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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

(95 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

1 day 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 early morning tour to discover five of Kyoto's must-see sights before the crowds arrive. Travel comfortably by car as your knowledgeable guide drives you between each destination, allowing you to save time and energy while making the most of your visit. It's also an ideal way to explore Kyoto during the hot summer months, with less walking between attractions and more time to enjoy the city's beauty and history.

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

FROM$268/ per group

Serene Temples with enchanting Gardens Tour

Kyoto

5 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$210/ 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$306/ per group

Shiga

8 hours

Hidden Gem Shiga: Omi-Hachiman Town Walk, Omi Beef Lunch & Lake Biwa Scenic Drive

Escape the crowds of Kyoto and discover a hidden gem in nearby Shiga. Visit Omi-Hachiman, a charming town with scenic canals and historic streets shaped by the “Sanpo-yoshi” philosophy. For lunch, enjoy a premium Omi beef, one of Japan’s top Wagyu brands. Then, let's take a ropeway up Mt. Hachiman for views of Lake Biwa. You will also visit La Collina Omi-Hachiman, a unique sweets complex surrounded by nature. Perfect for a relaxed day beyond Kyoto.

Hidden Gem Shiga: Omi-Hachiman Town Walk, Omi Beef Lunch & Lake Biwa Scenic Drive

FROM$388/ 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$61/ 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$89/ per person

Kyoto

5 hrs 30 mins

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Join me on this early morning tour to discover five of Kyoto's must-see sights before the crowds arrive. Travel comfortably by car as your knowledgeable guide drives you between each destination, allowing you to save time and energy while making the most of your visit. It's also an ideal way to explore Kyoto during the hot summer months, with less walking between attractions and more time to enjoy the city's beauty and history.

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

FROM$268/ per group

Kyoto

5 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$210/ 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$306/ per group

Shiga

8 hours

Hidden Gem Shiga: Omi-Hachiman Town Walk, Omi Beef Lunch & Lake Biwa Scenic Drive

Escape the crowds of Kyoto and discover a hidden gem in nearby Shiga. Visit Omi-Hachiman, a charming town with scenic canals and historic streets shaped by the “Sanpo-yoshi” philosophy. For lunch, enjoy a premium Omi beef, one of Japan’s top Wagyu brands. Then, let's take a ropeway up Mt. Hachiman for views of Lake Biwa. You will also visit La Collina Omi-Hachiman, a unique sweets complex surrounded by nature. Perfect for a relaxed day beyond Kyoto.

Hidden Gem Shiga: Omi-Hachiman Town Walk, Omi Beef Lunch & Lake Biwa Scenic Drive

FROM$388/ 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$61/ 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$89/ per person

Reviews

Kenneth N.

5 / 5

Oct 13, 2026

Kyoto Highlights & Hidden Gems: A Two-Day Journey

Oct 13, 2026

Kyoto

2 days

Customized

“Two days in Kyoto”

Kanae was fantastic. She modified our trip to fit our needs and created the experience we wanted.

Robin G.

5 / 5

Sep 8, 2026

Kyoto Highlights in Two Relaxed Half-Day Tours

Sep 8, 2026

Kyoto

2 days

Customized

“Book Kanae - you won't regret it! ”

We spent two days touring Kyoto with Kanae. She is a wonderful guide, has excellent English and made it possible for us to see all of the major sights. Without her driving us around there is no way we would have been able to see everything we did. It was extremely hot and she thoughtfully provided us with drinks and cooling towels. She really thought of everything! She also brought us to two of the best meals we had the whole trip in a places you would never find as a tourist. More than that, she is a delightful person so it was fun to spend time with her. When we return to Kyoto we will definitely book her again.

Kanae O.

Robin, thank you so much for your kind words! It was a real pleasure spending those two days with your family and showing you around Kyoto. It was incredibly hot, but you all did such a great job keeping up with the sightseeing! I’m so glad you enjoyed the local restaurants too. I truly hope to see all of you again when you return to Kyoto!

David K.

5 / 5

Sep 6, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Sep 6, 2026

Kyoto

5 hours 30 mins

“Family Tour”

Kane was a wonderful and patient guide with our family of four. We saw the best of Kyoto and even had time for some shopping and sake tasting. Highly recommended.

Kanae O.

David, thank you for your kind review! It was a pleasure showing your family around Kyoto. I’m glad you enjoyed the sightseeing, shopping, and sake tasting!