USD ($)
Help
Login

Japan
›
Kyoto
›
Guides
›
Kanae O.

Shimogamo Shrine in Fall

My favorite flower-shaped water basin in Miidera -Shiga Prefecture

Kinkakuji-Golden Pavilion

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine in early spring

Chioin Temple in spring

Rock garden of Ryoanji temple

A view from Senkoji Temple

Honda Vezel 4 seaters

Joined 2023

Kanae O.

5.00 / 5

(62 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living), Shiga

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

Response Time

11 hours on average

Availability Updated

3 days ago

About Tour Guide Kanae O.

Hello! I am Kanae, a nationally licensed guide. While working full-time as a lecturer at a local university in Kyoto, I have also been guiding for two years.

Born and raised in Kyoto, I am excited to share the beauty and culture of my hometown with my customers. Kyoto is an enchanting city, and even as a local, I am continually fascinated by its many charming spots. Whether it's the serene temples, vibrant markets, or hidden gems, there is always something new to explore and appreciate in this wonderful city.

Also, since my home is close to Shiga Prefecture, I am very familiar with the area. While Shiga may not be as popular as Kyoto, it offers a wealth of attractions for tourists. From historical sites such as temples and shrines to the stunning natural beauty of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan, there is much to see and do. I am passionate about promoting Shiga and sharing its unique charm with visitors.

Tours

All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

FROM$246/ per group

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

Kyoto

4 hours

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

Are you tired of the crowds at all the popular tourist sites in Kyoto? Join me on an excursion to my favorite region, Ohara, located in the northeastern part of the city, where you can experience the tranquil countryside ambiance. In Ohara, I will introduce you to three of the most charming temples, each offering a serene atmosphere and enchanting gardens in every season. Upon request, I can also take you to a local restaurant where you can savor traditional cuisine.

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

FROM$203/ per group

Kyoto

6 hrs 30 mins

Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea

This tour will show you a different side of Kyoto—peaceful, uncrowded, and surrounded by nature. We will explore the Uji area, often called the 'Kyoto of Green Tea,' where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of tea plantations. Along the way, we’ll visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Shojyuin Temple, a small yet charming gem.

Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea

FROM$301/ per group

Kyoto

3 hrs 30 mins

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Departing from Kyoto City Subway’s Keage Station, we will pass by Himukai Daijingu Shrine before making our way towards Mt. Daimonjiyama. As we ascend to the mountain's peak, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of Kyoto, stretching as far as Osaka. After descending towards Imadegawa Street, our journey will conclude at a charming local ramen restaurant.

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

FROM$56/ per person

Kyoto

4 hours

Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience

After visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, we will explore some of the sake breweries in the Fushimi area, known for its long history of sake brewing in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy exploring the local neighborhood while tasting sake and sampling delicious food.

Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience

FROM$56/ per person

Kyoto

6 hrs 30 mins

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Join me on this tour as we explore five of Kyoto's must-see sights, starting early to beat the crowds. You'll enjoy the convenience of transportation between locations, with your knowledgeable guide driving you to each site. This allows you to save valuable time and energy for fully immersing yourself in the beauty and history of each location.

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

FROM$246/ per group

Kyoto

4 hours

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

Are you tired of the crowds at all the popular tourist sites in Kyoto? Join me on an excursion to my favorite region, Ohara, located in the northeastern part of the city, where you can experience the tranquil countryside ambiance. In Ohara, I will introduce you to three of the most charming temples, each offering a serene atmosphere and enchanting gardens in every season. Upon request, I can also take you to a local restaurant where you can savor traditional cuisine.

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

FROM$203/ per group

Kyoto

6 hrs 30 mins

Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea

This tour will show you a different side of Kyoto—peaceful, uncrowded, and surrounded by nature. We will explore the Uji area, often called the 'Kyoto of Green Tea,' where you can admire the breathtaking scenery of tea plantations. Along the way, we’ll visit Byodo-in Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as Shojyuin Temple, a small yet charming gem.

Another Side of Kyoto: Exploring Uji and Wazuka – Home of Japanese Green Tea

FROM$301/ per group

Kyoto

3 hrs 30 mins

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

Departing from Kyoto City Subway’s Keage Station, we will pass by Himukai Daijingu Shrine before making our way towards Mt. Daimonjiyama. As we ascend to the mountain's peak, you'll be greeted with panoramic views of Kyoto, stretching as far as Osaka. After descending towards Imadegawa Street, our journey will conclude at a charming local ramen restaurant.

Kyoto Early Bird Trekking Ending with Ramen

FROM$56/ per person

Kyoto

4 hours

Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience

After visiting the renowned Fushimi Inari Shrine, we will explore some of the sake breweries in the Fushimi area, known for its long history of sake brewing in Kyoto. You’ll enjoy exploring the local neighborhood while tasting sake and sampling delicious food.

Kyoto Fushimi Sake & Food Tasting Experience

FROM$56/ per person

Reviews

Cheridyn F.

5 / 5

Oct 6, 2025

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Oct 6, 2025

Kyoto

5 hours

“Good Times”

Our Kyoto adventure was amazing! The bamboo forest was hands-down our favorite — calming and magical. Since we’re not big on photos, we had extra time and Kanae made a stop at a local shopping district. We browsed shops, sampled sake, and even tried pickles on a stick — such a fun detour. The car service made everything seamless, and Kanae was incredibly accommodating. It felt less like a tour and more like being shown around by a local friend. Highly recommend!

Tom J.

5 / 5

Oct 2, 2025

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Oct 2, 2025

Kyoto

10 hours

“Like visiting the family”

From start to finish our visit felt like we were visiting a family member/relative. Kanae is a Kyoto local so this is”home” for her. From the pickup at the airport, talking about the day ahead, making some adjustments based on weather, eating at local restaurants, visiting a couple of non-touristy spots, made the full day special and unique. Never rushed or mundane. Easy going, flexible, knowledgeable and family friendly.

Lorene D.

5 / 5

Sep 10, 2025

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Sep 10, 2025

Kyoto

2 days

“Two Half-Day Tour Via Car”

This was a well-designed tour that minimized our exposure to the sweltering heat by starting early and going by car. We gave Kanae our wish list of things to see in Kyoto and she tailored our two mornings based on our interests. I enjoyed the car rides between locations where we learned about life in Japan which I feel would not have been possible if we were on public transportation. On the second day, after learning that I’m not a fan of crowds, Kanae showed us some smaller shrines that I really enjoyed. If she’s available, I’d book her again in a heartbeat.

Kanae O.

Lorene, thank you so much for your kind and generous review. I'm so glad to know you enjoyed the tour despite the severe heat. I'm also thrilled that you enjoyed the smaller, more serene sites we visited on the second day. It was a joy to share those special places with you. I really enjoyed your company and hope I can guide you again the next time you visit Japan!