Joined 2018
Mari I.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
10 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Mari I.
Hello everyone, welcome to Japan!
I am Mari, a tour guide in KYOTO with over 4 years of experience. I love discovering hidden gems in Japan, teaching foreign visitors calligraphy, and interacting with people from all around the world.
+++As a guide+++ I have conducted many tours to major sightseeing sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage temples and castles. I am also happy to show my favorite places and other locations off the beaten path, like where you can see the local craftsmen.
Thanks to my French husband, who is also a guide, I have learned a great deal about the points foreign tourists could contemplate the marvels of Japanese culture and developed my storytelling skills. I like to show my guests everything, with special focus on small details not written in guidebooks, and like to utilize anecdotes to help others understand Japanese culture.
In addition to my guiding services, I can also provide concierge services such as booking high-quality restaurants, special shows or activities, tea ceremonies, etc.
+++As a calligraphy teacher+++ I consider that calligraphy is not about writing with the complex Japanese "kanji" alphabet. Calligraphy is an art form which enables you to express your thoughts and relax your mood through your brush strokes and writing style. My workshops are a tailor-made experience. I also offer lessons for small children and provide an interactive experience for them. Best of all, workshops can be arranged to fit your schedule!
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about my lessons.
I am looking forward to discovering Japanese culture with you. :)
Important
At this moment, I provide 4 hour-tour mainly. (starting at 9:30, and 10:00, 10:30 - finishing at 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, and 15:30)
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
KYOTO - A Tailor-Made experience for you
Kyoto was the Capital city of Japan. With over 1200 years of history, Kyoto is still renowned and popular today. A little city with more than 1.5million inhabitants, Kyoto is well-known thanks to its 1200 temples and 400 shrines. With so many UNESCO highlights, Kyoto is a must-see during your stay in Japan. Let's explore Kyoto's finest culture and tradition together!
KYOTO - Calligraphy Workshop & Half-day Kyoto Tour
This is a introductory calligraphy lesson and 4 hour tour. If you are with small kids, expecting to have a hands-on experience with a local, please feel free to contact me!
KYOTO - A Tailor-Made dining experience for you
Japan has a very unique cooking style and set of table manners. Learn about the food culture and culinary history of Japan and visit local restaurants in Kyoto which offers a rich and diverse culinary tradition.
Reviews
Gin D.
“Tour of Kyoto”
We had a lovely tour of Kyoto with Mari! She was so helpful meeting us straight off the bullet train and she made sure we saw so much in the few hours we had in Kyoto. Would definitely get in touch with her again to be our guide.
Mari I.
Wow! Thank you Gin! I am happy to receive your wonderful reviews. It was busy Friday and we had to go through massive tourists. However, you are both patient and I could manage well thanks to your patience (& kindness)! Have a nice weekend and I hope the way back to the hotel in Tokyo is smooth! :)
Lene F.
“Great guide”
We spent 4 hours with Mari, she's a very good guide, interesting and extremely kind. We visited different temples and also learned about Japanese traditions and culture and when we needed a doctor she even helped us with that. I recommend Mari without any hesitation and thank her for a great experience in Kyoto
Mari I.
Lene!! Sorry for writing back late! My busiest season is finally over. :) Thank you again for the last time! I met you both in the middle of the busy season, but I clearly remember the day with you! I am very glad to receive a wonderful review about my favorite doctor too! He was also happy to hear that Christoph's back doesn't hurt anymore!! (Haha, I am very lucky to be connected with a very nice doctor. And I am sure no other guides can find him!! :)) Looking forward to meeting you again in the future!
Lance M.
“Great Dinner in Kyoto”
Our night in Kyoto was great. Did a little shopping before hand. Walked and saw some interesting streets. Then had a great dinner. Mari is nice to be around and we enjoyed the evening.
Mari I.
Thank you for your feedback, Lance! It was very nice dinner time with you!! I must say, Kyoto is the best place to learn Japanese food culture. I was also happy to show how Japanese people changed in the night after drinking too. :) Thank you so much!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Yasuhisa K.
I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
Yosshi S.
Thank you for visiting my page. I will guide you to the ancient capital cities with 1000 years of urban development and 100 years of filming and screening history. I grew up in Osaka, studied in Kyoto, and worked for 20 years as an urban planning expert for the national and local governments. During this time, I surveyed many community development sites throughout Japan. I welcomed business leaders to encourage investment in the cities. After quitting my career, I became a film-loving professional engineer. I visited unique cities in foreign countries to see urban planning and locations that appeared in picturesque film scenes and posted photos on social media (90 cities in 30 countries up to now). The more I saw foreign cities, the more I loved my hometown. I wanted to know about the travel industry and got a national license as a Guide-Interpreter and Travel Service Manager. I have started guiding based in the old capital cities. The entire area of old Osaka, Kyoto, and Nara has been a Metropolitan area centered on the Imperial Palace, and the actual location of the Palace has changed 15 times since the 7th century. This area has many historical spots and hidden attractions in different times and places: the townscape, temples, shrines, landscaped gardens, and historical drama locations (SAMURAI drama). I will create your favorite tour using my list, and guide you leisurely. I look forward to hearing from you.
