Wise Choice – Private Tours with Government-Certified Guides

Masahiro

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Okayama

Languages

English,Italian

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00436
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,FOOD,Japanese History

I am a certified professional guide with national qualifications in both English and Italian. I am also fluent in Spanish. My goal is to create a welcoming and enjoyable experience for every guest, always keeping their comfort and satisfaction in mind. At the same time, I prioritize safety to ensure a secure and worry-free journey. I pride myself on adapting quickly and effectively to unexpected situations, providing everyone a seamless and pleasant experience. I was born and raised in Hiroshima. I am the third generation of atomic bomb survivors, and I would like to help you learn about what happened here on August 6, 1945. I also would like you to feel how important peace is. At the same time, your smile and satisfaction are my pleasure. I will do my best to make your trip the best one. Hope to see you soon.

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!!

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!

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)

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.

Eriko

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00100
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Japanese Garden,Sake,FOOD,Traditional Culture,Textile,Pottery,Pop Culture,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hi! My name is Eriko. I live in Okayama and have enjoyed guiding tourists and doing interpreting jobs for guests from all over the world for about 20 years in total. I used to work as a registered nurse in the ward of cardiovascular disease at a general hospital. Then I stayed in U.S. to study and do an internship program for seven months. Now I am an interpreter guide and also a peach farmer working with my husband, especially in summer. My hometown Okayama is peaceful countryside called "Land of Sunshine" and "Fruit Kingdom" that produces high-quality fruits like white peaches and grapes. Okayama is not a big city, but I love to feel peaceful and comfortable being surrounded by nature, orchards, farms and traditional attractions like Okayama Castle, Japanese famous beautiful Korakuen Garden and Kurashiki Bikan Area. In addition to Okayama, I also guide tourists around neighboring area: popular Art Islands in the Seto Inland Sea; Naoshima and Teshima and historical World Heritage sites; Hiroshima and Miyajima. I am excited to guide you to fascinating destinations around Okayama as well as bring you to Japanese authentic local life! Let's explore and have fun in Japan with me! Eriko

Mie

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00241
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,Architecture,Japanese History,Traditional Culture

Hi, this is Mie, a professional tour guide in Hiroshima. Born and raised in Hiroshima, I’ve been seeing this city's change and development, and I have many stories to share with you not only from the guidebooks. I am a nature lover, traveling inside and outside of Japan mainly for mountain climbing and taking photos of nature. Since I majored in Japanese literature and history in college, I have deep knowledge of Japanese culture, history, religion, and architecture. Working as a professional tour guide, interpreter, and training coordinator for some international institutions to support foreign students and researchers in Japanese universities, I love to meet many people worldwide. I am looking forward to seeing you soon!!

Yumi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00238
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Architecture,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

I’m Yumi, born and raised up in Hiroshima, deep knowledge of the area around the city of Hiroshima in every corner including 2 big spots such as Peace Park and Miyajima (Miyajima Certification Gold). At Peace Park, I sincerely share my knowledge and help you think about peace and have a meaningful time. Half-day tours of Peace Park are available. On Miyajima, you are invited to unravel the history of the relationship between Buddhism and Shintoism in Japan and at the same time enjoy the mysterious atmosphere of the unique nature island, the Shrine and the Otorii Gate (Grand Gate) built over the sea. My greatest strength is my curiosity. Curiosity has led to a wealth of topics and a wide range of information gathering skills. I hope we can have a nice chat. I love to read, almost a print addict. Touring cafes with friends and looking for delicious food and watercolor painting are my hobby, I like the time I spend coloring and love the feeling of art.　 I feel that it is my mission to guide you who choose Hiroshima as your destination of choice. I look forward to meeting you. Area of expertise ･Knowledge about the history and culture ･Knowledgeable to Museums, artistic buildings in Hiroshima ･Supportive to look for good restaurants, delicious food or special things to buy Qualifications ･STEP 1st grade in English ･National Guide Certificate ･Itinerary control manager (Travel Service Supervisor) ･ICM(International Society of Clinical Medicine) Certified Medical Interpreter

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.

Mick

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00111
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

FOOD,ART,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I'm Miyoko. I was born in Tamano city, Okayama prefecture, which is close to the Seto Inland Sea, a.k.a. Setouchi. Setouchi has over 3000 islands and its beauty has been cherished for a long time, and it also has been an important sea route from and to the Asian continent for culture, technology, goods and people for thousands of years. Nowadays, it is really popular and famous for its art islands, especially Naoshima. Kurashiki city, where I live now, has a shrine which dates back to 1700 years ago, and traditional merchants' streets. In Okayama city, I can show you around Korakuen garden, which is one of the best three Japanese gardens in Japan. I hope you will have a wonderful time in these places indulging in art, nature, culture, architecture and history.

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?

Rumiko, Sunshine

（1）

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

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

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00067
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

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

Hello, I'm Sunshine! Growing up in a family deeply devoted to traditional Japanese cultures, such as classical dancing and Kabuki, I have been immersed in the rich heritage that defines this captivating land. Moreover, my professional background includes extensive training in high-end hospitality and presentation skills from diverse corporate environments, ranging from a publishing company to an advertising agency and an engineering firm. As a result, I've developed a unique blend of traditional charm and modern finesse. During our tour, I am thrilled to share with you the historical and traditional aspects of the cities we'll explore and the excitement of new cultures and cutting-edge technologies that define contemporary Japan. With a dash of theatrics, I may even step into the shoes of historical figures, offering you an intimate glimpse into their lives and stories. As we venture together, I will reveal hidden corners and historical gems that might otherwise go unnoticed, creating countless "Wow-moments" that will stay with you for a lifetime. It is my genuine desire to ensure you experience the true essence of Japan, immersing you in its past, present, and future. So, get ready to embark on a truly unforgettable adventure with me. I can't wait to meet all of you and make this journey genuinely extraordinary!

Yosshi

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Tokyo

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN04316
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery

My career as a tour guide began as a volunteer guide at the Edo Tokyo Museum located next to the Sumo Stadium. The experience at the museum gave me a good opportunity to learn deeply about Japan's history and culture. In addition, these experiences ultimately taught me the joy of guiding. I am passionate about sharing my experience and knowledge gained through my work with my guests. MY interest is not only the history but also Japan's traditional crafts like pottery,lacquer wear,wooden carvings, Bonsai, the way of tea, contemporary art, Buddha statues and so on.

Ellie

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Area

Okayama,Seto Inland Sea,Kagawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00124
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

I'm a licensed tour guide with expertise in English. I take joy in not only sharing Japan's history and culture with my guests but also in exchanging stories about my family and hearing about their own experiences. Creating moments where visitors to Japan can smile and have a great time is what I strive for as a guide. I am particularly interested in art and architecture. I also enjoy sharing information with my guests about local shrines that are not heavily touristic but cherished by locals and beloved dining spots that locals frequent. I look forward to sharing these hidden gems and enriching your visit to Japan.

Yuki Nozaki

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kanazawa

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00031
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

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

Hello, I’m Yuki. I live in Kanazawa. I was born and raised in Kanazawa. Kanazawa is a city full of seasonal charm, surrounded by the blessing of the sea and mountains, and a fusion of the new and the old, such as traditional crafts and contemporary art, multi-course meals and creative cuisine. As a castle town, Kanazawa is also an indispensable place to talk about samurai culture and history in Japan. I love history of my country. I love the crafts and the artisans who make them. It is my mission as a guide to introduce you to the history that still lives in this city, the crafts that have become art, and the aspirations of the craftsmen who create them. And of course, I love to eat! Kanazawa is a city of food! I will introduce you to a lot of delicious foods. My greatest strength is flexibility. When traveling, things often don’t go as planned for various reasons. But no matter the situation, I am here to help you make your journey the best it can be. Japan is a country of respect, courtesy, honesty and harmony. I would like to share these wonderful spirits with you.

Miyu

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00262
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

World Heritage,Japanese History

My name is Miyu. I am a guide born and raised in Hiroshima. I am honored to share the preciousness of peace with all of you coming to Hiroshima. I worked for the Hiroshima Prefectural Government as a public servant for nearly 40 years and was involved in implementing supporting programs for A-bomb survivors for 12 years before retiring. During that time, I heard various stories directly from A-bomb survivors. I have also deepened my knowledge of the effects of radiation on human health and have been involved in activities to contribute to medical care for radiation-exposed people around the world. I feel privileged to guide you to the A-bomb Dome, Peace Park, and Peace Memorial Museum and share my experiences. Let's also enjoy a trip to Miyajima, the Island of God. You will be refreshed by the scenic beauty of the deep green of the ancient forest, the blue of the Seto Inland Sea, and the vermilion of the Otorii gate. As for Japanese culture, I sometimes demonstrate tea ceremony as an attraction at international conferences held in Hiroshima. I also have experience in calligraphy and the art of flower arrangement. My hobbies are skiing and playing the harp. Regarding spectator sports, I am a baseball fanatic and sometimes get into the baseball talk with my guests. I am serving as a medical interpreter occasionally. I look forward to welcoming you to the beautiful city of Hiroshima.

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.

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!

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!

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?