Hi, I’m Kiyoto
Hi, I’m Kiyoto
I’ve lived in Kyoto for 40 years
I speak English, Japanese
I am a Sales person
Hi, I’m Kiyoto, your local host in Kyoto! I’m passionate about the unique blend of tradition and modernity that defines this beautiful city. From the warm hospitality of Kyoto’s people to the spotless streets, I love how our respect for others and the environment is reflected in everyday life. Exploring new restaurants and cafes, especially those in historic buildings, is one of my favorite activities. I’m also an avid runner, finding peace in the city’s temples and shrines during the early morning or late at night. Whether it’s ramen, sweets, or a scenic running route, I’m here to share the best of Kyoto with you!
My knowledge & interests
Business Administration
Food
Nature / outdoors
Shopping
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Fine dining
Unique & unusual foods
Parks
Gardens
Scenic routes
Hikes
Economic history
Social history
Religious history
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Third wave coffee
Local beers
Artisanal tea
High-end fashion boutiques
Street markets
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Popular culture
Lifestyle culture
Gourmet food
Vegetarian food
Vegan food
Traditional drinks
Bookstores
Landscape photography
Food photography
Fashion photography
Nature photography
Pop music
Rock music
R&B
My reviews
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Kiyoto was terrific! He planned a perfect itinerary of activities. He was enthusiastic, upbeat, kind and patient. You could tell he really enjoyed being a guide.
July 2025
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Kiyoto was helpful, knowledgeable, and charming to spend our day with. We were so appreciative of his love of the area. We would absolutely recommend!
June 2025
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If you do nothing else, organise a day tour in Kyoto with Kiyoto! I've just returned from a girls' trip to Japan and we were only meant to be in Kyoto overnight. I organised the 3-hour tour with Kiyoto, and as soon as we met up, he set about understanding the sights we had on our bucketlist and working out the quickest way to navigate and see as much as possible. He was knowledgeable about the various sights and was REALLY helpful with pictures. So much so that other tourists begged him to take their pictures when they saw some of the interesting poses he made us do! 3 hours is much too short, but he helped us in planning other things we could see even without him, sendin me detailed directions and instructions. You can tell he truly loves his city, and his enthusiasm made us fall in love with this amazing, historical place too. Arigato, Kiyoto - will definitely reach out if I'm ever down in your neck of the woods! Rachel
June 2025
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We had the absolute pleasure of spending the day in Kyoto with an incredible guide, Kiyoto (company: EMperience Japan; Instagram: @emperiencejapan), who made our visit truly unforgettable. From start to finish, he was knowledgeable, personable, and completely dedicated to making sure we had the best experience possible. He brought us to a fantastic variety of places that gave us a real sense of Japanese culture—from Fushimi Inari Shrine and Gion district to hidden gems we never would have found on our own. One of the highlights was our visit to the Nishiki Market, where he guided us through the vibrant stalls, introduced us to local specialties, and shared insights that made the experience even more meaningful. It’s clear he’s passionate about what he does, and it shows in every thoughtful detail of the tour. We can’t recommend him highly enough—if you’re visiting Kyoto and want a perfect mix of culture, history, food, and local charm, look no further. This was one of the best parts of our trip, and we’re so happy to support his growing business!
May 2025