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Maricel E.

Joined 2024

Maricel E.

5.00 / 5

(21 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living)

Languages

English, Japanese, Tagalog (Native)

Response Time

9 hours on average

Availability Updated

About Tour Guide Maricel E.

Hello, my name is Maricel. I'm from the Philippines and I've been living in Kyoto Japan for 17 years now. I am an experienced Kyoto tour guide with a deep passion for showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and history and landmarks. I am dedicated to providing engaging and informative guided tours tailored to the interests and preferences of each visitor. Committed to creating unforgettable experiences that capture the essence of Kyoto’s tranquility and beauty, I am looking forward to guiding you while you are here.

Tours

All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!

Full-Day Arashiyama and Kinkakuji Tour in Kyoto

This tour offers a rich blend of Kyoto's natural beauty and historic grandeur. Starting at Tenryuji, we will explore this Zen temples stunning garden. A short walk leads to the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene atmosphere. We continue to Okochi Sanso, the former villa of a famous silent film actor. After lunch, we head to Ryoanji, known for its iconic rock garden. The final stop is Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, which provides a wonderful conclusion to the day.

Full-Day Arashiyama and Kinkakuji Tour in Kyoto

FROM$376/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Half-Day Highlights Tour of Kyoto

This tour of Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Chishaku-in offers a captivating journey through Japan's spiritual and artistic heritage. Beginning at Fushimi Inari, we traverse the famous vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. Next, the tour moves to Sanjusangendo, renowned for its impressive hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Finally, at Chishaku-in, we will explore the tranquil temple grounds and the admire exquisite garden.

Half-Day Highlights Tour of Kyoto

FROM$220/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Half-Day Gion District Tour in Kyoto

Exploring Kyoto's cultural gems starting at Kiyomizudera, an iconic temple offering breathtaking views and architecture. From there, we stroll through the picturesque Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, leading to the striking Yasaka Pagoda. We continue to Kenninji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. Finally, we venture into the Gion district, famous for its well-preserved geisha culture and old-world atmosphere.

Half-Day Gion District Tour in Kyoto

FROM$220/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Half-Day Beautiful Gardens Tour in Kyoto

This garden tour through Kyoto's Heian Jingu, Eikando and Nanzenji offers an escape into some of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. Starting at Heian Jingu, visitors are greeted by the tranquil ponds, picturesque bridges, and vibrant seasonal blooms. We then proceed to Eikando, where we wander through the temple's peaceful gardens, enjoying the serene ponds and the calming atmosphere. We end at Nanzen-ji, where the Zen temple's lush grounds feature rock gardens and moss-covered pathways.

Half-Day Beautiful Gardens Tour in Kyoto

FROM$220/ per group

Kyoto

8 hours

Full-Day Arashiyama and Kinkakuji Tour in Kyoto

This tour offers a rich blend of Kyoto's natural beauty and historic grandeur. Starting at Tenryuji, we will explore this Zen temples stunning garden. A short walk leads to the Sagano Bamboo Forest, where towering bamboo stalks create a serene atmosphere. We continue to Okochi Sanso, the former villa of a famous silent film actor. After lunch, we head to Ryoanji, known for its iconic rock garden. The final stop is Kinkakuji, the Golden Pavilion, which provides a wonderful conclusion to the day.

Full-Day Arashiyama and Kinkakuji Tour in Kyoto

FROM$376/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Half-Day Highlights Tour of Kyoto

This tour of Kyoto's iconic Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Chishaku-in offers a captivating journey through Japan's spiritual and artistic heritage. Beginning at Fushimi Inari, we traverse the famous vermilion torii gates that wind up the sacred Mount Inari. Next, the tour moves to Sanjusangendo, renowned for its impressive hall housing 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. Finally, at Chishaku-in, we will explore the tranquil temple grounds and the admire exquisite garden.

Half-Day Highlights Tour of Kyoto

FROM$220/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Half-Day Gion District Tour in Kyoto

Exploring Kyoto's cultural gems starting at Kiyomizudera, an iconic temple offering breathtaking views and architecture. From there, we stroll through the picturesque Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka streets, leading to the striking Yasaka Pagoda. We continue to Kenninji, Kyoto's oldest Zen temple. Finally, we venture into the Gion district, famous for its well-preserved geisha culture and old-world atmosphere.

Half-Day Gion District Tour in Kyoto

FROM$220/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Half-Day Beautiful Gardens Tour in Kyoto

This garden tour through Kyoto's Heian Jingu, Eikando and Nanzenji offers an escape into some of Japan's most beautiful landscapes. Starting at Heian Jingu, visitors are greeted by the tranquil ponds, picturesque bridges, and vibrant seasonal blooms. We then proceed to Eikando, where we wander through the temple's peaceful gardens, enjoying the serene ponds and the calming atmosphere. We end at Nanzen-ji, where the Zen temple's lush grounds feature rock gardens and moss-covered pathways.

Half-Day Beautiful Gardens Tour in Kyoto

FROM$220/ per group

Reviews

Milagros C.

5 / 5

Apr 24, 2026

Full-Day Arashiyama and Kinkakuji Tour in Kyoto

Apr 24, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Arashiyama and kinkakuji walking tour with Maricel E”

We had the best tour guide. She was knowledgeable, explained the history well and my family learned a lot. The restaurants she recommended for our lunch and dinner was exceptional. We were able to try Japanese cuisine. Our wish was her command, without her we would not be able to see the hidden treasures of Kyoto. She is the best and I highly recommend her. Thanks Maricel.

Maricel E.

Thank you so much for your excellent review. It was a pleasure meeting you all and I'm glad you like the tour with me, you all impressed me for walking 12 hours on this tour. I look forward to meeting you all again. Stay happy and healthy.

Robert W.

5 / 5

Apr 10, 2026

Half day tour

Apr 10, 2026

Kyoto

4 hours

Customized

“Maricel is wonderful”

I was fortunate that Maricel could fit me in for a short 4 hour tour given it is the high season in Kyoto. She met me early for the tour with a warm greeting and a big smile. We toured several temples and the bamboo forest and then walked through a neighborhood near the bamboo forests. It's clear Maricel has studied the history of the temples, shrines and gardens and her intimate knowledge of Japanese culture, both old and new, is impressive. We then had a great dinner where she was able to explain all of various dishes, and since she's been living in Kyoto for a long time, she also has learned how to cook the same dishes. I would have missed so much of the cuisine, culture and history I had not toured with Maricel. All to say that I would rate her 10 stars if the scale went that high and if it's possible to become friends in 4 hours, I consider myself lucky. I highly, highly recommend her.

Maricel E.

Wow! I can't thank you enough for this wonderful review. I am so happy that you enjoyed the tour with me. Thank you , safe travels.

Bill K.

5 / 5

Apr 9, 2026

Full day Kyoto Tour

Apr 9, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

Customized

“A perfect day in Kyoto ”

Maricel helped us put together a variety of visits and experiences that helped us cover our Kyoto wish list. She helped us move around the city with efficiency and gave us more time to enjoy the sites and minimize the crowds (as much as possible). A much more intimate visit in Kyoto than we could get in a group environment. And really good at finding the best photo spots in spite of the crowds.

Maricel E.

Thank you so much for your excellent review, i highly appreciate it. I am glad that your tour with me will add to your memories. I wish you good luck to your future travels, stay healthy and happy.