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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

(87 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 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$259/ 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$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$295/ 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$58/ 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$58/ 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$375/ per group

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$259/ 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$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$295/ 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$58/ 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$58/ 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$375/ per group

Reviews

Frederik T.

5 / 5

Jul 15, 2026

Kyoto to Uno Port Travel Assistance Service

Jul 15, 2026

Kyoto

3 hours

Customized

“Excellent Customized Experience and Service”

While in Kyoto, my family had a specialized travel interest that required a custom experience and some complicated travel routing. Throughout, Kanae provided excellent communication, proactively suggested ideas to improve our route and experience, performed research and was incredibly reliable. We would absolutely work with Kanae again if the opportunity allows.

Soleil H.

5 / 5

Jun 25, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Jun 25, 2026

Kyoto

8 hours

“Excellent Kyoto Experience with Kanae-san!”

We had a wonderful day exploring Kyoto with Kanae-san. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the entire experience smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. The early start allowed us to visit some of Kyoto's most beautiful highlights before the crowds arrived, which made the day even more special. One of the highlights was the amazing local lunch she recommended and arranged for us! it was absolutely delicious and something we probably would not have discovered on our own. Kanae-san was attentive throughout the tour, shared interesting insights about Kyoto's history and culture, and made us feel very comfortable. We highly recommend Kanae-san to anyone visiting Kyoto, especially first-time travelers looking for a personalized and memorable experience. Thank you for such a fantastic day! Love, Brooke and Mark

Kanae O.

Dear Brooke and Mark, Thank you so much for your lovely review and your kind words. I had a wonderful time spending the day with both of you, and it was a pleasure showing you around Kyoto. I'm so glad we could share such a fun and memorable day together. I wish you all the best and hope you enjoy many more amazing travels in the future! Warm regards, Kanae

Wendy S.

5 / 5

Jun 17, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Jun 17, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Wonderful Tour!”

Our family loved our Kyoto tour with Kanae! She is kind, very knowledgeable, and fun to spend time with. We appreciated some of the less touristy sites we would have never seen on our own. Great to let her do all the planning and driving! We saw so much in just a few hours. We highly recommend her!

Kanae O.

Wendy, thank you so much for your kind review! It was a pleasure spending the day with your family. I'm glad you enjoyed exploring some of Kyoto's quieter spots and making the most of your time here. Wishing you many wonderful memories of Japan, and I hope to see you again on a future visit!