- City of Kyoto Visitors Host -

Tomoko I.

A product of the globalization: Besides the three decades of living in Japan, I’ve lived in the UK (5 1/2 years) and Malaysia (2 years) as a child, and the US (4 years) as a college student.

Since my foundational years were spent living abroad, I was not able to fully appreciate the abundant traditions and culture that make up Kyoto until relatively recently. Now, I see that the temples, shrines, and landscapes that make up the city aren’t just “old boring stuff”, but embody the powerful history of Kyoto and Japan. It is what our predecessors created and I am here to bring it back to life through the guiding profession.

I am currently a cycling tour guide at Kyoto Cycling Tour Project and an official tour guide of Nijojo Castle.

In my free time, you will find me taking long walks along the Kamo river, salivating over Japanese sweets, and visiting art museums.

Now that you know a little bit about me, please tell me about yourself! Let’s connect!