Hi, I’m Amy
Hi, I’m Amy
I’ve lived in Kyoto for 23 years
I speak English, Japanese, Thai and some Mandarin
I am a Tour guide
Hi, I’m Amy, fallen in love with Kyoto’s timeless beauty, from the peaceful temples and shrines where I often stop to pray for good fortune, to the lively food spots that show off the city’s rich flavors. You’ll often find me exploring Nishiki Market or Pontocho Alley on a food adventure, or wandering through Arashiyama’s bamboo groves and the Geisha district in Gion. I used to work at a famous Wagyu restaurant serving VIP guests, so I know my way around Kyoto’s cuisine and can recommend the best dishes in town. Whether it’s sharing hidden temples, scenic streets, or local eats, I’m always excited to help you experience the real Kyoto like a local friend.
My knowledge & interests
Business administration
Street food
Local cuisine
Desserts
Food markets
Fine dining
Unique & unusual foods
Parks
Gardens
Scenic routes
Religious history
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Portrait photography
Classical architecture
Artisanal tea
Department stores
Street markets
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Religious customs
Rituals & ceremonial customs
Local speciality drinks
Traditional drinks
Japanese sake
Performance art
Traditional art
Second-hand markets
Bookstores
Antique shops
Action photography
Food photography
Traditional music
Country music
My reviews
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We spent a half day in Kyoto with Amy, and she was wonderful. Our group was pretty big, with both kids and adults, and she handled everything smoothly. She explained the history in a way that kept everyone interested and picked a mix of well-known spots and quieter places we never would have found on our own. Amy also recommended a great restaurant for lunch and even helped us with the reservation, which made things so much easier. The whole experience felt relaxed and enjoyable. We would definitely recommend her, especially for families or larger groups.
Nov 2025
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Amy was great! She is very friendly, accommodating and very knowledgeable. She spoke excellent English so made our excursion educational & interesting.
Nov 2025
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Our guide Amy was very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the famous sites we visited. She is very friendly and enthusiastic and helped make our experience a good one.
Nov 2025
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We absolutely loved our tour with Amy. She was incredibly well-organized and truly went above and beyond to show us what makes Kyoto uniquely beautiful. Even after the tour ended, we asked her for Omakase recommendations and she kindly called ahead and made reservations for us — going out of her way to help, which we appreciated so much. We kept saying, “Amy said…” throughout the rest of our trip because her insights and suggestions stayed with us. She was so thoughtful, sweet, and made the experience feel personal and special. We highly recommend her as a guide!
Nov 2025