Wise Choice – Private Tours with Government-Certified Guides

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.

Hank

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01456
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Shopping

Hello! My name is Hiroshi Fujii, a tour guide in English since 2020. Please call me Hank. I got this nickname in United State. I have been five years in Chicago, near O’Hare Airport. When I was school days, I traveled one year Mexico and South America with backpacking. I love travel. After graduation, I joined machine parts company that I wanted to work at foreign countries. Fortunately, I have been 11 years in Germany, 5 years in USA, and 3 years in Brazil as a business. I had a very warm communication with local people and wonderful experience during my stays in foreign countries. Therefore, I came to want to be a tour guide, so that I would like to assist you to have an unforgettable experience of Japanese culture and interaction with local people during your stays in Japan. I love my job guiding and to interact with you. As a hobby, I love running. I run every weekend and marathon twice a year. I was born and raised in Nara in the vicinity of Kyoto and Osaka. It is famous for great Buddha and lots of deer. I have two sons; my elder son was born in Germany, and he is just married last year. Now my wife and I live in our hometown Nara. During our tour, I would like to be a representative of Japanese people for you. You can ask me anything related Japanese culture and life. I can explain you using my own history and experience. If you have a special interest, please let me know. I am confident that you will have a unforgettable experience with me as your guide. I am looking forward to seeing you soon in Japan!

Nori

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN01710
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Japanese Garden,Japanese History

I was born in Kyoto. When I was a child, I lived in Tokyo for eight years. After that I returned to Kyoto. Many visitors are interested in Kyoto and I know the city of Kyoto well. I know off-the-beaten-truck places as well as must-see-spots. I visited New Zealand for three weeks and during my time there I had an opportunity to assist a teacher to educate her students in Japanese culture such as the Japanese tea ceremony, how to wear a yukata which is a cotton kimono and teaching calligraphy. The students' eyes were shining with excitement as they became involved in Japanese culture. It made me feel that I needed to study Japan and its culture more deeply. This experience led me to become a tour guide. I not only enjoy being a tour guide but also like to interact with people. I feel happy when I see visitors enjoying various aspects of Japan and Japanese life. I am interested in history, Buddhism, Shintoism, gardens. I also enjoy reading books, participating in yoga, practicing meditation. and a variety of other subjects. If I can help you to enjoy Japan more, it will be my great pleasure.

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.

Kay Kondo

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Hiroshima,Seto Inland Sea

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00282
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,World Heritage,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pop Culture,Shopping

I hope this message finds you well and full of excitement for your upcoming journey to Hiroshima! My name is Kay, and I am thrilled to be your designated tour guide for this adventure. As a guide deeply passionate about the rich history, culture, and natural beauty of this area, I am eager to share these experiences with you. With nearly 10 years of experience as a tour guide, I’ve had the pleasure of welcoming guests from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and interests. Whether this is your first-time visiting Hiroshima or you’re returning to explore it more deeply, my goal is to provide you with an enriching and memorable experience. Our itinerary will take us through some of the most iconic landmarks, as well as a few hidden gems that only locals know about. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient architecture, indulging in the local cuisine, or learning about the fascinating history that has shaped this place, I am here to tailor the tour to your interests. My aim is to not only guide you but also to connect you with the heart and soul of Hiroshima. Before we begin our tour, feel free to share with me any specific interests or special requests you might have. Whether it’s a particular site you’re eager to visit, a type of cuisine you’re curious to try, or even a story you’ve heard about this place that you’d like to explore further, your input will help me craft an experience that is uniquely suited to you. I look forward to meeting you in person and sharing in the discovery of all that this incredible place has to offer. If you have any questions before your arrival, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Until then, I wish you safe travels and eagerly await the opportunity to guide you on what promises to be an unforgettable journey. Warm regards, Kay

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.

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.

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

Hiro

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Himeji,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00297
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Traditional Culture,Trains

Konnichiwa! I am Hiro and your Hero guide in Japan. Is your upcoming trip a commemorative trip for you or a loved one? Is it a fly-over holiday to reward yourself for all your hard work this season? Perhaps you have come to my country to spend some quiet time to reminisce? Either way, please, I hope you can relax and just focus on enjoying your holiday. I have been doing this job since 2015 and I believe that the most important things in this job are a heart of service and a sense of wonder. I am curious and caring and would be happy to help you spend your valuable time with me. My vector of curiosity goes in all directions but is particularly strong in both the old and new, including music, art, gardening, railways, animals, and animes. In the traditional arts, I am a certified player of tea ceremony, flower arrangement, and Koto (Japanese harp) player. I am waiting for many questions about them from you. On the other hand, I am a typical Japanese housewife. Every day I cook nutritious and balanced meals for my family of grown-up men, call my mother who lives alone in the countryside, and also do SNS to my daughter who enjoys Tokyo life, "Hey, when I was your age, I was already......" I must be an interesting guide for anyone interested in 'the real of the Japanese'. Let's enjoy seeing, hearing, experiencing, tasting, and having a chat with Hiro. I look forward to spending a wonderful day with you.

Emi

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

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

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00629
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Castle,Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Sake,Architecture,FOOD,ART,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping,Art Crafts

Hello, I’m Emi — a professional interpreter and licensed tour guide based in Kobe. With years of experience in cultural curation and guest support, I create personalized, seamless, and inspiring journeys across Japan. Whether you’re seeking hidden gems, iconic landmarks, or meaningful cultural encounters, I’ll craft a tour that fits your interests and brings Japan’s beauty to life. I look forward to guiding you through an unforgettable experience in this remarkable country.

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

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!

'Itchy' ICHI

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Shiga

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00328
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Wine

I am Ichi, born and grew up in Osaka, the vibrant commercial center of western Japan. I have been working as a professional tour guide since 2015. I would like to show you around my energetic, friendly city Osaka, but I can also take you to Kyoto and Nara, two neighoring ancient capital cities of Japan. In my youth, I lived in USA, UK and South Korea and traveled to more than 40 countries around the world. I believe the greatest pleasure of traveling is meeting new people who have different ways of thinking and lifestyles. I also used to run my own restaurant, and I am very much into food and drinks. And I can be flexible to your needs of the day. I hope to become a bridge for you to undestand Japan and Japanese people. Furthermore, I hope to become your first friend in Japan.

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.

Kanako

Guide Experience

5 years or more

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00070
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• Eiken Test in Practical English Proficiency Grade 1 (CFER C1 equivalent)
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Japanese Garden,World Heritage,Sake,FOOD,Japanese History,Traditional Culture,Pottery,Shopping

Hello! I’m Kanako, a government-licensed guide interpreter based in Kagoshima. I have spent most of my life here, except for one year in Germany and four years in Tokyo. I have a deep passion for nature, history, and local culture, and I especially enjoy exploring places off the beaten path and uncovering stories rarely found in guidebooks. With a background in school teaching, I present Kagoshima’s heritage in a clear and engaging way. I am also a certified Chiran Tea Ambassador. Chiran, in Kagoshima, is one of Japan’s leading tea-producing regions—something that may surprise many visitors. Through my guiding and tea expertise, I invite you to discover the history, nature, and everyday life of this unique region.

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?

ToshiGG

Guide Experience

10 years or more

Area

Kyoto,Osaka,Nara,Kobe,Himeji,Hiroshima

Languages

English

Qualifications

• National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter : EN00548
• Certified Itinerary Control Manager
• TOEIC 900 or above

Expertise

Shrine/Temple,FOOD,Japanese History,Shopping

Hello everyone. I'm Toshiaki Ohbayashi, a cheerful and talkative tour guide. I have been guiding small groups around Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Hiroshima, and other places in Japan since 2018, which has exceeded 500 days. My top priority as a guide is to be able to offer many options besides temples or shrines. such as Samurai and Ninja experiences. I'm also familiar with lunch restaurants and sweets shops. My nickname is GG, which means grandfather, as I have two grandchildren. I love being a GG, but I also love guiding. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your party soon. Let's have an amazing time with me!

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.

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.

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?