Rick I.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
3 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
About Tour Guide Rick I.
My nick name is Rick and Japanese name is Ryoichi. I was born and grew up in Kyoto. Kyoto has so many sightseeing spots based on its 1000 year history. I will propose you the "must see" spots from local eyes not only temples & shrines but also alternative side of Kyoto. As Kyoto certified English guide, I will guide you with high hospitality for your satisfactory stay in Kyoto.
1. For the first visitors
I will prepare the tour with selection out of the spots as Nijo-castle, Imperial Palace, Nishiki-market, Gion amusement quarter, Arashiyama area and some temples and shrines of World Cultural Heritage Sites based on your request and taste.
2. For the visitors who want to see more spots than regular tours
I will prepare some unique tours like visiting Fushimi area for Sake brewery and riding classical boat, visiting some traditional handicrafts ateliers, enjoying traditional performing art, etc.
Please make any inquiry for your preferred type of Kyoto guiding without hesitation. I would be happy to propose you with the type of tour that makes your visit in Kyoto unforgettable one.
Credentials:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN01767)
Kyoto City Licensed English Guide (EN00004)
2nd Grade of the licensing examination on knowledge of Kyoto history & culture
Important
In case you want to book my tour for two or more consecutive days, please send me a message in advance.
Tours
Half Day Kyoto highlights tour plus optional Maiko dinner
By joining this tour, you can enjoy main 3 sightseeing spots of Kyoto in around 5 hours. After that you have an option to join Maiko dinner which you can enjoy Japanese cuisine and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) traditional performance in around 2 hours. This tour does not include the time for lunch.
Full Day Kyoto highlight Tour
This course has four choices. Please select one of the four courses shown below. Rick will guide you deep inside the Kyoto history, culture, tradition and nature in each course. Each course can be customized upon your request as far as possible. Every course has spectacular spots which will satisfy you with visiting Kyoto!
Summer early bird half day tour of Kyoto
The summer in Kyoto is so hot, especially in the afternoon. This is a 4-hour tour which starts at 7:30 AM (or 8:00) for avoiding the heat in the afternoon. The visiting spots are mainly in forests or indoor. Highly recommended to choose this tour from later July to Middle of September. Upon request, I will take you to a nice local Japanese restaurant for lunch without any extended guiding fee.
Extra Day in Kyoto: Explore Ancient Capital
This tour visits Kyoto Heian Capital museum to see the elaborate display of Heian Capital replica around 8th to 12th century including relics around the museum. You will slip back to ancient Kyoto with a detailed display including virtual 3D. All of them are explained in English by me. (Option) Visit the relic of wall which was surrounding Kyoto Capital called Odoi. This is another important relic in Kyoto history. Recommended to the history lovers or time travel lovers !
In Depth Analysis of Nijo castle plus Kyoto highlights
Nijo castle is not just an old castle but it is a great showcase of Japanese art, history and architecture. I will explain deep inside of this it taking double time including some secret stories, latest academic findings and so on which are not described in any guide book or online information. After that, we will visit Kyoto Imperial Palace where had been emperor's resident for hundreds years. Finally the tour finishes visiting Nishiki food market which has been said as "Kitchen of Kyoto."
Fushimi & Uji memorable full day tour from central Kyoto
This tour takes you to the two areas, Fushimi and Uji. Both are a little away from central Kyoto and have the specific atmosphere that makes you feel comfortable away from hustle & bustle in central Kyoto.
Rick I. Japan Tour Reviews
“Couldn't have seen and learned so much without him”
On a very hot and humid day, Rick guided us through trains and trams, enabling us to visit multiple locations effortlessly. He took photos for us and was excited to discuss the significance of the historical sites we visited. Rick suggested an excellent restaurant with a beautiful view, and we had an unforgettable meal of Unagi Don. Later, he helped us plan the rest of our day with the oppressive heat in mind and walked us to our destination. I can honestly say visiting Kyoto with Rick was one of the highlights of our trip, and we couldn't have seen and learned so much without him.
Rick I.
(60 reviews)Dear Karen and families, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tour with using the public transportation. I believe you felt and touched the real Kyoto city and I hope it will be one of your nicest memories in Japan. Best regards, Rick
Leonid S.
Half Day Kyoto highlights tour plus optional Maiko dinner
“Great tour”
Rick gave us a very good and thorough tour of Kyoto. He helped us understand the history and traditions and showed us some of the best and unique aspects of Kyoto. Without him, it would be tough to see as much as we saw in half a day. On top of everything, Rick took us back to the Kyoto station and made sure that we found our locker. He took care of every detail of the tour!
Rick I.
(60 reviews)Dear Leonid, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad you enjoyed some unique and best aspects of Kyoto. I appreciate your coorperation to go through the tour on schedule and it was my pleasure to have helped you to find your locker at the end. I hope Kyoto will be one of your best memories in Japan. Best regards, Rick
Veronica H.
Half Day Kyoto highlights tour plus optional Maiko dinner
“Wonderful Guide”
Rick is a very gentle and pleasing guide. We asked Rick to adjust our plans due to our exhaustion and without fail, he reciprocated. He went out of his way to search for an items for my husband and I, and was such a kind spirit that we really enjoyed his style. He was exactly what we needed for a more calming experience. We were ‘templed out’ and he understood that immediately. He also really wanted us to enjoy his guiding and he was a ‘no problem’ kind of guide who was clear and very patient. Without question I would utilize Rick’s services again. He represents the spirit of Kyoto very well. Quiet gentility.
Rick I.
(60 reviews)Dear Veronica, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad to hear that you enjoyed my tour. I tried my best to adjust your plans and I'm glad I was able to help you. I hope Kyoto will be one of your nice memories in Japan and you will come back this city sometime in future. Best regards, Rick