Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe
Japanese (Native), English, German
1 day on average
4 days ago
Hello everyone, welcome to Japan!
I am Mari, a tour guide in KYOTO with over 4 years of experience. I love discovering hidden gems in Japan, teaching foreign visitors calligraphy, and interacting with people from all around the world.
+++As a guide+++ I have conducted many tours to major sightseeing sites such as the UNESCO World Heritage temples and castles. I am also happy to show my favorite places and other locations off the beaten path, like where you can see the local craftsmen.
Thanks to my French husband, who is also a guide, I have learned a great deal about the points foreign tourists could contemplate the marvels of Japanese culture and developed my storytelling skills. I like to show my guests everything, with special focus on small details not written in guidebooks, and like to utilize anecdotes to help others understand Japanese culture.
In addition to my guiding services, I can also provide concierge services such as booking high-quality restaurants, special shows or activities, tea ceremonies, etc.
+++As a calligraphy teacher+++ I consider that calligraphy is not about writing with the complex Japanese "kanji" alphabet. Calligraphy is an art form which enables you to express your thoughts and relax your mood through your brush strokes and writing style. My workshops are a tailor-made experience. I also offer lessons for small children and provide an interactive experience for them. Best of all, workshops can be arranged to fit your schedule!
Please don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions about my lessons.
I am looking forward to discovering Japanese culture with you. :)
At this moment, I provide 4 hour-tour mainly. (starting at 9:30, and 10:00, 10:30 - finishing at 13:30, 14:00, 14:30, 15:00, and 15:30)
We had two excellenct days exploring Kyōto with Mari! She is so sweet, helpful and knows all about the Japanese history and Culture! Thank You Mari! 100% recommendation!
Thank you for the wonderful reviews! Actually, I was listening to German news podcast and thinking about the time with you. :) I am so happy to meet you again and again in the future! Wieder, Vielen Dank!
Mari is an amazing guide. We used 5 different guides through go with guide over two weeks and Mari was our guide for Kyoto. She arranged a kimono experience, tea ceremony and shopping in Gion. Prior to our trip Mari communicated with us and confirmed our itinerary. The day of our tour she picked us up promptly at our hotel and we headed to the kimono rental. I really like the place she chose for the rental. It was very clean, the store associates were sweet and helped me pick out the right colors and accessories. After our family got dressed in kimonos we headed out into Gion and she took our pictures. She is a fabulous photographer!!! Seriously, her shots on my phone are all great. After pics we went to the tea ceremony. There were 8 of us at the ceremony, plenty of room to hear the hostess and see the demonstration. I learned a lot about the art of tea making and about matcha. We did some shopping in Gion. Mari was so patient with us as we looked in the stores. She also took us to her favorite ice cream place. I hope to return one day to Kyoto and if Mari is still giving tours I will book with her!
Hi Gena! Thank you so much again for your review! I am very happy and I always look at the reviews to encourage myself! Kyoto is becoming hot and now I can tell you tried Kimono at the right timing ;) Whenever you have a chance to come back to Japan, or when your friends will come to Japan, please let me know anytime!! :) Thank you so much!
Mari is the perfect guide to discover the magic of Kyoto! On two extensive half-day-tours she took us to see landmarks such as the Bamboo Forest, Fushimi Inari Shrine and Yasaka Pagoda as well as some enchanted places off the beaten track and the tourist crowds. She is extremely knowledgeable, attentive, kind and fun to be with. We had a lovely time exploring the city with her and getting a feel of it through special treats such as a tram ride, lunch in an excellent ramen restaurant or a peek into a lovely private garden. Thank you, Mari, for a delightful and memorable experience!
Hi Siv!! Thank you so much for sharing the great time with me too. :) The both dates were indeed excellent. I enjoyed the talks with you both, it was memorable time for me too. Thank you soooo much again! Vielen Dank! Alles Gute! :)
Mari is a lovely woman and guide who combines the knowledge of Arashiyama with a very personal touch. We immediately felt at ease with her. She suggested to ride a bike instead of walking and it was great. You get to see so much more and besides that, it's also fun to ride the streets in this part of Kyoto. Thank you very much Mari! Suzy and Andy
Thank you Suzy and Andy! Actually I had a business trip to Hiroshima and Okayama last 2 days and I struggled with my son in this morning. I was so happy to take a bike and enjoyed off the beaten path with you two! Thanks to your smiles, I could easily forget about how tired I was! :) Thank you so much again for joining my tour. I hope you both will have a great time in Kyoto!! :) OoKini!