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Kenji O.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Okayama, Osaka (Living), Shiga, Kobe, Himeji
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
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 and yummy places including local foods though it is not fancy. Please note the following conditions;
-admission fees and meal fees must be self-pay
-let me know if you have any food allergies beforehand
and
-let me know if you have any food you cannot eat for your religious reasons and others beforehand.
Tours
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.
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.
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 (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 wondering 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.
River Town Osaka Walking Tour with Osaka Castle
City of Osaka is famous for its river and canal. You can see many historic buildings and bridges along Dojima river and Nakanoshima Park. This tour gives you historical insights how City of Osaka has been formed as a castle city with rivers. The goal of the tour is Osaka castle originally established in 1585 by Toyotomi clan.
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.
Kenji O. Japan Tour Reviews
Andrea C.
“ Wonderful Tour Three Day with Ken ”
For anyone worried about communication skills, they won't have to worry with Ken-san because he was educated at the University of Seattle and also University of British Columbia. He is semi-retired but continues to globally travel and work in the area of urban & regional planning. He resides in Osaka, but will provide tours for Kyoto and Nara. Ken-san is a licensed guide, so there's no worry about his capabilities. He is a mountaineer and ski instructor, so for individuals who love to walk, he can walk. In fact, on one day we covered a lot of ground and walked for over 30K steps. However, as outlined in another review, if walking is a limitation for you, he can help to provide some alternatives. Ken-san also introduced us to some fantastic restaurants that only locals would frequent, and the food was very very good. We have no hesitation to recommend Ken-san to other visitors to the beautiful country of Japan.
Kenji O.
Andrea san, Thank you for your honest and sincere review. I will wait for your next visit of Japan. Yummy Japanese food and Sake will also wait for you here in Japan (Smile). Big Thanks, Kenji
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Pamela V.
“ Customized tour of Himeji Castle ”
From the 1st initial contact Ken was the ultimate professional. We had a few requests that he could easily have said no too but was so happy to arrange for us. Communication throughout was fantastic. We are still traveling around Japan but both feel the tour experience we had with Ken cannot be topped. Memories of traveling a bullet train, eating with the locals and being given local information will remain. Ken was knowledgeable and personable and extremely kind with his time. Highly recommend contacting Ken and customizing your own tour of Osaka, Kyoto,. Nara or Himiji you will not be disappointed.
Kenji O.
Pamela san, Thank you for your review. I hope you enjoy your trip in Japan. And hopefully, I would like to guide you in Kyoto and Nara next time. Ken
Neal G.
“ A GREAT DAY ”
Ken was great Super polite Very helpful Great knowledge Wonderful places visited Very patient Hired a super driver
Kenji O.
Thank you for joining me. I enjoyed being with you and your mother. Please have a nice trip.
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Felicio G.
“ Nice tour in Kyoto ”
Ken san did an excellent job! He took us at some must see places, with care and attention. We indeed recommend his guide service! Obrigado Ken san
Kenji O.
Felicio san, Obligado.
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