Yoriko

City of Kyoto Visitors Host

Language(s)	:	English
Expertise	:	Traditional industries, Food Culture
Qualification	:	Itinerary management supervisor

Hello! I’m a Kyoto native and certified tour guide with a deep passion for sharing the authentic charm of my hometown. After 17 years working as a university secretary and several years volunteering as a guide, I discovered my true passion—supporting others and bringing smiles to their faces.

Many travelers today seek to step away from the crowds and discover a more peaceful side of Kyoto. My tours are designed to introduce serene, lesser-known places—just beyond the popular sights, such as exquisite dry landscape and moss gardens, sacred shinto shrines, and local gems that offer a deeper connection to the city’s culture and nature. Some temples, normally closed to the public, open their gates only during spring and autumn.
Each season reveals a different expression of Kyoto’s beauty. I carefully suggest the best places to visit depending on the timing of cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and the subtle changes in nature.

I’d love to introduce you to these unique and peaceful places with you, and help you experience the quiet beauty and timeless spirit of Kyoto. Feel free to reach out with any questions or special requests!

Guide's Calendar

Reviews

3(5.0)

items per page:

Alastair Jaffray
2026-01-20
Yoriko showed my family around Kyoto and provided rich local information about this amazing city. Yoriko was able to present information in an accessible way that my teenagers could understand. It was fantastic to learn about Japanese culture through the eyes of a local and Yoriko answered all of our many questions.
We will be sure to book Yoriko for another tour when we return to Kyoto.

Anastasia
2025-12-10
Since we only had one full day in Kyoto, we decided to get the private tour, and it was the best decision! Our guide Yoriko made sure we visited all the memorable sites in one day! The tour was very well organized, and knowledgeable. Yoriko is a pleasure to be around, she is educated with the in-depth knowledge of history. She even made a special origami gift for my daughter's birthday, which was such a surprise and made her birthday so unforgettable. We feel like we have seen so much in a short period of time and made a mental note to come back to the rock garden that we all enjoyed. Thank you very much!!!

Rowan
2025-02-04
Kyoto is an increasingly busy city with huge numbers of visitors all year round. There are many "off the tourist trail" places to see that give you the real feel of Kyoto and its culture. I experienced a morning with Yoriko and found her very easy to be with, very friendly and very knowledgeable about Kyoto. Being with her enabled me to see not just the popular attractions but also the quieter parts of Kyoto, away from the crowds but just as beautiful and with her expertise, able to answer all your questions.