I guide guests. Hope you can come again and we can go to more fun places.

Matan B.

5 / 5

Jul 3, 2026

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Jul 3, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Excellent Tour”

Nori is wonderful. Friendly, easy going and super knowledgeable. He speaks perfect English and was just great to be with. I highly recommend him for families or any group.

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind comments. I really appreciate it! I am really glad that you all were able to have fun. I also enjoyed the tour with you guys. We were lucky to see the big turtle crossing. Hopefully he was able to get to wherever he wanted to go! Have a wonderful summer!

Scott H.

5 / 5

Jun 7, 2026

Fully customizable your own private tour in Kyoto

Jun 7, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Great day in Kyoto”

Nori was a fantastic guide. We gained so much over doing it by ourselves. He added value to the experience making it mire fun and enjoyable. I highly recommend Nori and would use him again next time we are in Kyoto. The restaurant we had lunch at was one of the best meals we had on our Japan trip. Best udon we’ve ever had. (Sorry, don’t recall the name of the restaurant but it is on the main street).

Nori I.

Thanks for your kind words. I really appreciate it. I was amazed to find out so many things in common as well. You guys made me want to go back to AZ. Maybe I will do that sometime soon. Take care!