- City of Kyoto Visitors Host -

March

Nice to meet you!
I am a full-time, nationally licensed interpreter-guide currently based in Kyoto.

After graduating from university, I spent nearly 20 years working with a major travel company and a leading IT firm. During this time, I was extensively involved in all aspects of the travel industry, including tour planning and operations, marketing, management of major online travel agencies (OTAs), and content development in collaboration with local governments. I am a true travel professional.　

In my twenties, I had the opportunity to accompany group tours throughout all 47 prefectures of Japan.
This experience became one of the greatest assets of my life.
I quickly fell in love with Japan’s diverse food culture, the beauty of its nature and four seasons, and the rich traditions and stories unique to each region.

Inspired by these formative experiences, my passion—and life’s work—is to rediscover both the timeless and the evolving charms of each region together with guests from around the world, and to share those moments of inspiration and discovery.

【Guide Services】
I primarily offer guiding services in the Kansai region (Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka), and can also guide in Kanazawa, Hiroshima, Mount Koya, Himeji Castle, Takayama, Shirakawa-go, and more. As a Tokyo native, I am also very familiar with Tokyo and its surrounding areas.

I welcome inquiries for multi-day and multi-destination itineraries,—please feel free to consult with me.
Families with children are very welcome. I also enjoy hiking, so outdoor and nature-based tours are available as well.

【My Expertise】
While I may not speak perfect, native-level English, I specialize in the following areas and take pride in delivering engaging and thoughtful guidance:

1. Japanese Gardens & Tea Culture
I am a devoted lover of Japanese gardens and have been visiting temple and shrine gardens in Kyoto since my twenties—covering everything from iconic sites to hidden gems. I can introduce you to quiet, uncrowded gardens that remain untouched by overtourism.
I am also passionate about tea and matcha, and happily recommend tea plantation visits and matcha-focused culinary experiences.

2. For Food Lovers
I love eating and discovering great restaurants. Whether in Kyoto or elsewhere in Japan, if you want to fully enjoy local cuisine, let’s explore together.
*Gluten-free, vegetarian, and halal-friendly options are no problem.

3. Seamless Japan-wide Travel Advice
Having visited Japan’s major destinations multiple times, I can seamlessly recommend sightseeing highlights, local specialties, and regional cuisine for travelers touring multiple regions. In addition to Kyoto, I am happy to assist with itinerary planning across Japan.

【Additional Information】
・I have traveled to approximately 25 countries abroad and am an avid traveler both professionally and personally.
・I work as an international guide for approximately 150 days per year.

★Availability
Please feel free to contact me through this website first.
Even on dates marked as △, I am often able to accommodate tours, so do not hesitate to inquire!