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Joined 2024
Maricel E.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese, Tagalog (Native)
Response Time
11 hours on average
Availability Updated
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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!
Categories
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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
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
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
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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
Reviews
Arthur C.
“Full day tour in Kyoto”
Maricel is an excellent tour guide. She brought us to the most important sights in Kyoto (Golden Pavilion, Nijo Castle, Bamboo Forest and the Gion District) and explained the local culture very well. She is also an excellent photographer and she took photos of us with her phone which she shared with us. We will cherish the memories and would highly recommend her as an excellent tour guide. We would love to have her again should we return to Kyoto.
Bernardo H.
“East Kyoto half day tour”
Having Maricel as guide is fun. She's very knowledgeable about Kyoto's history and culture. Gave us great insights about temples, shrines and Gion. Managed to keep our group of 8 motivated.
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Maricel E.
Thank you for your excellent review. I had so much fun being with the whole group. Warm hearted people from Portugal. Regards to everyone, hope to see you all again.
Danny D.
“Tagalog-Friendly Half-Day Kyoto Tour”
We were a group of six, including two older parents, and our Tagalog-speaking guide made the whole experience smooth and enjoyable. She kindly opened up her schedule for us since we’re kababayan, and from the start, she was warm, professional, and super accommodating. During our visit to Fushimi Inari Taisha, she gave our parents the option to relax and shop around the base while the rest of us hiked up to the top of the red torii gates. She made sure everyone felt comfortable and included, no matter the pace. She also took great photos for us and answered all our questions with ease—switching between Tagalog, English, and Japanese like it was second nature. The tour felt personal and relaxed, with just the right balance of history, local insight, and flexibility. Highly recommended, especially for Filipino travelers looking for a guide who truly understands your language and culture.
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Akira F.
Hello, my name is Akira , and I am a private guide based in Kyoto. I specialize in creating customized tours that are tailored to your interests and travel style. Kyoto is a city rich in history, culture, and hidden beauty, and I would love to share its charm with you. Whether you are interested in famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, exploring peaceful temples and gardens, or discovering local food and traditions, I will design a unique itinerary just for you. My goal is to make your time in Kyoto not only enjoyable, but also meaningful and memorable. I look forward to guiding you and helping you experience Kyoto like a local.
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Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I’m Michiko, a local guide born and raised in Kyoto. I love meeting people from around the world and sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.and I love fun things! I went to the UK to watch musicals, and recently I spent a year living in Thailand — experiences that deepened my love for art, culture, and people. Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique shows in shop windows! Let’s explore Kyoto together and find its heart — the beauty, people, and stories that make it special! with BIGLOVE!
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Syed atif Y.
A Local Friend in Kansai — Meet Atif Hey there! I’m Atif, a travel lover who’s been calling Osaka home for the past few years. What started as a curious adventure quickly turned into a deep love for this region — the food, the people, and all the little hidden corners that make Kansai so special. Now, I spend my days sharing those discoveries with travelers who want to see the real Japan — not just the postcard version. What I Offer Fun & Flexible Tours: No boring scripts here! I plan each tour around you — whether you love taking photos, tasting street food, exploring quiet temples, or getting lost in neon-lit backstreets. Local Secrets: After years of wandering Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe, I’ve found the best hidden gems — from tiny noodle shops to peaceful gardens and back-alley shrines. Laughs & Memories: My tours aren’t just about facts — they’re about fun. Expect stories, local legends, and maybe even a karaoke challenge (if you’re brave enough)! Why Travel with Me Because travel should feel like exploring with a local friend, not following a flag in a crowd. I love good food, spontaneous detours, and showing people the Kansai that most tourists miss. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, I’ll make sure you experience something new — and unforgettable. Let’s Start the Adventure! Ready to explore Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe? Let’s laugh, learn, eat, and wander together — Kansai style!
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