Wise Choice – Private Tours with Government-Certified Guides

H

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01811
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,Architecture,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hello Everyone, My first name is Eiichi, but please just call me H for its simple and easy pronunciation. I was born and raised in Osaka, but during my business career I spent about 7 years in Chicago, and 5 years near Geneva, Switzerland.　While I was living in the US, I earned an MBA degree from Northern Illinois University. Since Geneva is a French native region, I studied French during that time and have a Level Pre-2 French Proficiency Test. The Kansai region where I live, centered around Nara, Kyoto, and Osaka, has a long and rich history. These regions have numerous historical monuments, reflecting the diverse historical backgrounds, architectural styles, and people’s lifestyles of the time. Each of these monuments has its own story, and I will accomodate with you in making your stay an unforgettable one, by sharing those stories, rather than simply viewing the buildings and scenery. I also spent four years as a student in Kanazawa, a wonderful city rich in history and traditional craftsmanship. I am more than happy to showing you around Kanazawa area as well. I always love traveling, and during my student days I toured all over the country with my motorcycle, visiting various famous tourist spots in Japan from Hokkaido to Kyusyu. I also visited various tourist spots in the United States and Europe with my family while stationed there. My favorites also include running and marathon races. So far, I completed 8 full marathons (42.195 Km) and the half marathons more than 20 times. Accordingly, I am also looking forward to enjoy walking during the tour with you.

Kaz

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN06414
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Architecture,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Trains,Art Crafts

Have you ever had such an experience when you hired a guide?　"Tell me more why that happen?" , "Show me how it connected to our current life?" I’m passionate about fulfilling your desire to know it more. Japan has nurtured its culture in an extremely unique environment that is rarely seen in the world. My tour is not only introduction of culture / history ,but also sharing “how do we live in what kind of way of thinking”. In addition to my expertise for Art, Beauty and Geoscience, my experience of R&D /marketing of skincare brand in Japanese cosmetic company and deep understanding the relationship between our way of living and climate as certified meteorologists will surely stimulate your intellectual curiosity. In recent 2 years, I have shared time with over 1,300 guests/300 groups. Examples of reviews are below. *This tour changed my life and made memories. I will remember forever (Honeymooner) *We loved seeing all the highlights, but what really made it special was you — your knowledge, kindness, and the way you shared everything with us. You made the experience easy, fun, and memorable, and we’re so grateful for all the time and care you gave us. Thanks again for everything! ( 3-generations family) *The personalized nature of the tour made it one of memorable experiences of my life (30’s couple) *Just totally outstanding. I have traveled the world for last 40 years and KAZ ranks number one and there is no way anyone can surpass him, just the best(70’s couple) *The attention and knowledge was unmatched. Book a tour by name again no questions asked and definitely recommended him for tours of all sizes if you want in a depth and personal tour (family with infants, kids) I will customize your timeline depending on your request/preference! Let’s get started!

Makiko

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00632
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Traditional Culture,Pop Culture,Art Crafts

I've been introducing wide variety of Japanese culture and beautiful scenery to guests as a professional guide since 2016. I have lived in Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo, and the US and traveled many different countries which deepen my curiosity about my own culture. Beside a tour guide, I work in an entertainment industry as an interpreter, coordinator, and production assistant for over 20 years. I’ve had opportunities working with many wonderful people including musicians, celebrities, and other professionals having an incredible talent, and I believe those unique experience made who I am now. I am a very cheerful person and strive to possess a profound knowledge of Japanese culture, especially about Kyoto, an ancient capital over 1000 years until 150 years ago. I love nature and appreciate traditional culture, so taking you to tranquil gardens and traditional craft studios, and experiencing Japanese culture (tea ceremony, pottery, cooking class, zen meditation and more!) are just some of activities that are available. I am a foodie and would be happy to take you a tour for yummy street food in my hometown, Osaka. I will try my best to make your trip in Japan memorable and unique and you can explore not only major sightseeing spots, but also local hidden gems and specialty shops, restaurants, or sake breweries. Having a local guide who will answer about Japanese culture and Japanese spirits without language problems will save your precious time and make your trip that much more special while you are in Japan. Looking forward to seeing you in Japan!

Sato_san

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00626
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History

Hello! I am a tour guide Sato_san. Sato is my last name and sugar is called "sato" in Japanese, so I am your sweet guide! I was born in Hong Kong and raised in Nara, Japan. After living in Japan and the US, I started working as a travel guide in 2016. As a nationally certified English Interpreter Guide and Nara prefecture-certified guide, I will guide you to highlights and little known spots in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Would you like to know Japanese history and culture, appreciate art, meet craftsman, eat local dishes, taste sake, walk in nature, feel local life, or look for a place to heal? Please tell me your wishes. I will be happy to arrange an itinerary to make your day even more special and memorable!

Yoshi

Guide Experience

20 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00131
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, there! My name is Yoshimi Nakao. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I worked for All Nippon Airways and Virgin Atlantic Airways as a flight attendant. When I worked as a cabin crew member for ANA, I lived in Osaka, and during my time with Virgin Atlantic, I lived in London. Customers often say to me, "You have a British accent, don't you?" I now work as a tour guide, an interpreter and an instructor for manners and etiquette. I have been working as a nationally licensed tour guide including for VIPs for more than 20 years since 2001. Since I live in Hiroshima, I mainly offer tours in and around western Japan. I sometimes work as an embarkation guide for cruise ships, covering various locations from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. For FIT (Foreign Independent Travelers), however, I mainly guide tourists around the attractions in Okayama, Hiroshima, and Yamaguchi prefectures. In addition to Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, one of the most requested destinations is Naoshima, the art island. For repeat visitors who have already been to the Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima, I recommend exploring the Seto Inland Sea, which offers numerous scenic spots to enjoy. I truly love Japan, the country where I was born and raised. I hope everyone visiting Japan will come to love it as much as I do. With the perspective of a guide who travels across the nation, I am committed to showcasing the charm of Japan. Why don't you join me to make your stay in Japan one of a kind and a once in a lifetime experience?

Uiko

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00435

Expertise

Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Architecture,Japanese History,Art Crafts

Hello! I'm Uiko. I was born in the east part of Hiroshima Prefecture and raised in Hiroshima City which is a symbol of peace and Matsuyama City, Ehime Prefecture which is famous for haiku poetry and one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. The Shimanami Road bridges these two prefectures between Onomichi and Imabari connecting small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. I have almost four decades of teaching experience at middle school in Hiroshima. Younger generations across Japan have been enthusiastic about building peace. They tour Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, listen to testimonies of A-Bomb survivors or their family members before writing their report. So do Hiroshima kids. My former students visited Nagasaki as well. They chose their topic in advance, explored Nagasaki and took a HIBAKUSHA's lecture during their stay, and then gave a speech or did a poster session. Through all activities both in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, students faced their inner self and recognized their mission- "Contribution to a Better World". Their spiritual growth brought me profound joy and encouraged my introspection, "What's my mission?"- "The same." That inspiration led me to be your guide. I am so grateful to all my students. I love music and have been practicing the piano. My favorite composer is Johann Sebastian Bach. At the Cenotaph in the Park, I sometimes hear Bach's AIR inside my head. Some can hear John's IMAGINE. School kid's chorus. Summer cicadas. Or silence - the most solemn one. Here in Hiroshima, I believe your original music can resonate with the world. Through touring Hiroshima's two UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites, I would like to share Miyajima's natural beauty and Hiroshima's sincere hope for world peace with you. Adding to them, Hiroshima Prefecture has a number of hidden gems all over the place. I wish I could guide you to such marvelous areas someday. I am looking forward to seeing you!

Hiromi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN05978
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

I currently live near the Sumida River in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. I have lived in the United States for 10 years and in China for 2 years due to my husband's work. In particular, I obtained a Teaching English as a Second Language certificate from UCI Extension in the United States. I aim to be a relaxed and fun guide. I would like to introduce a variety of experiences, such as traditional and modern, high places and waterside, lively places and quiet places. As for food, I am very careful about food safety because my mother has a wheat allergy. I also love introducing delicious food. I would be happy if my guests could fully enjoy their visit to Japan.

Hiroshi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00118
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

FOOD,ART,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hi welcome to Japan! A lot of wonderful experiences would be waiting for you which would remain deep in your heart. I am Hiroshi Kawagoe, a tour guide in English certified by Japanese government. Please call me Hiroshi. I am passionate to introduce my country by considering your own interests and tastes. So I am committed to your enhancing unique and excellent memories in Japan. I hope it doesn’t sound arrogant, but I am always flexible and resourceful to meet your demand. Your requests on the site would be greatly appreciated, My pleasure as a tour guide is contribution to your making unforgettable memories in Japan and sharing them with you which would remain deep in our hearts. I was born and brought up in Nagoya city which is well known as an industrial city, Toyota automobile is headquartered in this area. Now I am living in the vicinity of Nagoya city. When it comes to Nagoya, many people would be reminded of Nagoya castle. Three big men, famous samurai rulers across Japan in samurai era, all come from this area. Besides appreciation of authentic samurai remnants, you can find various kinds of attractive spots in this area. I am willing to show you around some off the beaten spots which are not well known among travelers, commoners. As for Kyoto, I had been living in Kyoto for five years and now am enjoying showing many guests around Kyoto, so I have much knowledge about the old capital, where old traditions still remain and you can find authentic traditional, sophisticated settings so unique and attractive! You are my guest, so you are special, I am ready to serve you with bringing something special for you. Very excited at serving you as a tour-guide for your having a wonderful time during your tour and also in your recollections. Always waiting for you!! Thank you!!

Mickey

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00116

Expertise

Japanese Garden,Sake,ART,Wine,Pop Culture,Shopping

Hello and welcome, I’m Miki, born and raised in Kagawa, Japan where I developed a deep appreciation for both traditional culture and everyday local life. Before getting married, I worked as a junior high school science teacher, specializing in physics. Teaching young students helped me learn how to explain complex ideas clearly, patiently and in engaging way-skills that continue to support my work as a guide today. After marriage, I spent six years living in Germany. This experience had a profound impact on my life as a foreign resident, navigate cultural differences firsthand, and better understand the perspectives, expectations, and concerns of international visitors to Japan. It also strengthened my ability to communicate across cultures with empathy and flexibility. I am a passionate dog lover, and animals-especially dogs-have always been an important part of my life. I believe that this affection reflects my warm and friendly personality, which I bring to every tour. My guiding motto is inspired by the Japanese saying “Warau kado niwa fuku kitaru. “Good fortune comes to those who smile” I strongly believe that a smile opens hearts, and creates trust, and turns travel experiences into lasting memories. As a guide, my goal is not only to provide historical facts and cultural explanations but also to share the spirit of Japan through meaningful human connection. I enjoy tailoring each tour to my guests’ interests and walking together as we discover differences and similarities between cultures. I would be delighted to share joyful moments, laughter, and new perspectives with you while enjoying a truly enriching cross-cultural experience together.

KeiKay

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Shiga,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00249
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping

Hi, everyone. My name is Kaori Kuzuhara. Call me KK! I live in Nishinomiya city in the vicinity of Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Himeji which is called Kansai. I’m a national government licensed tourist guide 2014- and enjoying taking guests from overseas to the best places in Kansai. My specialty is the friendliness and has bread knowledge about religion, culture, and behind- the-scenes stories. Let’s have a quality experience with me and go like a local ,which is only possible with a guide who loves the area. I will show you hidden gems in Kansai. Let’s dive into the deep Japan with me together! Your local friend, KK

Fumi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00160
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Traditional Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I am Fumi. I live in Kyoto and try to provide comfortable tours tailored to the travel style of clients. I do more than 200 tours annually in Western Japan. I have a passion for travel, both domestically and internationally. As a child, I had numerous opportunities to travel across various parts of Japan with family and my father's business partners. This allowed me to discover the joy of travelling to unfamiliar places, unknown local food, and chance encounters with new people. I am also interested in ancient Japanese culture. Influenced by my parents and aunt, who were Noh performers, I became interested in Noh and other traditional performing arts. In school, I had a keen interest in cross-cultural communication and felt the need to learn English. I passed English Proficiency Test Grade 1 with a high score and was invited to an award ceremony for outstanding achievement. Before becoming a guide, I worked as a teacher at a language school and as a training officer, but a friend working in the tourism industry invited me to work at international events for overseas guests, saying, 'you are suited to work in travel. I eventually qualified as a chief itinerary manager in 2003. Inspired by my aunt, who was an interpreter-guide in both English and French, I became a licensed interpreter-guide in 2014, making my professional debut a month later. Since 2015, I have been working primarily on luxury tours. Hobbies: exploring local cuisine, going to the gym, watching stage performances, and strolling through the city.

Remi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00217
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Traditional Culture

Welcome to Japan! I feel very fortunate & grateful to be able to meet wonderful people from all over the world. I'd be happy to do anything for you to make special & unforgettable memories in Japan! I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I have learned a lot about the history of Hiroshima & met many survivors. It would be wonderful if I could share my experiences with you. Also, I live just 10 minutes away from the island of Miyajima. We love Miyajima Island and often visit there to attend festivals and rituals. There are so many beautiful places on the island, including great 'locals’ favorites'! It's my greatest pleasure to show you around my hometown. Let me show you our favorite restaurants as well! I am flexible. I love meeting people. I enjoy cooking, especially Okonomiyaki (Hiroshima's specialty)! I used to be a schoolteacher & mother of two children. I got the National Tour Guide & Interpreter license in 2010. Since then, I have experienced many tours including FITs from varieties of countries, special needs individuals, Cruise ship offshore tours or School Trips. It’s been SO wonderful, and they are all unforgettable memories! I'm really looking forward to meeting you!! Arigatou gozaimasu

Kay Hagino

Guide Experience

20 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00045
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Castle,Japanese Garden,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hello! This is Kay! I have been guiding my guests around Kanazawa and its neighborhood since 2014. Let me tell you how I started. One day, I met a man who said, “Kay, it seems you really like your hometown because you are so passionate when you talk about it. Since you speak good English, why don’t you guide around people? I am sure they are going to enjoy it, and so will you.” I got hooked at the suggestion of this man, now my husband, and he was right. It brings me such joy to see my guests beam at those Aha moments when they connect the dots. So why don’t you extend your travel plan to include Kanazawa, a town full of history, art, and culture—where you will enjoy connecting these dots with its neighborhoods? And when you do so, please let me assist you in enjoying the time to its fullest!

TK

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00557

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Trains,Shopping

Hi there! My name is Tetsuya KAWABATA, a government certified interpreter and guide. I was born and raised in Shiga Prefecture, 8 miles or 14 km east of Kyoto. I spent seven years of high school and college in Kyoto, Japan. I worked for a company in Osaka for over 30 years before becoming an interpreter-guide. Additionally, I am well versed in the history and local information of Kobe, Nara, and Wakayama. The Kansai region, especially Kyoto, Nara, and Shiga, is the motherland of Japanese history; it has always been the center stage of Japanese history for over 2600 years. In addition, I can take you on tours that not only introduce you to Japan's ancient and traditional cultural treasures and wonderful experiences, but also give you a glimpse into the future. For the foodies among you, we offer plenty of choices, from the most exquisite gastronomic restaurants to casual eateries beloved by the locals. Come join me for a great trip!

Yuri

Guide Experience

Less than 5 years

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01509
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Welcome to Japan! And thank you for visiting my country, far-eastern islands all the way from your country. I’m Yuri. As a kimono shop owner since 2005, which has traded worldwide, I have been dedicated to introduce Japanese culture. It has been a great pleasure of mine to explore and share the cultural differences and similarities in the world. Not only I guide you in wonderful sites here, but also I would love to share a real life in Japan. I am a mother of 2 young-adult daughters and I love dancing, especially pair dancing such as ballroom dancing, Salsa, Bachata and so. We spend only 1 day together in our life in Japan, but it will be a fun day. As an Osaka person, I love laughing together – Osaka is famous for comedy. If you can take me as a 1-day local travel companion, I’m sure you will feel more at home than a tourist in a new place. See you soon!

Michi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00344
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hi. I'm Michi, a National Licensed tour guide in English. I would like to introduce many faces and charms of Japan and make your stay in Japan more fascinating and satisfying. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. My first English tour was as a volunteer guide for visitors to my school when I was a junior high school student. It gave me a great opportunity to study about the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. I spent all my life in Hiroshima except 6 years; 1 year in the UK when I was a student and 5 years working in Singapore and Malaysia. During this period I have enjoyed meeting and talking with people from different cultural backgrounds. These experiences encouraged me to be a licensed tour guide. I am also an official 'A-bomb legacy successor' designated by the City of Hiroshima, a memory keeper of the A-bomb survivors. I would like to introduce you to the a-bomb legacies that are still existing in the city and the stories under the mushroom cloud. I also would like to share time with you on a historic island, Miyajima. There is one of the most famous Shinto shrines, the Itsukushima Shrine. There we can share an enjoyable time by exploring a sacred atmosphere, tradition, nature, food, etc. Let me support your stay in Japan and I look forward to showing you the best of Japan! Hope to see you soon! With lots of love, Michi

Tom Yoshida

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01586
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Trains

Hi there, I am Tom Yoshida, the guide that a Five-star hotel in Kyoto requests as a priority, National Certified Tour Guide, Certified Domestic Travel Services Manager and Certified “Tea Sommelier” by Kyoto Prefecture. I have experience guiding a variety of patterns, from individual travelers to groups, from day trips to 3 weeks in duration, and from Tokyo to Hiroshima in site. For private guiding in Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara, I have requests from several hotel concierges as well as travel agencies. In addition, I accommodate more than just sightseeing. For example, model shoots for clothing brands and hiking tours. I live in Kyoto for 30 years, so I can guide travelers to every corner of the city. I also lived in Osaka for 20 years. I became a businessman and stayed in the U.S. for five years and in Germany for a half year. Because, I traveled backpacking through Europe when I was a student. It was a sightseeing trip and I was not happy with just looking from the outside. After that, I wanted to get into Western society. Now I would like to push you to enter Japanese culture. For example, in Kyoto, where I live, there are many historical Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. I would like to make Buddhism and Shintoism easier to understand rather than simply show them to you. My sports are cycling, hiking, skiing and marathon running. My other hobbies are trains and the visiting of ramen restaurants. After finishing my bachelor's degree in science and engineering, I used to work as a designer and marketer for a manufacturing equipment manufacturer, so I am also very happy to do industrial tours.

Yuki

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Kanazawa,Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01165
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Sake,ART,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hello! My name is Lee Yukiko. Please call me Yuki. I was born in Hiroshima Prefecture. I have been living in Hyogo prefecture (next to Osaka) more than thirty years. I am cheerful and friendly, and I really love meeting people. I had many guests like celebrities, politicians, CEOs, artists and so on. I am capable of guiding whoever you are. You would definately have a wonderful time if you picked me as a guide. I have a license of Japanese dancing and flower arrangement. I like classical ballet, Kimono, Japanese culture, theater going, like Kabuki. I like meeting new people and want to help you have a wonderful trip in Japan. I’m a Kodo (the way of incense) Master. Kodo is a traditional Japanese culture to appreciate the incense wood of more than 100 years old. It is quite authentic and esthetic culture that Japan can boast. Though, the number of people who enjoy this interesting culture is decreasing in Japan. I’d like to introduce this quite a unique culture as many people as possible. Why don't you try this unique and authentic Japanese culture? [Places to guide] I’m good at arranging a special trip according to your request. Please tell me your interests and favorites. I’ll arrange the best trip only for you. I mainly guide Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, Himeji, Kanazawa, Naoshima. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Noko

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Hiroshima,Shiga,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00314
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Japanese Garden,ART,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, my name is Noriko, but you can call me Noko. As a native of Kyoto, I have always been close to events, landscapes, and everyday scenery of Kyoto. I spent a year in a small town in Arkansas, U.S.A. as an exchange student. Living there with no one from a similar background gave me a flexible perspective from a young age. Since then, I have been interested in how people communicate with each other from different cultural backgrounds. I joined an international enterprise and learned to work with people from different countries. I became a National Guide/Interpreter in 2015 to share my love for Japanese art, crafts, food, and nature with my guests. After completing the courses for the City of Kyoto Visitor's Host, I came to believe that it is my mission to re-discover the hidden gems of Kyoto and shed light on them. Why not find out a surprise not written in your guidebook with me?

Rue

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00342
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Art Crafts

Hi, I’m Rue (Kaoru), a nationally certified tour guide and an easy-going host who loves creating a relaxed, fun atmosphere with light jokes and personal touches. My goal is to make your tour memorable and tailored to your interests – whether it’s history, culture, or a laid-back journey. I specialize in Hiroshima, sharing its rich history, including the atomic bombing, through thoughtful conversations. I graduated from the University of Oregon in the U.S. and have traveled to 15 countries, which helps me connect easily with international guests. I’ve also visited most of Japan’s major tourist spots, so I’m happy to share insights and ideas for your next trip. Let’s make unforgettable memories together! Take care and see you soon, Rue (Kaoru)