Hi, I’m Ai
Hi, I’m Ai
I’ve lived in Kyoto for 2 years
I speak English, Japanese
I am Artist
Hey there! I'm Ai, your friendly neighborhood host here in enchanting Kyoto! One of my absolute joys is exploring Kyoto's hidden gems, from cozy cafes tucked away in Gion to serene temples nestled amidst the bamboo forests. And let's not forget about the rivers! There's something magical about the Kamogawa and Uji rivers. You'll often find me at the local cinema, indulging in the intimate atmosphere and passion for film that sets Kyoto apart. I've dived deep into the city's art, music, and fine-tasting scene, making connections along the way. Fun fact about me, I'm a bit of a sword fighter. It's true! So, whether you're craving a soulful temple experience or a cinematic adventure, count on me to take you through the wonders of Kyoto. Let's create memories as vibrant and beautiful as the city itself!
My knowledge & interests
Local cuisine
Fine dining
Theater
Cinema
Art galleries & museums
Parks
Gardens
Wildlife
Cityscape photography
Street photography
Portrait photography
Modern architecture
Wine
Whiskey
Third wave coffee
Gin
Local beers
High-end fashion boutiques
Department stores
Vintage shops
Handicrafts & souvenirs
Traditional culture
Religious customs
Alternative or underground culture
Gourmet food
Traditional drinks
Japanese sake
Performance art
Contemporary art
Nature photography
Post-modern architecture
Pop music
Jazz music
Rock music
Blues music
Electronic music
Hip-hop
R&B
Soul music
My reviews
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We had the best time on our private walking tour of Kyoto with Ai! From start to finish, it was an unforgettable experience, and we truly lucked out. The crowds were light, and even though the rain and cold weather could have been a challenge, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The weather made the streets feel like we had all of Kyoto to ourselves, and we were able to cover so much ground, which made the day feel even more special. Ai was amazing – she’s such a trooper! Despite the rain, she kept the energy up and made the tour a fantastic experience. Not only did she know Kyoto like the back of her hand, but her passion and enthusiasm for the city really shone through. She gave us insider knowledge, taking us to hidden gems and offering local insights that made the tour feel incredibly personal. When it came to dinner, Ai worked so hard to find the perfect place for us to eat, and it truly paid off! The restaurant she chose was amazing – we loved the meal, and it was exactly what we were hoping for and more. We’re so grateful to her for making sure we had such a delicious and memorable dinner. It was truly an awesome experience, and we felt so lucky to have had the opportunity to see Kyoto through Ai’s eyes. If you’re looking for a personalized, authentic Kyoto experience, we highly recommend booking with Ai. You won’t regret it!
March 2025
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Ai was a wonderful tour guide to me and my college age daughter. She asked for our bucket list and made sure we got to see everything we wanted to see while also adding in a couple other gems based on our interests that came up in conversation. We used a combination of public transport and taxis. The use of taxis was our choice to see more. She was friendly, knowledgeable and took us to a wonderful lunch at a local, authentic restaurant. We were very happy with the experience and found Kyoto to be a beautiful city.
March 2025
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We spent a magical afternoon with the wonderful guide Ai, who was charming, knowledgeable, and very attentive to all our requests and the pace of the tour that suited us. The trip was a combination of visits to ancient sites, beautiful gardens, and other interesting places around the city, along with enlightening explanations about the history and culture, just as a local who loves the city can provide. We highly recommend tours with Klook and guide Ai.
October 2024
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Our guide was very knowledgeable and very passionate about Kyoto. She was also very friendly and it was a very rewarding tour.
October 2024