Joined 2017
Rick I.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka
Languages
Japanese (Native), English
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
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
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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 !
Reviews
Steven E.
“Great tour”
Very enjoyable tour of Fushimi and Uji with Rick. He was very knowledgeable and it was a pleasure to spend the day with him. Would definitely recommend.
Rick I.
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for the nice review! I'm glad you enjoyed the boat riding, Sake brewery, and Uji area with Byodoin temple in cherry blossoms, and so on. I also enjoyed the nicest season with you and your friendly families. Thank you again. Rick
Steven E.
“Great tour with Rick”
We had a great Kyoto tour with Rick. He was knowledgeable and very personable and it was a great way to see Kyoto. Would highly recommend.
Rick I.
Dear Steven, Thank you very much for the nice review. It was my pleasure touring Kyoto with you and your family. I'm very glad that we saw so beautiful cherry blossoms and I hope Kyoto will be one of your nicest memories in Japan! Rick
Karen B.
“Day out in Kyoto”
What a wonderful host !!! Rick met us off the Shinkansen at the exact point the train stopped!! His communication and planing prior to our trip as excellent. We wanted to do some specific things which he happily accommodated. We had such a busy day but thoroughly enjoyed every moment. We would highly recommend Rick as a guide worth every penny !!
Rick I.
Dear Karen, Thank you very much for the nice review! It was my pleasure to help you enjoy the tour. I'm so glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour and l appreciate all of you were very friendly and cooperative. Please enjoy the rest of the tour in Japan! Best regards, Rick
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