/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/7c78f303-389e-4be9-8e64-a411ce4fcf16.png)
Joined 2025
Michiko N.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Shiga
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
4 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
About Tour Guide Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page!
I’m Michiko, a local guide who was born and raised in Kyoto.
I love meeting people from around the world, sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality, and creating fun experiences together!
I once went to the UK to watch and learn musicals, and more recently, I spent a year living in Thailand. These experiences deepened my love for art, culture, and people.
Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique performances in shop windows. One of the reasons I started working as a guide was to help fund my artistic projects.
Let’s explore Kyoto together and discover its heart — the beauty, the people, and the stories that make it special.
With BIG LOVE!
Michiko
Important
-If you're interested in an early morning tour on a Sunday, please feel free to contact me, even if my calendar shows I'm unavailable. I usually keep Sundays closed, but I may be able to offer an early morning tour depending on my schedule.
- Last-minute bookings may sometimes be possible, even one day before the tour. Please feel free to ask.
- I can help with restaurant or shop reservations when possible. This is a free support service, so the help I can provide may be limited. Some places may require you to complete the booking or payment yourself. Please contact me at least one week in advance if you need reservation support.
- Tours may include walking, public transportation, licensed taxis, or, depending on the itinerary, my private car. Transportation details will be confirmed before the tour.
- The main purpose of my tours is cultural guiding and local interpretation. Any use of a private car is only to support the tour experience and is not a transportation service.
- Transportation costs, such as buses, trains, taxis, parking fees, are not included unless otherwise stated.
* For your safety, I strongly recommend that you have travel insurance before joining the tour.
* I will do my best to provide a safe tour, but unexpected accidents or problems may happen during travel. Please take care of your health and personal belongings.
* I love wine!! but I do not drink alcohol while I am working. If you enjoy wine, I would be happy to introduce you to some nice wine spots in Kyoto!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19106/86865c1b-7bc3-4c96-8f3f-4e2b93b29816.jpg)
Kyoto Spiritual Tour!
Visit 3 special places in Kyoto and feel the spiritual energy. This tour is only on weekdays, It’s good to enjoy Kyoto slowly and peacefully. Each place has beautiful nature. The air is very clear and fresh. Your mind can feel calm and clean again. This is for people who want to take care of work, family, and themselves.
Kyoto Spiritual Tour!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19105/6ebe47b8-e090-430f-9360-aff8c79f55ba.jpg)
KYOTO A Sunday Breakfast Tour in Kyoto's Countryside at Ohara
Join us for a simple and peaceful morning in the countryside of Kyoto. We will leave early by car and visit Ohara Morning Market, a local farmers’ market held only on Sundays.And Let's visit beautiful moss Garden.(Sanzen in temple) This is not a busy sightseeing tour. It’s a small trip to feel local life, fresh air, and the slow morning of Kyoto.
KYOTO A Sunday Breakfast Tour in Kyoto's Countryside at Ohara
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/23914/5c5ce2a0-28ba-454a-b00c-a690f8ce62a4.jpg)
Let's go Arashiyama!
We will travel from your hotel to Arashiyama by public transportation. Once we arrive, we will walk around the area and visit some unique temples. We will move at a slow and comfortable pace. We will also take plenty of breaks, so please relax and enjoy the tour!
Let's go Arashiyama!
Reviews
Penchas J.
“the best guide in Kyoto”
I brought my three children (18, 24, 30) to Kyoto for 2 days. Michiko-san guided us for both days in her cute van. I have used other guides in Kyoto on previous trips, so I can compare and tell you- Michiko-san is the best. She organized a perfect mix of history and culture with foodie and modern markets. All 4 of us loved her. Perfect English, funny and fun guide that will make Kyoto shine in all of its glory for you. Having a van, she took us to places you cannot get to by walking or train, and we got to see more and further sites fast - so we covered a lot of ground. Dot miss out - Let her show you this amazing city.
Elaine B.
“100% recommend!”
Michiko was great! She was really kind and knew all the best spots! She was very considerate of our time with her as well. 100% recommend!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/7c78f303-389e-4be9-8e64-a411ce4fcf16.png)
Michiko N.
Thank you for the wonderful review. I am happy to have been of assistance.( However, I wasn't very familiar with Gion at night. ...!) My only wish is for you and everyone to have a wonderful trip. Thank you so much! Michiko
Jinny S.
“Michiko is great!”
She helped us with a one-day tour of Kyoto on a very hot summer day. She was incredibly responsive, knowledgeable about the city's history and culture, and happy to customize the itinerary to fit exactly what we wanted. She's also a mom, so she really understands what it's like to travel with kids and made the experience enjoyable for our whole family. We had a wonderful time visiting the Monkey Park, beautiful temples, and charming streets. I highly recommend her! We were from California.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/7c78f303-389e-4be9-8e64-a411ce4fcf16.png)
Michiko N.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review!! The hike in the mountains after the rain was truly beautiful. Your kindness and the warmth of your family made me so happy. I hope to see you again the next time you visit Kyoto. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart! Michiko
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/95241/f1ba2044-78f6-4f61-97af-3c5b719fb2c5.png)
Tatsuya M.
Nice to meet you! My name is Tatsuya. I was born and raised in Osaka. I love traveling the world and communicating with all kinds of people. I also have a caring personality, so I would love to share the charms of Osaka, its people, and its food with people all over the world! I provide sightseeing tours not only in Osaka but also in Kyoto and Nara. I offer transportation services for hotels, cruise ships, and airports as well!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/54/141428.jpeg)
Hiroshi Y.
Hello,I am HIROSHI YOKOYAMA. Please call me Hiro, not "hero". I have been lived in kyoto for more than 30years. So, I am very familiar with the city of Kyoto and a unique culture developed in Japan as well. I can offer you not only historic places like Nijo castle, Kinkakuji temple ,Kiyomizu temple etc., but also off the beaten track spots Nijo jinya house or nicknamed "ninjya house" ,Katsura Imperial Villa etc.. I am really looking forward to seeing you .
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/94000/e38d160b-175f-486f-b995-35b518756a89.png)
Ayumi S.
Academic Knowledge & Global Mindset – Your Local Expert for Culture and Sports! Hi everyone! I’m Ayumi, a local guide based in the Kansai area. I studied Tourism at University, where I explore the deeper historical and cultural backgrounds of Japan's most famous sites. Having traveled to many countries myself, I know exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, authentic local experiences and stress-free environment. Why book with me? Academic Insight: I don’t just show you the sights; I share the "why" behind them, from the architecture of Himeji Castle to the rituals of a tea ceremony. Active & Diverse: Whether you want to go hiking in Kobe, watch a professional rugby match, Baseball game, Soccer game, or find the best hidden yakitori spots, I’ve got you covered. Flexible & Friendly: I understand the needs of international travelers and will help you navigate Japan (including your JR Pass) with ease. Shopping & Sweets Expert: I am a huge fan of shopping! If you need recommendations for Japanese cosmetics or the best local snacks, just ask me. I especially have a "sweet tooth" for Apple Pie and Daifuku (mochi)—I’m always on the hunt for the best ones in town! Let’s go beyond the guidebooks and discover the real Japan together. I look forward to meeting you in Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/94498/6e08cc77-b1d9-4455-b4b8-c5068072d0fd.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/4952a6f9-9bab-4c15-b83e-1ecd0b209b0d.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/7ffb4c8e-5238-451d-b58d-161f19e0a695.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/e5780df6-dbfa-4da0-af66-98601ec1a0c4.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/a2752d4f-187d-4d0a-a24a-fdc570c156b0.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/ecf38154-a8d8-40a0-a79f-97b7cd892721.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/fafc07e9-feae-4fd8-92d7-1badb7d18122.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/dbae5acb-b722-4313-81f3-db6a96465f73.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/23ca2169-0d1a-45fb-b122-b31885b799bf.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/2fa7e868-a817-461e-b3d2-dd88bf4dfb44.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/e21ce23d-86e6-4b8c-a849-665e0786122c.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/54ea6b32-8663-4a80-928e-5f6e798b093a.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/9a125dd6-35b2-40f9-b70d-81cc37bd2fe3.jpeg)