/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/50464.jpg)
Joined 2018
Mari I.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living)
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
10 hours on average
Availability Updated
4 days ago
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2720/64667.jpg)
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 - A Tailor-Made experience for you
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2752/144177.jpg)
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 - Calligraphy Workshop & Half-day Kyoto Tour
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/tours/2755/86692.jpg)
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.
KYOTO - A Tailor-Made dining experience for you
Reviews
Fernand M.
“Kyoto experience with Mari”
Hello Rika, We were overwhelmed by your energy and enthusiasm. You were very flexible in responding to our wishes. You showed us Kyoto from its most beautiful side. We really enjoyed walking through the streets with you and experiencing the most beautiful places in Kyoto. Thank you Mari. Best regards from Luxembourg
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/50464.jpg)
Mari I.
I am sorry for my late reply! I have been busy with tours and family issues. Thank you so much again for the great time! I am happy to receive your comment!! :) You and your family gave me good energy to me too! I really like the picture we took at a classroom too. I always look back the happy pictures you took when I feel down! Thank you so much again!
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.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/50464.jpg)
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
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/160x160/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/50464.jpg)
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!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/89647/0498649b-93b6-4f34-ba50-a77aad8099f7.png)
Niko T.
KONNICHIWA!! I’m Niko! I’ve lived in Australia and worked at the Osaka Expo 2025. Through those experiences, I met people from all over the world — we hung out together, and I loved taking them to hidden local spots that tourists usually don’t find, like cozy cafés, local restaurants, and beautiful nature spots. I’m a very friendly person who loves learning new things. I enjoy not only sharing unique and lesser-known sides of Japan, but also hearing stories about your country and anything you’d like to talk about! I’m a big FOODIE! (Please go to my galleries!) Please let me make you try my favorite Japanese foods!! I also love taking a pictures and will always bring my camera with me, , so I can take beautiful photos of you during the tour — and you’ll get them on the spot as a little gift ! Providing warm hospitality to people is truly my joy. You won’t regret joining my tour — I promise! Can’t wait to meet you soon!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/72153/fd80eadc-3b71-477e-917c-1c4924bd4a5a.png)
Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page! I’m Michiko, a local guide born and raised in Kyoto. I love meeting people from around the world and sharing the spirit of Japanese hospitality.and I love fun things! I went to the UK to watch musicals, and recently I spent a year living in Thailand — experiences that deepened my love for art, culture, and people. Besides guiding, I also work in theater and performance art, creating unique shows in shop windows! Let’s explore Kyoto together and find its heart — the beauty, people, and stories that make it special! with BIGLOVE!
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/80466/d66e7dc5-1de8-450c-af34-0b31639b7a1e.png)
Akira F.
Hello, my name is Akira , and I am a private guide based in Kyoto. I specialize in creating customized tours that are tailored to your interests and travel style. Kyoto is a city rich in history, culture, and hidden beauty, and I would love to share its charm with you. Whether you are interested in famous landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, exploring peaceful temples and gardens, or discovering local food and traditions, I will design a unique itinerary just for you. My goal is to make your time in Kyoto not only enjoyable, but also meaningful and memorable. I look forward to guiding you and helping you experience Kyoto like a local.
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/480x480/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/69610/c49801c3-752f-4733-905c-f0c443200719.png)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86790.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86802.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86801.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86800.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86798.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86793.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86804.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86795.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86788.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86799.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86786.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86781.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86796.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86803.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86797.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86791.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/68133.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86794.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86792.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86785.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86787.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86780.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86783.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/68131.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/86782.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/68132.jpg)
/filters:strip_exif()/fit-in/1024x1024/filters:quality(50)/gowithguide/profiles/9918/68134.jpg)