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Joined 2025
Nikki K.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
6 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide Nikki K.
I'm a Certified English Interpreter Guide accredited by Kyoto, Uji, and Otsu cities — top performer in Kyoto's official training program and selected for Japan’s elite government project for VIP luxury travel.
Having lived in 7 countries for 30 years — including 9 years in the U.S. (California, New York, and Texas) — I bring a truly global perspective and deep cultural understanding to every tour.
A descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai,” I was raised with a strong appreciation for history and the bushido spirit.
Before becoming a guide in Japan, I worked as a licensed NYC tour guide, British Airline flight attendant, medical interpreter, and TV reporter — all roles focused on connecting with people and sharing cultures.
I love showing my guests not only Japan’s must-see landmarks but also hidden local gems off the beaten path.
I mainly guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Uji, and Tokyo upon request.
From fun street food adventures to refined cultural and luxury experiences, I design each private tour to match your interests and create unforgettable moments that last a lifetime.
I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the true heart of Japan!
Important
My days off vary each week, so I can't specify a fixed day I'm available, but I'm flexible and can adjust to your request.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
Please feel free to share your interests- places you wish to visit, foods you'd like to try, or how long you'd like to stay at each location. I"ll create a fully customized 8-hour tour just for you, blending famous sights with local hidden gems!
Full-Day Kyoto Private Tour!! World Heritage and Local Secrets, Just for You!
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Osaka’s Top Must-See Spots in One Perfect Tour
This 8-hour tour is the perfect way to enjoy Osaka in one day. It’s carefully designed to show you the city’s must-see spots with a great mix of culture, fun, and local flavor. You’ll experience the best of Osaka—efficiently and comfortably.
Osaka’s Top Must-See Spots in One Perfect Tour
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Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!
This is a special private tour that can be fully customized to your interests — from UNESCO World Heritage sites to hidden gems loved by locals. I’ll take you to Kyoto’s special spots, sharing local tips and warm hospitality along the way.
Half-Day Kyoto Private Tour Made Just for You !!
Nara Day Trip : Giant Bhudda, Friendly Deer, Timeless Charm & A Craft to Take Home
Cute Deer, UNESCO World Heritage Temples, Hands-On Memories ! Enjoy a perfect balance of nature, culture, and creativity on this unforgettable day trip in Nara!
Nara Day Trip : Giant Bhudda, Friendly Deer, Timeless Charm & A Craft to Take Home
Reviews
Eric L.
“Easy Day in Kyoto from Osaka”
Exploring Kyoto with Nikki was a deeply memorable experience. She revealed the city’s many layers—guiding me from the quiet beauty of Kiyomizu Temple to the historic streets of Gion, and into shops that matched my own curiosities. When I mentioned my son wanted a sword as a souvenir, she immediately looked up local sword shops and suggested one conveniently close to where we were walking, which made the day feel even more personalized. Her choice of a wonderful lunch spot added another dimension, giving me a taste of the city’s culinary traditions. The day left me with not just beautiful sights, but a lasting appreciation of Kyoto’s character. Highest recommendation from me.
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Nikki K.
Thank you so so much Eric for your wonderful review and amazing photos! Having guided you the day before,I was able to get a better understanding of what you like and what interests you. Because of that, I could show you the places I thought you would truly enjoy, and I am very happy to hear that you did!Knowing that you enjoyed my guiding means so much to me and is my greatest motivation. I hope you continue to enjoy every momrnt of your special trip!
Eric L.
“Spectacular Day in Nara”
Nikki gave me an unforgettable private tour of Nara, perfectly adjusting the pace to match both my feedback and what she observed throughout the day. Her warmth and deep knowledge brought Todai-ji’s Great Buddha, the sacred deer of Nara Park, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and more vividly to life—including stops at shops I was curious about and an amazing lunch spot she selected. Exploring Nara with Nikki felt less like a formal tour and more like discovering the city with a trusted friend. Don’t wait—book Nikki today and make your Nara visit extraordinary!
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Eric for your lovely review with wonderful photos. While we were talking throughout the day, I could really sense your interest in major historical architecture and how much you enjoy taking your time with good meals. So I tried to tailor the tour a little with that in mind, so I’m really happy to hear it worked well for you. Knowing my guest had a great time truly makes my day! Enjoy the rest of your stay, and I hope it leads you to even more wonderful discoveries!
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Mark J.
“Outstanding Tour of Japanese Samurai History and Culture”
Nikki-san provided me a customized tour of several sites in some of the more obscure parts of Kyoto at my request. This included the former residence of the leader of the famous 47 Ronin, which is a location only available by advanced arrangement. She also describe her families Samurai history, and we had discussions covering Japanese history from the 1500's to 1800's. I also enjoyed the general discussions we had on the tour that covered a variety of topics. I highly recommend Nikki-san to anyone who wants a guide in Japan -- she is the best!
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Mark-san for your wonderful comments and the great review(and photos!)—it truly made my day! Since you’re a repeat visitor to Kyoto, prefer to avoid the major tourist spots, and have a real love for history, I tried to craft a special route with some hidden historical gems. I’m really happy to hear you enjoyed it. By the time you visit Japan again, I’ll be sure to have another exciting “surprise route” ready for you! Thank you once again!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
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Niko T.
KONNICHIWA!! I’m Niko! I’ve lived in Australia and worked at the Osaka Expo 2025. Through those experiences, I met people from all over the world — we hung out together, and I loved taking them to hidden local spots that tourists usually don’t find, like cozy cafés, local restaurants, and beautiful nature spots. I’m a very friendly person who loves learning new things. I enjoy not only sharing unique and lesser-known sides of Japan, but also hearing stories about your country and anything you’d like to talk about! I’m a big FOODIE! (Please go to my galleries!) Please let me make you try my favorite Japanese foods!! I also love taking a pictures and will always bring my camera with me, , so I can take beautiful photos of you during the tour — and you’ll get them on the spot as a little gift ! Providing warm hospitality to people is truly my joy. You won’t regret joining my tour — I promise! Can’t wait to meet you soon!
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Rina K.
Welcome to Osaka! Hi I'm Rina! Osaka is my hometown, and I’m so excited to guide you here! I started tour guiding in July 2025, and since then I’ve welcomed guests from Australia, the U.S., Thailand, Germany, Russia, Switzerland, and more. Each tour has left me with special memories—it’s always a pleasure to hear stories about your country. I also learn a lot from my guests. Some are fascinated by architecture, others love taking photos of food samples, or notice details like manhole designs, women-only train cars, or even the British accent in station announcements. What feels ordinary to me often becomes a fresh discovery for my guests, and those exchanges make every tour truly special. Osaka is full of delicious restaurants—so many that it’s hard to choose! Let’s explore local food together, find the best sunset and night-view spots, and enjoy the city’s charm side by side. Join me to discover Osaka, from its iconic castle to the latest must‑see spots. And if you’d like, we can combine Osaka with day trips to Nara, Kyoto, Kobe, or Shiga to experience even more of Kansai’s beauty. Looking forward to seeing you in Osaka!
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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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