Mari I.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Languages
Japanese (Native), English, German
Response Time
13 hours on average
Availability Updated
4 days ago
Tour Categories
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
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.
Mari I. Japan Tour Reviews
“Wonderful Tour thanks to Mari!”
We had two excellenct days exploring Kyōto with Mari! She is so sweet, helpful and knows all about the Japanese history and Culture! Thank You Mari! 100% recommendation!
Mari I.
(35 reviews)Thank you for the wonderful reviews! Actually, I was listening to German news podcast and thinking about the time with you. :) I am so happy to meet you again and again in the future! Wieder, Vielen Dank!
“Marvelous Mari!”
Mari is an amazing guide. We used 5 different guides through go with guide over two weeks and Mari was our guide for Kyoto. She arranged a kimono experience, tea ceremony and shopping in Gion. Prior to our trip Mari communicated with us and confirmed our itinerary. The day of our tour she picked us up promptly at our hotel and we headed to the kimono rental. I really like the place she chose for the rental. It was very clean, the store associates were sweet and helped me pick out the right colors and accessories. After our family got dressed in kimonos we headed out into Gion and she took our pictures. She is a fabulous photographer!!! Seriously, her shots on my phone are all great. After pics we went to the tea ceremony. There were 8 of us at the ceremony, plenty of room to hear the hostess and see the demonstration. I learned a lot about the art of tea making and about matcha. We did some shopping in Gion. Mari was so patient with us as we looked in the stores. She also took us to her favorite ice cream place. I hope to return one day to Kyoto and if Mari is still giving tours I will book with her!
Mari I.
(35 reviews)Hi Gena! Thank you so much again for your review! I am very happy and I always look at the reviews to encourage myself! Kyoto is becoming hot and now I can tell you tried Kimono at the right timing ;) Whenever you have a chance to come back to Japan, or when your friends will come to Japan, please let me know anytime!! :) Thank you so much!
“Brilliant guide!”
Mari is the perfect guide to discover the magic of Kyoto! On two extensive half-day-tours she took us to see landmarks such as the Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Yasaka Pagoda as well as some enchanted places off the beaten track and the tourist crowds. She is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, kind and fun to be with. We had a lovely time exploring the city with her and getting a feel of it through special treats such as a tram ride, lunch in an excellent ramen restaurant or a peek into a lovely private garden. Thank you, Mari, for a delightful and memorable experience!
Mari I.
(35 reviews)Hi Siv!! Thank you so much for sharing the great time with me too. :) The both dates were indeed excellent. I enjoyed the talks with you both, it was memorable time for me too. Thank you soooo much again! Vielen Dank! Alles Gute! :)