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Joined 2026
Ayumi S.
Available Areas
Hyogo (Living), Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka
Languages
English, Japanese (Native), Korean, Turkish
Response Time
12 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
About Tour Guide 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!
Important
My standard guiding hours are weekdays from 9:00 to 16:00. However, I am happy to adjust my schedule to meet your needs! If you are interested in a night tour or weekend availability, please feel free to message me for a consultation!
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Kyoto Highlights in 1 Day: Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama
See Kyoto’s top three icons in one efficient 8-hour day! This tour covers Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), and Arashiyama, saving you time and hassle with a smart, seamless route.
Kyoto Highlights in 1 Day: Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji & Arashiyama
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Osaka Castle & History Private Tour: Premium Hospitality by a Former Hotelier
"From 'Worry' to 'Wonder' Experience Osaka from the Best Seat in the City." Join a professional guide who specializes in accessible travel. I eliminate the stress of long walks and steep stairs, ensuring every family member can enjoy the tour at their own pace.
Osaka Castle & History Private Tour: Premium Hospitality by a Former Hotelier
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Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
Short on time? Experience the best of Arashiyama in just 4 hours! We follow a smart, one-way route from a peaceful hidden gem through the magical Bamboo Forest down to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge. By entering Tenryu-ji Temple from the north gate, we avoid crowds and backtracking Saving your precious time and energy. Enjoy a seamless morning with a local professional guide!
Kyoto Highlights: Bamboo Grove & Ancient Temples (4-Hour Private Tour)
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Osaka Essentials: A Guided Food and Shopping Experience in Namba
Discover the best of Osaka’s vibrant culture, incredible food, and trendy shopping with a local guide! This tour is completely customizable to match your interests. We can dive into Kuromon Ichiba Market, known as "Osaka's Kitchen," If you love pop culture, anime, and unique gadgets, we'll explore the energetic streets of Ota Road. We’ll also wander through the bustling heart of Namba, perfect for shopping. Tell me what you love, and we will craft the perfect Osaka experience just for you!
Osaka Essentials: A Guided Food and Shopping Experience in Namba
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The Red Torii & Your Choice: Customized Kyoto Private Experience
Explore Fushimi Inari beyond the photos. On this private tour, we’ll escape the crowds to find peaceful "Zen" moments among the sacred torii gates. We can even enjoy a relaxing matcha break while overlooking the Kyoto cityscape. Whether you prefer a gentle walk or a trek to the summit, I’ll customize the journey to your comfort. Experience the magic of the fox shrine like a local! We can also add one more stop within the 5-hour tour, depending on your interests and preferences.
The Red Torii & Your Choice: Customized Kyoto Private Experience
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Shop Smart & Eat Like a Local Tour
What I offer: From luxury brands in the Old Foreign Settlement to trendy boutiques in Tor West, I’ll take you exactly where you want to go. Kobe is much less crowded than other cities, offering a compact area where you can find everything efficiently. Total Support: I’ll arrange the perfect Kobe Beef lunch or local restaurant or a "hidden gem" cafe so you can relax without navigating or queuing. Just about 20 minutes from Osaka by train. Perfect for an stress-free day trip!
Shop Smart & Eat Like a Local Tour
Reviews
Sera K.
“Kyoto day tour ”
We had a wonderful day with Ayumi. She was well organized, flexible and engaging. She helped us with our dinner reservation and other shopping recommendations.
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Ayumi S.
Dear Sera, Thank you so much for the wonderful 5-star review! I had such a fantastic time guiding you and your lovely family around Kyoto. I hope you enjoyed the rest of your trip! It was a true pleasure meeting you all. I hope to welcome you back to Japan again in the future! Best regards, Ayumi
John S.
“A Fabulous Day in Kyoto with Ayumi”
Ayumi was an excellent tour guide, and we thoroughly enjoyed spending the day with her. She was extremely knowledgeable about all of the sights we visited and shared so much interesting information along the way. Beyond the sights themselves, we especially appreciated everything Ayumi taught us about Japanese culture and customs. She has a warm, engaging personality that made the entire day both enjoyable and informative. As an added bonus, at the end of our tour Ayumi took us through Gion, including a fascinating visit to a museum in a former geisha dormitory. It was a wonderful and unexpected way to finish the day. It was truly lovely spending the day with Ayumi\. Overall, the experience was fabulous, and we would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a knowledgeable, personable, and enjoyable guide in Kyoto.
Ayumi S.
Dear John, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was an absolute pleasure guiding you through Kyoto. Since you are such a seasoned traveler yourself, I’m especially honored that you chose to hire me as your guide! I’m so glad you enjoyed our time together, especially exploring Gion and sharing insights into Japanese culture. Thank you again, and I hope you take home wonderful memories of Kyoto! I hope to see you again!! Best, Ayumi
Yelena R.
“Flexible, knowledgable and fun”
We loved our day with Ayumi, we had to change travel times and plans, she was incredibly accommodating and flexible with us. She went out of her way to help us find a toy for our son, knew great spots in Kyoto and if she didn't know something she quickly researched and found what we wanted. She was also very easy to get along with and a great conversation partners.
Ayumi S.
Dear Yelena, Thank you so much for your wonderful review! Your warm words really mean a lot to me and will keep me motivated. I truly appreciate you sharing your valuable time with me. I was so inspired by both of you and how you noticed all the small beauty along the way. I hope to see you all again in the future! Best regards, Ayumi
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Nishi M.
Hello, I am a national government licenced guide and live in Hyogo. I will help you enjoy your travel in Japan. My guiding area is mainly Hyogo, especially the Himeji area. I also guide you in the Kobe area and Takeda Castle Ruins. Please feel free to give me any inquires. I speak Spanish for your help. Hablo español para ayudar a hispano hablantes.
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Kazuhiko G.
Hello, I’m Kazuhiko. Please call me “Kazu”. I'm a national-licensed tour guide. I have a wife and 4 children. I was born in Osaka city near Kyoto, although I have lived in many places across Japan. I used to work for multinational electric company and I traveled to many countries (U.S., Thailand, Hong Kong etc.) on business. I have enjoyed guiding many foreign tourists in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Hiroshima, Tokyo, Mt. Fuji etc. for many years. During your tour, you can discover a rich Japanese history spanning about 2,000 years, learn about and experience profound Japanese arts (tea ceremony, flower arrangement etc.), feel the spiritual atmosphere of Buddhist temples or Shinto shrines, see a breathtakingly beautiful scenery of Mt. Fuji, bamboo forest, Japanese gardens etc.. Moreover, you can taste Japanese cuisine that each season has to offer (Sushi, Tempura, Soba or ramen noodle etc.). You can get close to nature and feed wild deer or monkeys or even a build snowman in winter. I’m sure that I can provide a splendid tour of Japan that will be a lasting memory for you to treasure. Experience the mysteries of Japan with 5 senses !! Your memorable tour awaits you. Please feel free to contact me!!
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Kaori K.
Hello! My name is Kaori. When I was young I was interested in tourism. I was studying and working as tour conductor around Kanto area in Japan. I lived abroad from my early 20s to mid 30s. Australia, Taiwan, Central America, Great Britain, Spain and Italy. Now I came back and live in Osaka where I was born. The reason why I applied for the tour guide is because I was pleased when I guided my foreign friends around Japan. Me personally love traveling a lot. Especially trekking in the mountains and MTB trip by myself! I’ve done El Camino De Santiago in Spain 4times! Camino francés, Vía de la plata, Camino Norte, Camino de Madrid, Camino de San Salvador, Camino primitivo. I’ve done Kumano Kodo pilgrimage, too. I’ve travelled around Morocco, Greece and Italy by MTB :) I love adventure! I love to look up sightseeing informations and listen to the story of travelers! In japan I also lived in several different prefectures such as Osaka, Nara, Wakayama, Tokyo, Kanagawa. I might be able to guide you not only popular touristic sites but also to local hidden sights! Please focus things what you like and want!! I promise to do my best to organize a tour that is consistent with your interests! Thank you for paying attention for my self-introduction. I’m looking forward to see you soon. LOVE Kaori
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