The Soul of Nara: A Full-Day Private Journey Through Temples, Culture and Hidden Beauty

₊˚‧︵‿₊୨ᰔ୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹ She is... I am Kyoto-based Architectural Historian developing my thesis on Kyoto heritage as a PhD researcher at prestigious institution of Kyoto University sponsored by Japanese government (highly competitive!) I am offering curated cultural tours and visual storytelling for thoughtful travelers, delivered to you with PASSION. ♡ To truly experience Kyoto you need more than a guidebook or definitely NO AI assistant. You need someone who is living and breathing Kyoto's culture, World Heritage Sites and tradition. And that someone, shall be me 〜 My PhD research is on topic of the "heritage belt" of Kyoto city, so I am an expert on World Heritage sites of Kyoto. Since I live in Higashiyama area, this is the place that I spend the most time in, as well as Arashiyama and norther area such as Gioji and Kozanji temple, I love combination of wonderful traditional architecture surrounded by magnificent nature, off the beaten tracks tours are my expertise. My tours are mix of MUST SEE and HIDDEN GEMS. I am a HUGE FOODIE, I love exploring and tasting different delicacies throughout the year, as well as exploring on budget Michelin star restaurants. Let me take you there! Fluent in both Japanese and English, I bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. Having completed my Master's degree at Nara Women's University on topic of JAPANESE GARDENS and Kyoto heritage, I spent years studying in the very city that I am now guiding in. As part of my formal and non-formal education, I studied tour design and interpretation, learning how to craft meaningful experiences. Over the past SEVEN YEARS OF GUIDING across countries, I have guided numerous delegations and distinguished visitors, even the first lady of my country! Their consistently positive feedback and enthusiastic recommendations have become the foundation of my work, expanding my network of INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS. And trust me, I am still in contact with many. Consider me your friend in Japan. ⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨ᰔ୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹ You are... Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, I tailor each tour to your interests, balancing historical depth with storytelling. All this while HAVING FUN: quick shopping stops, yatai style local food tasting, sake tasting, even barber shop visits, photo sessions with my full-frame professional camera, sketching etc. You can pick up on the EXCITMENT or also you can just RELAX in a zen garden, drinking tea, while I tell you the tales and poems that the gardens are whispering to us. Looking at the photos of previous tours, you can see that we are ALL IN SMILES! :) My reviews by the travelers who chose me, along more than 7 years of guiding are full of love and are the biggest happiness and testament to my expertise. I am sharing one of them: "Marija is a wonder and a true delight to spend the day with! From our first interactions, to the additional travel prep she generously offered, to the incredible professional level pictures she captured on her camera for us, to real time stellar suggestions of where to eat and what to see before and even after our tour we can't imagine our magical trip to Japan without her. Marija goes above and beyond your typical tour and elevates it all with her vast knowledge of history and architecture. Yes, besides her award winning photography and warmth she brings her PhD knowledge. Kyoto already a treasure becomes elevated and Marija takes you to hidden gems as well!!!! Just book your day in Kyoto with Marija and know you have made the very best choice! Marija also does food tours so plan to eat well. Thank you Marija!" Please make sure to watch my 3-min video to better understand my guiding style and confirm that it matches what you are looking for. https://photos.app.goo.gl/hwTQs1xNep6bKKHt7 ⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨ᰔ୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹ We are... We are crossing our paths in one of the most magical cities in the world, and it's a miracle. For many, this journey to Japan is once in a lifetime opportunity, my mission is for you to enjoy it fully. In Japan there’s a beautiful idea. It’s called Ichi-go Ichi-e. It means one time, one meeting.
Every moment happens only once. ☆ That’s why moments in Kyoto feel so special. The light.
The season.
The silence. You’ll never experience them in exactly the same way again. Sudden rain, sudden snow, sudden wind, it will all make your journey even more special. So when we explore Kyoto together,
every tour becomes its own Ichi-go Ichi-e. Don’t hesitate to message me in advance.
I’ll plan a journey shaped around your interests and take you on an unforgettable exploration of Kyoto. And I’ll bring my camera too, so you can relax and never forget those precious moments. I came to Kyoto because I fell in love with its stories. And the more I learned, the more I realized how much there is to share, so much to experience, Kyoto is not just something to read about, or simplify the complexities of it by listening to Ai interpretations. Therefore, because you're curious about Kyoto’s hidden history, folklore, architecture, and food… I would be honored to be your guide! :)