KyotoFoodie’s Favorite Kyoto Tour Guide: Mie Tamada
Hello, I am Mie Tamada. I am an experienced Kyoto tour guide, but I am from nearby Nara City. Nara was the imperial capital of Japan even before Kyoto, it was the cradle of Buddhism in Japan and was the terminus of the Silk Road which stretched from Rome to my hometown. Last year was Nara’s 1300th birthday! I love Nara but it doesn’t have everything that Kyoto has. Kyoto is really unlike any other place in Japan, a cultural jewel.
Kyoto Tour Guide: Mie Tamada
I became a licensed tour guide nearly 10 years ago and have been using English most of my adult life. I studied English literature in university and worked at an international hotel in Osaka after graduation.
In 2002 I got my tour guide license which in Japan requires a staggering about of time and energy for study and testing. I have a deep knowledge of Japan’s two main religions: Shintoism and Buddhism. Personally, I’m very interested in Zen culture which has exerted a tremendous influence on Japanese arts, culture and mentality.
I try to plan a personal experience and show guests the ‘friendly side’ of Kyoto and help them meet local people and visit interesting places that aren’t in many of the guidebooks.
Please feel free to contact me here and inquire about places and experiences in Kyoto!
I of course offer guided tours of Nara too.
