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Joined 2022
Kenji O.
Available Areas
Osaka (Living), Himeji, Kobe, Kyoto, Okayama, Shiga
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
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About Tour Guide Kenji O.
I lived in Seattle, WA US for several years to study public policy and urban planning at University of Washington and Washington State Department of Transportation . The US life has awakened me to realize its beauty and value of the Japanese nature and culture. After coming back from US, I have started my professional career of the infrastructure development in both developed and developing countries as a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) expert for more than 20 years. I have provided hospitality and honesty as a Japanese during my professional career.
I can give you not only sightseeing tours but also technical tours with my expertise.
I live in Osaka where an ancient capital city, Kyoto is located within a hour by train. I can show you how Japanese has developed the capital city with urban planning and infrastructure development. I look forward to seeing you here in Japan.
Important
I can introduce you interesting spots including temples, shrines and yummy places including local foods though it is not fancy. Please note the following conditions;
-Mass transit fares, admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay.
-Please pay the guide its mass transit fares (2000JPY) by cash on the tour day.
-Let me know if you have any food allergies beforehand.
-Let me know if you have any food you cannot eat for your religious and dietary reasons beforehand.
-My tour involves a lot of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
and
-My tour schedule will accomodate you to start earlier at 7:30AM for your convenience if you want to avoid crowds.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
Keifuku Tram is beloved as "Randen" by Kyoto local. You can enjoy the nostalgic tram ride that takes you the Bamboo forest path in the precinct of Tenryuji temple. This tour takes you to Ryoanji temple that is famous for its rock garden and the Golden temple (Kinkakuji). This tour also includes strolling in the Geisya district of Kamishichiken.
Golden Temple, Bamboo Forest, Nostalgic Tram Ride Tour
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience strolling in the backstreets where few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple and Shirakawa riverside.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Half Day)
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Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
You can experience a time travel to the feudal period to encounter Samurai, Japanese warriors. Himeji Castle (姫路城, Himejijō), also known as White Heron Castle (Shirasagijo) due to its elegant, white appearance, is widely recognized as Japan's most spectacular castle for its imposing size and beauty and its well preserved, complex castle grounds.The first fortifications built on the site were completed in the 1400s. The castle complex as it survives today was completed in 1609.
Himeji Castle Day Trip by Shinkansen from Osaka
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Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
Kyoto served as a capital city where the Emperor resided between 798 and 1868. The ancient capital city has been designated as a UNESCO cultural heritage. This walking tour gives you a fun time to experience wandering in the backstreets where a few tourists visit. You can walk in the famous Geisya quarter including Miyagawacho and Gion, Keninji Zen Temple, Shirakawa riverside and more.You have a fun walking in the alley in Kyoto. You can encounter Geiko (Geisya) or Maiko if you are lucky.
Kyoto Alley Walking Tour (Full Day)
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Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
This tour invites you to walk along one of the most beautiful walkways in Kyoto. You visit several temples along the walkway, Silver Temple (Ginkakuji), Hounenin Temple, and Nanzenji Temple (Headquarter of Rinzai Zen Sect).
Philosopher's Path Walking Tour; Silver Temple~Nanzenji
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Great Buddha (Daibutsu)-Nara One-day Trip
The Great Buddha has been enshrined in Nara, a former capital city, since 752. Its size is 15m in height. You can imagine how people built such a great statue 1300 years ago. You can enjoy the infinite philosophy of Buddhisim in the ancient city of Nara.
Great Buddha (Daibutsu)-Nara One-day Trip
Reviews
David N.
“Disappointed tour in Kyoto”
While we have had some high quality guide experiences in Japan (with GoWithGuide), this was not one of them. Our expectations for an engaging day experiencing Kyoto less frequented corners was not met. Chief concern was a lack of communication - response to questions and even a modest explanation of what we were seeing. It might have been that the guide did not have much information to share. We felt like the day was a track meet, the guide twenty or thirty meters ahead of us - then seemingly impatient as we tried to catch up. This did not give us an opportunity to take in where we were. It was a poor match for us and we were very disappointed with the experience.
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Kenji O.
Thank you for your review. Your review is critical to me to fix tours.
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Jeff I.
“Temples and Flowers- beautiful day”
We had an excellent time with Kenji, in his quiet respectful way he guided us and with patience showed us places and some if Kyoto’s history. The tram ride was nostalgic. Thank you for your patience with our little group. It was a memorable day.
Kenji O.
Jeff san, Thank you for having me with you. I hope I will guide you someday in autumn of Kyoto. Kenji
Liana S.
“Great Tour in Kyoto”
Kenji-san was our guide in Kyoto and he did an excellent job! He is very knowledgeable, professional and patient. We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Torii gates, Philosopher’s Path and the Ginkakuji Temple. Thank you Kenji-san for a wonderful tour. We hope to visit Japan again one day.
Kenji O.
Liana san, Thank you for having me with you. I look forward to seeing you again in autumn of Kyoto.
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Ei-chan N.
My nickname is Ei-chan, and I’m a licensed English-speaking driver-guide in Japan. I live in Kobe. I love sharing Japanese culture, history, and everyday life with people from around the world. I drive my own comfortable minivan, which is perfect for small groups and families. With it, we can travel safely and smoothly while exploring beautiful places off the beaten path. Before becoming a guide, I worked as a teacher, so I enjoy explaining things clearly and making learning fun. During our tour, I’ll do my best to make your trip both informative and enjoyable, filled with local stories, humor, and warm hospitality. Please feel free to ask me anything about Japan—its traditions, food, or daily life. Let’s enjoy a wonderful journey together and create unforgettable memories!
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Tatsuya M.
Nice to meet you! My name is Tatsuya. I was born and raised in Osaka. I love traveling the world and communicating with all kinds of people. I also have a caring personality, so I would love to share the charms of Osaka, its people, and its food with people all over the world! I provide sightseeing tours not only in Osaka but also in Kyoto and Nara. I offer transportation services for hotels, cruise ships, and airports as well!
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Ayumi S.
Academic Knowledge & Global Mindset – Your Local Expert for Culture and Sports! Hi everyone! I’m Ayumi, a local guide based in the Kansai area. I studied Tourism at University, where I explore the deeper historical and cultural backgrounds of Japan's most famous sites. Having traveled to many countries myself, I know exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, authentic local experiences and stress-free environment. Why book with me? Academic Insight: I don’t just show you the sights; I share the "why" behind them, from the architecture of Himeji Castle to the rituals of a tea ceremony. Active & Diverse: Whether you want to go hiking in Kobe, watch a professional rugby match, Baseball game, Soccer game, or find the best hidden yakitori spots, I’ve got you covered. Flexible & Friendly: I understand the needs of international travelers and will help you navigate Japan (including your JR Pass) with ease. Shopping & Sweets Expert: I am a huge fan of shopping! If you need recommendations for Japanese cosmetics or the best local snacks, just ask me. I especially have a "sweet tooth" for Apple Pie and Daifuku (mochi)—I’m always on the hunt for the best ones in town! Let’s go beyond the guidebooks and discover the real Japan together. I look forward to meeting you in Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe!
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