Joined 2023
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Shiga
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
11 hours on average
Availability Updated
1 day ago
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.
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Dmitry L.
“Hidden Gems ”
We had a wonderful tour day with Kanae: she brought us to some less visited temples and truly enchanted gardens. She is very knowledgeable and friendly - she knows Kyoto very well and enthusiastically shared that knowledge with us. She even gave us some great advice on various sites of interest to explore on the following days. She is a very good guide and we enjoyed our tour with her a lot! Dmitry,Lisa
Kanae O.
Thank you so much, Dmitry and Lisa! I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed the tour and the gardens and temples we visited. I was also really impressed by both of your deep insight into Japanese culture and history, as well as your great fitness. It was an absolute pleasure guiding you both!
Cheridyn F.
“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!
Kanae O.
Cheridyn, Thank you so much for taking your valuable time to write such a generous and kind review. I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed our Kyoto adventure! It was such a pleasure exploring with you both, and I loved our little detour to the shopping district together. Thank you for being such fun and easygoing guests. I hope you made some great memories in Japan!
Tom J.
“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.
Kanae O.
Tom, thank you so much for your kind words! I’m thrilled that you felt at home and enjoyed the day’s pace and local experiences. It was a pleasure exploring Kyoto with you and your daughter, and I hope to welcome you back again someday!