Joined 2023
Kanae O.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Shiga
Languages
English, Japanese (Native)
Response Time
9 hours on average
Availability Updated
2 days 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
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Reviews
Daniel G.
“Kyoto - Tokyo Shinkansen ”
The last thing I need whilst making my way from Kyoto to Tokyo, on a day I am going to fly, is anxiety. When Kanae met me at my hotel first thing in the morning, I was immediately at ease. Kanae was kind, full of smiles and professional. We made our way to Kyoto Station via taxi and Kanae assisted me in purchasing my bullet train tickets and Narita Express tickets. While accompanying me on the journey to Tokyo station, I was never more relaxed, being in the hands of a professional, in a country where English is not widely spoken. Kanae made sure I got on the Narita Express as we bid farewell.
Kanae O.
Daniel, thank you so much for your kind words. I'm really glad I could help make your travel day smooth and stress-free. Wishing you safe and happy travels always!
Bridget G.
“Incredible Sites and Perfect Guide!”
I cannot say enough good things about Kanae. From the moment she picked us up from the hotel, her warmth and professionalism was evident. The temples she took us to were all some of the most stunning temples we visited during our time in Japan, and all off the beaten path so no crowds. In fact, we were the only ones there at the first! Kanae is also incredibly knowledgable about the history and traditions at each temple. Afterwards, she took us to her favorite ramen spot in Kyoto and it did not disappoint... I'm still dreaming of the food I had there. Thank you so much, Kanae!
Kanae O.
Bridget,thank you so much for your kind and generous review. It truly means a lot. I’m so glad you enjoyed the peaceful temples and that the ramen hit the spot—it's one of my favorites too! Sharing these hidden gems with both of you was such a joy. I hope your memories of Japan stay with you for a long time, and maybe one day we’ll explore even more together! et,
Karen O.
“Wonderful tour guide!”
We booked Kanae during the peak of cherry blossom season. Everything was extremely crowded but Kanae got us to all of the stops we wanted to make. She gave us just the right amount of information about our locations and even took us to some stores off the beaten path. She was extremely helpful and her English was very good so we had no issues with communication. If we are ever back in the Kyoto area we will certainly book with her again.
Kanae O.
Karen, thank you so much for your kind words! It was a pleasure guiding you during such a beautiful (and busy!) time of year. I’m really glad we were able to make the most of it and explore some hidden spots together. I’d love to welcome you back to Kyoto anytime—there’s always more to discover!
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Koichi W.
Hi! I'm Koichi. I was born in Osaka, I studied in Kyoto when I was a university student. Now I live in Shiga next to Kyoto. I am a national government licensed tour guide. I have been guiding about 160 groups over the past twelve months. I usually guide my customers mainly in Kansai region including Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Kobe and Shiga by public transportation systems. Well, I am curious about Japanese history, especially the history of Japan's ancient times since I was raised next to the world biggest mausoleum of the ancient Emperor called "Nintoku" in Sakai city Osaka which has just become one of the world cultural heritage sites. I dug out some ancient earthen ware vessels around there when I was a primary school student like the adventure archaeologist “Indiana Jones" (It’s our secret!!). That was my hobby. Now, one of my hobbies is outdoor activities such as mountaineering, kayaking, skiing and others. So I would like to take you to some good places where you can enjoy Japanese unique nature. I love to guide foreign visitors from all over the world. I think it is my calling or heavenly given job. Let's go and enjoy together! I hope to see you soon.
Yasuhisa K.
I have worked in the multi-national organizations including UN agency for around 30 years and stationed at various cities including Rome, Bangkok and Hanoi. Although I have retired from those international carriers, I wish to keep the international cooperation and develop the friendship with people who visits our country. As I like history and am practicing Noh song and wood curving of Buddha images, I have decided to live in Nara where is surrounded by many historical places and traditional cultures, when I returned back to Japan in 2017. I wish to offer you custom made trip ideas to be able to enjoy the atmosphere of old city, Nara. I am also planning to develop trip plans to enjoy the local cultures. Please call me Yasu.
Hiroyuki T.
Hi! I had been working for Wakayama Prefectural Government for 38 years, mainly in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am a national certificated English guide and I have a lot of knowledge and experience in the field of cultural heritage management and international relations. I am very good at cultural heritages. And Koyasan and Kumano in Wakayama Prefecture are inscribed in the World Heritage List as parts of “Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range". I was a project manager of "the Koyasan and Kumano World Heritage Inscription Project” at Wakayama Prefectural Government. I know inside and out of Koyasan, Kumano, Wakayama and other places in the Kansai area. I have a lot of experience of guiding as I was also in charge of international relations for a long time at the government. I will be able to provide interpretive guiding service for you around Koyasan, Wakayama, Osaka and other places in the Kansai area as I am a cultural heritage management and international relations professional. I am sure you will be able to get deeper understandings on Japanese culture and that your trip with me will be memorable one.
