Joined 2023
Nori I.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Mie, Shiga (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
9 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.
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
Gerald D.
“Exceptional guide, Most memorable experience in Arashiyama.”
With the kind, outstanding guidance of Nori, we visited the Arashiyama area of Kyoto. The itinerary consisted of Tenryuji, the bamboo grove, Okochi Sanso, Saihoji, Toriimoto, Adashino Nenbutsuji & Otagi Nenbutsuji. This was a carefully curated itinerary and most memorable. Thanks to Nori, who provided guidance with the planning. We visited most of theses, whiles largely beating the crowds for the most part, during the peak, cherry blossom season. He is kind, professional and an exceptional individual.
Nori I.
Thanks for your kind comments. I appreciate it. We walked a lot but by going to the back side of Arashiyama, we were able to visit many precious small temples with beautiful gardens and etc. it is always fun walking in the area with less people. I am really glad that you were able to enjoy it!
Kenneth D.
“Wonderful Day with Nori!”
Nori is pleasant, helpful and flexible. We will change paths instantly based on your preferences. He is very knowledgeable about all things Kyoto: history, places to go, must see’s and where to pause for food, drink and rest. The pace of the tour is up to you, and Nori will accommodate all of your needs. We highly recommend Nori for any type of tour that you wish!
Nori I.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I really appreciate it! Some places I thought about were closed but in the end those alternatives were even better. I understand you still have many fun days ahead in Japan. Please enjoy! Take care!
Gerald D.
“Amazing Experience , Outstanding Individual ”
I was so blessed to have Nori as my guide for Four non consecutive days in Kyoto. Visiting this culturally & historically prominent city during peak cherry blossom tourism season can be challenging, particularly for a first time visitor. Nori was outstanding in every way including helping curating the itinerary in a way that was effective, made sense whilst trying to circumvent the crowds. It takes only a genius to curate an same day itinerary where you are ahead of the crowds in Ryoan-ji & Kinkaku-ji respectively & consecutively, whilst still being early enough to see Gingaku-ji, the Philosopher’s path , Nanzen ji with extra time for other activities. An otherwise overwhelming & seemingly impossible task was done. This would not have been the case, otherwise.
Nori I.
Thanks for leaving the kind comments. I appreciate it. We were able to cover quite a lot of places in Kyoto during the four days. I think you saw enough amazing cherry blossoms this time. Hopefully you can come back in the fall to see the beautiful foliage next time!
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.
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.
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.
