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Joined 2025
Nikki K.
Available Areas
Osaka (Living), Kyoto, Nara
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
7 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide Nikki K.
I am a Kyoto City Certified Guide (Top-Ranked) and a JNTO(Japan National Tourism Organization)-Certified Luxury Travel Specialist.
Having lived in 7 countries for nearly 30 years — including 9 years in the U.S.(California, New York & Texas) — I offer a truly global perspective and an intuitive understanding of international guests.
As a descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai,” sharing Japan’s history and spirit is deeply personal to me.
My background as a licensed New York City tour guide, the official VIP protocol at the World Expo 2025. British Airways flight attendant, medical interpreter, and TV reporter has shaped my ability to connect effortlessly across cultures.
I primarily guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Uji, with bespoke journeys to Tokyo, Naoshima, and Himeji Castle available upon request.
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 from Kyoto / Osaka : Giant Bhudda, Friendly Deer & Timeless Charm
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 from Kyoto / Osaka : Giant Bhudda, Friendly Deer & Timeless Charm
Reviews
Theresa P.
“Travelling like a local with a local”
We had a truly memorable day with Nikki in Osaka. We were all feeling a little ‘Temple/Shrine’ fatigued.. so Nikki filled our day with fun, local experiences. (Although insisted we visit Sumiyoshi Shrine.. and so glad she did). A great local lunch, riding trolley car and really ‘feeling’ Ōsaka. Nikki was flexible, went absolutely above and beyond (even tracking down a lost iPad left on the bullet train). Just couldn’t recommend Nikki more highly.. and her lovely sense of humour ensured she was great company.
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Theresa for your wonderful review and kind comments! Simply reading your message again brings back such happy memories from our time together and makes me smile. Even searching for the missing iPad became a fun little treasure hunt and is now one of the memories I will always remember warmly :) More than anything, I could truly feel how much all of you were enjoying Japan, and that made guiding you incredibly exciting and rewarding for me as well. I hope that whenever Japan comes to mind, or whenever conversations about Japan come up among your family and friends, the wonderful memories of your time here will continue to return to your hearts again and again. Thank you once again, and I sincerely hope to welcome you back to Japan in 2028!. Warm regards, Nikki
Theresa P.
“Outstanding!!”
If Nikki is offering guiding services in the area you are visiting.. look no further.. 5 starts, 12 out of 10.. knowledge, passionate and great company. As we were staying in Osaka we didn’t feel we could navigate the train to Kyoto on our own.. no problem to Nikki..she met us in our hotel and fully escorted us for the day.. we had asked for an authentic experience and just WOW!!! Nikki put together an awesome itinerary.. was very flexible and considerate of the differing needs of our group of 6. We asked for a Geisha experience..Nikki arranged and was our interpreter so we could interact to understand this unique culture. Cannot recommend Nikki more highly.
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Theresa for your wonderful review and your kind, heartfelt comments. It was truly my pleasure to spend two days guiding you in Osaka and Kyoto. I was so happy to share this time with all of you. Rob’s words — “We met as guide and guests, but said goodbye as friends” — together with the beautiful card from everyone, genuinely touched my heart. I will keep your card on my desk as daily motivation to continue giving my very best to every guest I meet. I am also very happy that you enjoyed the geisha session. Thanks to all your thoughtful questions during the Q&A time, the atmosphere became very lively and engaging, and I think the maiko truly enjoyed the interaction as well. Please continue to enjoy the rest of your stay in Japan. I am sincerely grateful for this wonderful connection and for the opportunity to meet all of you. Warm regards, Nikki
Christine B.
“Kyōto 2026”
It was an excellent journey with Nikki-san. We enjoyed the day in Kyoto. Nikki-san was very helpful to find a restaurant for our dinner.
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Nikki K.
Thank you very much Christine for your wonderful review. Despite the train delay this morning, I am truly grad that I was still able to guide you all and that we ended up having such q wonderful day together. I hope your journey to Osaka tomorrow morning goes smoothly. Wishing you all a fantastic rest of your stay in Japan and the fun time continues to Korea. Please enjoy every moment!!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
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Rina K.
Hi I'm Rina. Thank you for your interest, and welcome to Japan. I was born and raised in Osaka, and I’m truly excited to show you both the city’s famous landmarks and its hidden gems. Osaka is full of incredible food and fun places to explore. I enjoy guiding guests into Osaka’s hidden, local neighborhoods where you can taste unusual dishes and discover spots only locals know. I look forward to guiding you through an Osaka you’ll want to return to. Soy principiante y no hablo mucho español, pero me encanta recibir a huéspedes hispanohablantes.
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Ana I.
Hello everyone! My name is Ana. I am an experienced tour conductor who guides clients throughout Japan. I am Romanian and have been living in Japan for over 10 years. I am versed in creating customized on-the-budget one-day and half-day tours for solo travelers, families, or groups. Please allow me to show you the natural beauty, traditions, history and amazing food of KYOTO and NARA. Feel free to contact me for a standard package OR a customized trip. I will put my best effort into meeting your needs and creating an amazing journey. WELCOME TO JAPAN!
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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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