/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/dfe6acef-8f8f-4939-9edd-8425c371d5a4.png)
Joined 2025
Nikki K.
Available Areas
Osaka (Living), Kyoto, Nara
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
8 hours on average
Availability Updated
--
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19021/0ea99f3c-9ddd-4b4e-9184-11f274d8f2b6.jpg)
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 7-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!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19464/c5623c92-5f80-4fa3-85c0-f87ab4499da2.jpeg)
Osaka’s Top Must-See Spots in One Perfect Tour
This 7-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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19457/6fdcc512-6e86-4452-bb88-26c7220aeb0a.jpg)
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 !!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/19291/f72a272b-c724-443d-a54d-35913ed29937.jpg)
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
Eric F.
“Kyoto tour”
Nikki is an excellent guide with a deep sense of history and keen insights into the people and places of Kyoto. She has a strong command of English and shared helpful recommendations with us on where to eat and stay in the city.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/dfe6acef-8f8f-4939-9edd-8425c371d5a4.png)
Nikki K.
Thank you very much Eric for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review. Your kind words truly mean a lot to me and are a great encouragement. It was a pleasure guiding both of you. I especially enjoyed our time together because of your genuine interest in Japanese history and culture, and I appreciated all of your thoughtful questions and enthusiasm throughout the tour. I hope the rest of your time in Japan is filled with many more memorable experiences and wonderful discoveries. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. Wishing you two safe travels and all the very best!
Janet W.
“Highlights of Osaka ”
Nikki provided us with an EXCEPTIONAL tour of Osaka. She met us at the cruise port and shared with us the highlights of her home town. Her ease of the English language, knowledge of the sites that we saw, and passion for her job enabled us to have a tremendous day in Osaka. A most excellent guide. Thank you again Nikki!!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/dfe6acef-8f8f-4939-9edd-8425c371d5a4.png)
Nikki K.
Thank you so much for choosing me as your guide, and for your incredibly kind review and comments. I was so happy that we finally had the chance to meet. When your cruise itinerary changed and it became possible for us to meet after all, I was truly delighted. Although the weather brought some unexpected changes to your time in Japan, it was a genuine pleasure and privilege to show you around Osaka. I am grateful that I could share a small part of this wonderful city with you. I hope the blessings of the good-luck deity and the Five Great Powers (Godairiki) we visited will watch over you and bring success, happiness, and safe travels throughout the remainder of your cruise journey. Wishing you fair seas, memorable adventures, and a truly wonderful voyage ahead!!
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/dfe6acef-8f8f-4939-9edd-8425c371d5a4.png)
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
Other Popular Tour Guides in Osaka
/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/83667/9081425e-f5c8-4955-bbd1-be83d87b0c35.png)
Ei-chan N.
My nickname is Ei-chan, and I’m a licensed English-speaking driver-guide in Japan. I live in Kobe. I love sharing Japanese culture, history, and everyday life with people from around the world. I drive my own comfortable minivan, which is perfect for small groups and families. With it, we can travel safely and smoothly while exploring beautiful places off the beaten path. Before becoming a guide, I worked as a teacher, so I enjoy explaining things clearly and making learning fun. During our tour, I’ll do my best to make your trip both informative and enjoyable, filled with local stories, humor, and warm hospitality. Please feel free to ask me anything about Japan—its traditions, food, or daily life. Let’s enjoy a wonderful journey together and create unforgettable memories!
/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/73533/cbed366f-4782-4507-aed1-83e875b0d4ea.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/80ad0e38-60c1-4093-8a4f-e0aa0f55b607.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/6519b4d8-3889-49cf-8a1e-37d031f447d9.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/8c7715c1-5672-4316-954d-5d482dd07703.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/4d2e8651-1630-4ca1-983f-b48753eea813.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/da02c5df-1476-460d-b9a6-42becca4fd5e.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/f23fc937-432a-4a16-a7bc-0bd57457fc55.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/20a73415-22d7-4406-acdb-c73d1e3287f5.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/b1062720-f18b-49e4-93c7-090dd5f85db8.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/eab48bcc-51b4-43cd-ac3e-f82e8eaefce8.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/8cdd3d63-17fa-44b6-bea3-d7a39a90d820.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/c4c55ca4-be3b-4700-b455-578c26ea74d7.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/aefd17d2-f485-4258-9317-894b8d56211f.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/907ee520-5236-4344-957f-9893007dd574.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/5c2cb9e0-af24-46c3-ad60-7212cb30f2ab.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/23446bef-8389-4344-86a9-103b93ae450e.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/2e452289-2b32-4bdc-99dd-8bf10afd2864.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/d9363036-c2ea-4a43-aa62-bf6b9ec93909.jpeg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/467ea72d-d1c3-45c8-9187-cb7cb26a52af.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/73286/3655de8f-0e05-41af-9fa2-4b33c95be89d.jpeg)