Last updated: January 11, 2026

Who Am I?

About Me

Hello, I’m Chika — a native of Japan, currently living in Kyoto. I’ve spent over 10 years teaching Japanese, mainly supporting beginner learners through face‑to‑face lessons. Meeting people from around the world and helping them take their first steps into the Japanese language has always been one of my greatest joys.

I moved to Kyoto three years ago, and since then I’ve fallen in love with the city’s quiet backstreets and its beautifully preserved historical buildings. Walking through small alleys, discovering old architecture, and feeling the layers of history around me are some of my favorite moments in daily life.

To keep this space personal yet comfortable, I share a simple photo of my hands with a Kyoto backdrop — a small glimpse into the world I live in.

Why I Started This Blog

I created Learn Japanese with Kyoto Stories as a gentle space for travelers — a place to learn basic Japanese, explore Kyoto, and enjoy small cultural insights that make each moment in Japan feel a little warmer.

Living in Kyoto, I often meet travelers who feel unsure about Japan’s unique customs — how to pay at restaurants, how to behave at shrines, how tattoos are perceived, or how to handle small Japanese conversations at stations, shops, and cafés.

These moments made me realize something important: Japan is beautiful, but not always intuitive for visitors.

I wanted to create a place where people could learn not only travel tips, but also the cultural nuances and “good to know” details that make a stay in Japan smoother and more meaningful.

This blog is my way of sharing those insights — gently, clearly, and with care, so your time in Japan feels a little easier and more connected.

What You’ll Find Here

I focus on two main themes:

1. Basic Japanese Phrases for Real Travel Situations

Useful expressions you can use at restaurants, stations, shops, and sightseeing spots — phrases that help you connect with people and enjoy your stay more deeply.

2. Kyoto Travel Tips and Local Insights

Practical advice based on real experiences: hidden corners of the city, cultural etiquette, shrine and temple customs, and small details that guidebooks often miss.

My Hope for You

I want your time in Japan to be comfortable, memorable, and full of warm moments. If a simple phrase helps you communicate, or if a small piece of cultural knowledge makes your day easier, then this blog has served its purpose.

Through language, culture, and everyday stories, I hope your stay in Japan becomes something you carry with you long after you return home.

If you ever have questions or would like to request a topic,
you can reach me here:

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