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Joined 2023
Kanae O.
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!
Categories
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
Reviews
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
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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!
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
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Michiko N.
Hello, and thank you for visiting my page among so many wonderful guides! My name is Michiko. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here. In my twenties, I lived for a short time in the UK, and recently I spent a year in Thailand. I love traveling to different countries, and I enjoy talking with people from all over the world. When we are in a country that is not our own, I believe it is important to show respect. I always try to respect your culture, and I hope to share the spirit of Japanese hospitality with you too. Kyoto is a beautiful and special place. It has a long history, many unique small shops, and charming hidden paths. In summer, it gets very hot, so I can guide you by car for comfort. But if you like walking, I’m happy to do that too. I can also take you to some delicious local food spots! Besides guiding, I work in the theater and performance art. I love telling stories and sharing emotions. I’m looking forward to showing you not only the famous places, but also the heart of Kyoto—its quiet beauty, kind people, and unforgettable stories. …Besides guiding, I work in the theater and performance art. I love telling stories and sharing emotions. Right now, I’m working on a new artistic project: I create theater-style performances inside shop windows. My dream is to show my work outside Japan someday. I’m still learning and growing as an artist, so if you’re interested, I’d love to talk with you about Japanese performing arts, like Kabuki! I really look forward to the day I can guide you around Kyoto. Let’s discover beautiful moments together! with BIG LOVE!
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Fumi U.
I have spent nearly 30 years working in a Government organization, contributing to development projects in Latin America and African countries. During this time, I cultivated strong cross-cultural understanding and effective communication skills. For the past 10 years, I have lived in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato, Mexico, where I managed a guesthouse, operated a jewelry workshop, and provided guided tours. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep sense of hospitality and attentiveness, ensuring that visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Leveraging these skills, I am dedicated to sharing the beauty of Japan with international guests and creating unforgettable travel experiences.
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Nikki K.
I am a Certified English Interpreter Guide certifed by Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City (recognized as the top performer in my training program!). Also selected for the elite government training program for VIP luxury travel. I have lived in 7 countries—the US, Canada, the UK, Malaysia, Russia, Vietnam, and Iran—including 9 years in the US (California, New York and Texas). These experiences allowed me to embrace diverse cultures and develop a truly global perspective. I am also a descendant of Hijikata Toshizo, one of Japan’s legendary “last samurai.” My family runs a private museum dedicated to his life and legacy, and I was raised with a deep respect for traditional Japanese culture and the spirit of bushido. With this background, I guide international guests with a Japanese heart and a global perspective, creating warm and personalized experiences. At Expo 2025 in Osaka, I served as a dedicated VIP liaison at the Japan Pavilion, hosted by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, assisting royal families and world leaders while honing advanced VIP protocol and hospitality skills. Before guiding in Japan, I worked as a licensed tour guide in New York City and appeared on a national Japanese TV program as a field reporter, sharing local life and culture. My career has always focused on caring for people in English speaking roles: as a British Airways flight attendant, a medical interpreter at an international clinic, and an administrator at a UN international school with students from 65 countries. Originally from Tokyo, I guide in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Uji, where I combine historical knowledge with personal experience. I also offer tours in Tokyo and surrounding areas upon request. I look forward to welcoming you and sharing the unforgettable beauty, culture, and spirit of Japan!
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