BACK TO GUIDE LIST
Masanari Nakatani in a white headband, Uji Bridge and the Uji River behind him
EXCLUSIVE RICKSHAW CONCIERGE

Masanari Nakatani

「A Kyoto native who wants you to love the Kyoto he loves.」
#Good listener#Upbeat#Calm guide#History & culture#Shrines & temples#Hidden spots#Families#Older guests#Kyoto native#ENGLISH

HOSPITALITY & PHILOSOPHY

From the quiet corners of Uji, Byodoin and Ujigami Shrine, to the Yasaka area where Kyoto looks most like itself. A Kyoto native showing you the Kyoto he loves.

His guiding spots and answers to common questions are written in Japanese. Read his profile in Japanese →

My Favorite Places in Kyoto

I would love to guide you around the Uji area, a quiet and peaceful place. I highly recommend not only world heritage sites like Byodoin and Ujigami Shrine, but also lesser-known, small shrines and temples.

In the Gion area, my favorite is Yasaka. The view is incredibly beautiful, allowing you to fully experience the authentic atmosphere of Kyoto.

Why I guide at NINJAYA

It all started when I saw a rickshaw puller dashing through the city and simply thought, “That looks so cool.”

As a born-and-raised Kyoto local, I strongly desire to share the charm of the city I love with people from all over the world through the special experience of a rickshaw, and I hope you will fall in love with it too.

Memorable Experience

One of my most memorable moments was guiding guests through the quiet backstreets and hidden shrines of Uji, and seeing their joy as they discovered such a relaxing and wonderful place.

Sharing the authentic local atmosphere that isn’t found in guidebooks and seeing guests smile as they experience a new side of Kyoto is my greatest joy and pride.

Guest Reviews

He guided us to hidden spots in Uji. We visited not only the famous Byodoin but also quiet, peaceful temples, allowing us to have a very relaxing time. We also enjoyed hearing stories from a true Kyoto local!

Experiencing a rickshaw ride against the beautiful backdrop of the Yasaka area was the best. He mentioned he started because he thought it was “cool,” and true to his words, he looked incredibly cool dashing through the wind.

Please select a date marked with “〇” to proceed with booking this guide.

Reviews on Google

Posted on Google Maps. Names and text are shown as written.

My first rickshaw ride was so much fun! Mr. Kawakami and Mr. Nakatani, who assisted me, were incredibly kind and helpful! It was a wonderful memory.

笹田 ・ 祇園店 ・ 2026-04-14 ・ translated by Google

Kawakami-san, Nakatani-san. It was so enjoyable talking with you, and the ride was incredibly comfortable! Thank you so much for taking so many great photos! Thank you for your valuable time!

内田 ・ 祇園店 ・ 2026-03-26 ・ translated by Google

See more reviews on Google Maps

Request this driver

Tell us what you have in mind. We will check his availability and get back to you. Requesting a driver costs nothing extra.

What you would like

This does not confirm a booking. We will reply with availability and guide you through the next step.

Masanari Nakatani BOOK NOW (FREE NOMINATION)