Joined 2022
Kenji O.
Available Areas
Kyoto, Okayama, Osaka (Living), Shiga, Kobe, Himeji
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
2 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
Tour Categories
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!
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
Japanese SAKE Brewery Tour to Kobe (from Osaka)
Do you like Japanese rice wine (Sake)? There are a thousand sake breweries in Japan. One of the most famous Sake brewery district is located in Kobe and Nishinomiya located in the proximity to Osaka. The guide will take you to the Sake brewery district to learn much about the history and food culture of the Japanese sake. Note: Participants must be over 20 years old.
Reviews
“First Day in Kyoto ”
Kenji was an excellent guide for us as first-time visitors to Kyoto. He designed an interesting itinerary while accommodating the physical limitations of our party. He helped orientate us to the Gion area and we had a chance to enjoy delicious pastries and Matcha tea in between visits to shrines and temples. We really appreciated Kenji's wide range of knowledge, which made for a memorable experience.
Kenji O.
(9 reviews)Leslie and Mark, Thank you for having me with you. Please visit Kyoto again. I will definitely take you to other districts in Kyoto. Thanks, Kenji
“Kenji is the best! A wonderful experience in Kyoto. ”
I had a brilliant day in Kyoto with Kenji. His communication prior to the tour was excellent and he came up with the perfect itinerary based on what I’d already seen the previous day. Clearly knows Kyoto as a local and is knowledgeable and passionate about the sights. We visiting many wonderful shrines, temples and gardens and his commentary was perfect - enough information but plenty of quiet ‘zen’ time to take it all in. Kenji was even accommodating in welcoming friend who arrived unexpectedly halfway through the tour. Lunch was AMAZING. A locally run restaurant with the most delicious wagyu beef, all sourced locally. Probably one of the best meals I had in Japan. Kenji is a Kyoto treasure! I’d recommend unreservedly as a private or group guide to both Kyoto and Osaka (where he lives) visitors. Thank you Kenji!!
Kenji O.
(9 reviews)Jo san, Thank you for your wonderful message. I look forward to your next visit in Kyoto. I am going to guide you hidden gems of deep Kyoto. See you soon. Kenji
“Knowledgeable, organized, and professional”
Kenji from start to finish was excellent. He worked with our itinerary, helped to pick lunch, and also the most optimal transportation. Would highly recommend Kenji as a tour guide for the Kyoto area.
Kenji O.
(9 reviews)Tyler, Thank you for your message. I hope we see you each other either in Colorado, US or in Japan sometime. Kenji
