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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

(77 reviews)

Identity Verified

Interview-Based Quality Checks

Date

People

Available Areas

Kyoto (Living), Shiga

Languages

English, Japanese (Native)

Response Time

15 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

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

Reviews

Dominic W.

5 / 5

Apr 3, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Apr 3, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Warm & Personal Experience”

We had a wonderful half-day outing with Kanae, who was both prompt and incredibly courteous. We especially appreciated how accommodating she was with our request to visit a quiet village on the outskirts of Kyoto—it was exactly the kind of authentic experience we were looking for. This was after we visited a few key sites in Kyoto itself. Between the great conversation, the local temple visit, and exploring the village on foot, our time with Kanae really flew by. We had a fantastic time and highly recommend Kanae as your guide!

Richie K.

5 / 5

Mar 27, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Mar 27, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Kyoto tour”

My wife and I had a great time touring Kyoto with Kanae. She was very knowledgeable and also very patient with us. We saw a lot of great places and enjoyed ourselves. We would recommend Kanae if you want a terrific tour of Kyoto!

Janice H.

5 / 5

Mar 18, 2026

Kyoto Early Bird Highlights with Car Service

Mar 18, 2026

Kyoto

6 hours 30 mins

“Kyoto Tour with Exceptional Care”

We had a wonderful experience with Kanae. She was an excellent guide—very knowledgeable, friendly, and flexible throughout the day. She tailored the itinerary to our interests and gave us great local recommendations that we truly appreciated. What stood out most was how accommodating she was to my mother, who has difficulty walking long distances. Kanae made sure everything was comfortable and accessible for her, which made the experience stress-free and enjoyable for all of us. Overall, it was a memorable and well-organized tour, and we’re very grateful for Kanae’s care and professionalism. Highly recommend!

Kanae O.

Janice, thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful review. It truly means a lot to me. I’m very glad I had the opportunity to spend the day with you all. Your mother did an amazing job throughout the tour. I was really impressed by her effort and positive spirit. It was a pleasure to be with her. I also really enjoyed our time together and appreciate your warm company. I hope the rest of your stay in Japan was just as enjoyable, and I would be delighted to see you again if you return. Thank you again for choosing me as your guide.