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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

(84 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living), Shiga

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

Response Time

14 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 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$263/ 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$207/ 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$60/ 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$60/ per person

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$381/ per group

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$263/ 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$207/ 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$60/ 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$60/ per person

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$381/ per group

Reviews

Sue B.

5 / 5

May 27, 2026

Shiga Kusatsu Tour – Discover Your Roots

May 27, 2026

Shiga

7 hours 30 mins

Customized

“Highlight of our trip and most memorable experience ever!”

I can’t express how incredible my experience with our guide, Kanae, was during our private tour exploring my heritage in Japan. I am a sansei (third-generation Japanese American), and my family and I decided to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan. Kanae picked us up at our hotel in Kyoto and drove us to Shiga Prefecture, where we visited the castle ruins connected to my ancestors. She also helped interpret for me at the local historical museum and city hall. Kanae was so kind and generous with her time and knowledge, and she was incredibly easy to communicate with. She tailored our tour exactly to what I had dreamed of and went far beyond our expectations. Our full day with Kanae was the highlight of my trip. I will always be grateful to her for her kindness and for introducing me to the beauty and hospitality of Japan.

Lindsay D.

5 / 5

May 24, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

May 24, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Quiet temples and beautiful gardens”

We had a great day with Kanae visiting some less touristic temples with serene and beautiful gardens. It was lovely to have fewer crowds after a hectic day visiting the more touristic sights the day before. Being able to use her car to get around was a bonus which we really appreciated. Kanae is an excellent guide who has a lot of knowledge, she has a friendly outgoing manner and we would not hesitate to recommend her to others.

Jennifer G.

5 / 5

Apr 22, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Apr 22, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours

“Great day with Kanae!”

Kanae was an excellent host for our day of sightseeing. She was knowledgable and we had great conversations about life in Japan. We packed so much into our day with her that we couldn’t have done on our own. We are very grateful to her for showing us around her beautiful hometown!

Kanae O.

Dear Jennifer, Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful review. I truly appreciate your words. I had a wonderful time with both of you and really enjoyed spending the day together. It was a pleasure showing you around Kyoto, and I’m so glad we were able to make the most of the day and visit so many places. Your interest and openness made the experience even more enjoyable for me. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. I hope you had a great time throughout your trip in Japan—and next time, please don’t forget to try aburi mochi! Warm regards, Kanae