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Joined 2025
Nikki K.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
5 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
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
Helena K.
“Recommendation 100 % .Mm,Nikki very proffesiona guide ,kind helpful person .”
I would like to remercy Giud Mm Nikki for excellent time I spend in Kuoto ,she is very kind ,helpful,and proffesional guid 100% im recommend .I have good explanation of history ,tradition ,culture. Very much enjoying time and tour spend together , She took beautiful picture of me and all my places i want .She did picture like a proffesional photograph. ,she has good patience and understanding of people need in new places . Very much enjoy time with my giud and time in Kyoto .I strongly recommend. in future I book for sure same giud for Osake .I'm feelt in live with Japan and people .Big Thanks Sincerely Elena Kovalevskaya Canada Ottawa
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Nikki K.
Thank you so much Helena for leaving such a wonderful review. I know you spent many years planning your trip to Japan and finally came here on your first journey. Being able to guide you on such a special visit truly meant a lot to me. I did my very best to create a tour that you would enjoy, and seeing how deeply moved you were at Fushimi Inari Shrine made me incredibly happy. At Nijo Castle, you asked so many thoughtful questions about history, and I could feel how much you were enjoying every moment of Kyoto. Guiding you was a real pleasure, and seeing you experience Japan with such curiosity and enthusiasm was inspiring.I’m already looking forward to welcoming you back again. Next time, I would love to show you Osaka and many more wonderful places throughout Japan!
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!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
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Rina K.
Welcome to Osaka! My name is Rina, and I’m happy to guide you through my hometown. My tours are designed for travelers who want to experience Japan at a slower pace, savoring local neighborhoods, cafés, and everyday culture. Since July 2025, I’ve guided guests from many countries. I enjoy hearing about their lives and cultures, and I’m always glad to see their reactions to Japan. Everyday details here—food, traditions, or even train announcements—often feel new and exciting to visitors, and sharing those discoveries together is very rewarding. Osaka is often called the “city of kuidaore,” where food is central to life. Local specialties include takoyaki, kushikatsu, and okonomiyaki, but you’ll also find Osaka’s famous spice curry, countless bakeries, and cozy udon shops. Landmarks such as Osaka Castle, the Glico neon sign, and Tsutenkaku Tower are iconic, yet the city—sometimes referred to as the “city of rivers”—also invites you to stroll along the waterways and discover retro architecture. Beyond the major sights, let’s dive deeper into Osaka’s everyday culture and hidden corners. Osaka is also the ideal base for exploring Kansai. In one day, you can visit Kyoto’s temples, Nara’s deer, Kobe’s harbor, or Shiga’s lakeside scenery. With more time, you can even reach Hiroshima’s Itsukushima Shrine or enjoy the food culture of Fukuoka. Join me for a relaxed journey through Osaka. Together, we’ll enjoy its flavors, sights, and stories at a comfortable pace. I look forward to welcoming you to 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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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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