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Joined 2015
Kenji M.
Available Areas
Kyoto (Living), Himeji, Hyogo, Kobe, Nara, Osaka
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
17 hours on average
Availability Updated
3 days ago
About Tour Guide Kenji M.
Hi I'm Kenji
I have a government license of tour guide interpreter in English.
I was born and raised in Kyoto, an old capital of Japan over one thousand years
So I'm very familiar with many sightseeing spots and attractions of the city
Kyoto is a fascinating and picturesque city drawing lots of foreign tourists every year
I can show you around not only popular historical sites and relics
but also its various attractions such us Zen silent meditation, traditional sweets cooking,
kimono-clad walking and so on.
I can also provide tailored tours fitting to your liking.
I like a famous Zen phrase "Ichigo Ichie" meaning "Treasure every encounter
for it will never recur"
So I always try to enjoy guiding every tourist with my best hospitality.
Zen concepts have greatly influenced many aspects of Japanese culture
I will explain some of them and allow you to explore Zen world through some of my tours
Please contact me any time.
I'm looking forward to seeing you and spending wonderful time with you.
See you soon !
Important
I can customize any private tour if you give me the information of your request in advance.
Tours
All tours can be customized for you. Send me a message with your requests!
Categories
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Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
This is customized private tour in Kyoto which guests can create easily by selecting any spots from a list of popular tourist destinations. The list consists of 16 tourist destinations (S01-16) that are very popular especially among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection the guide will arrange best itinerary with tour cost and feedback proper offer to the guest for formal booking.
Customized Private Tour in Kyoto
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Highlight Tour of Kyoto
The tour includes five typical tourist destinations in Kyoto city. We will start with Kiyomizudera of the panoramic view from its huge stage jutting over a cliff. From Kiyomizudera to Gion Gasha district we stroll through picturesque paths. In the afternoon we will visit Nijyo Castle, the huge residence of the Tokugawa shoguns in Kyoto. Next we will visit Kinkakuji, known as Golden Pavilion. The last visit is Ryoanji very famous for its mysterious rock garden.
Highlight Tour of Kyoto
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Customized Private Tour in Osaka
This is customized private tour in Osaka which guest can make easily by selecting any spots from a list of recommended tourist spots. The list consists of 17 tourist destinations divided by 3 area,North, South and Bay area that are popular among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection guide will arrange best itinerary with cost and feedback the guest proper offer for formal booking.
Customized Private Tour in Osaka
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Customized Private Tour in Nara
This is customized private tour in Nara which guests can create easily by selecting any spots from a list of popular tourist destinations. The list consists of 8 tourist destinations (S01-S08) that are very popular especially among foreign tourists. After the guest's selection the guide will arrange best itinerary with tour cost and feedback proper offer to the guest for formal booking.
Customized Private Tour in Nara
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Osaka Highlight tour
We visit symbolic Osaka Castle, the 1st state-established Buddhist temple (admission fee of 600 yen needed) and Umeda Sky Building, a popular skyscrapers with 360° panoramic view on top (admission fee of 2000 yen needed). My guide fee is 8000 yen / 8hours (up to 10 persons)
Osaka Highlight tour
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Exploring Himeji Castle with Sanctuary and Huge Bridge
Guests can combine any of the following tourist destinations depending on their needs and tour time. 1) Himeji Castlea (magnificent fortress ) 2) Engyo-ji temple (a unspoiled Buddhist sanctuary) 3) Akashi Kaikyo Bridge (the world's longest suspension bridge) 4) Japanese garden Kokoen (various type of Japanese gardens)
Exploring Himeji Castle with Sanctuary and Huge Bridge
Reviews
Dave R.
“Amazing Kyoto Sights”
We had the best day with Kenji. He was punctual, polite and knowledgeable, and helped us many times to understand the history and the background behind the sights of Kyoto. We packed in a full day of sight seeing, and especially loved the Sagano Romantic Train and its views. An amazing day, highly recommended.
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Kenji M.
Dave-san, Thank you for your great review of our Kyoto tour. I really glad that you and your family liked my guiding and preparation. As Sagano Romantic Train is one of the most fascinating attractions in Arashiyama, I could manage to book better reserved seats for enjoying breathtaking natural beauty through gorges by quicker online booking. Despite of long transfer form Osaka, we could combine with other popular tourist spots effectively by hiring a large private van with driver as a comfortable transportation. If you have any chance to visit Japan in future, please let me know so that I can tailor another best tour to meet your needs. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
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Carla R.
“Kenji-San is the best!”
Kenji-san is an excellent tour guide. I had two full-day excursions with him, all custom and somewhat unique requests and he knocked it out of the park! He is the consummate professional and also personable. Highly recommended.
Kenji M.
Carla-san, What a marvellous tour review you gave me! Based on your request I managed prepare best tickets to enjoy Noh theater to the fullest, including Noh, a highly stylized, classical Japanese musical drama and Kyogen, a traditional comedic performance. It was a great opportunity for me to guide you such a customized tour. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
Carla R.
“Kenji-san is an excellent guide!”
I wholeheartedly recommend Kenji-san for your needs for a guide in Kyoto. He is a Kyoto native, speaks excellent English, and is very organized, knowledgeable, and professional.
Kenji M.
Carla-san, Thank you for your great review of my customized tour in Kyoto I appriciate you giving me a chance to guide you to view Aoi Matsuri Festival (one of Kyoto’s three major festivals, featuring a magnificent procession of people dressed in elegant ancient costumes) And we could enjoy viewing spectacular annual dance performance held by the gaisha in the afternoon. I look forward to another fascinating tour with you. Arigatogozaimasu, Kenji
Other Popular Tour Guides in Kyoto
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Tatsuya M.
Nice to meet you! My name is Tatsuya. I was born and raised in Osaka. I love traveling the world and communicating with all kinds of people. I also have a caring personality, so I would love to share the charms of Osaka, its people, and its food with people all over the world! I provide sightseeing tours not only in Osaka but also in Kyoto and Nara. I offer transportation services for hotels, cruise ships, and airports as well!
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Ayumi S.
Academic Knowledge & Global Mindset – Your Local Expert for Culture and Sports! Hi everyone! I’m Ayumi, a local guide based in the Kansai area. I studied Tourism at University, where I explore the deeper historical and cultural backgrounds of Japan's most famous sites. Having traveled to many countries myself, I know exactly what makes a trip unforgettable, authentic local experiences and stress-free environment. Why book with me? Academic Insight: I don’t just show you the sights; I share the "why" behind them, from the architecture of Himeji Castle to the rituals of a tea ceremony. Active & Diverse: Whether you want to go hiking in Kobe, watch a professional rugby match, Baseball game, Soccer game, or find the best hidden yakitori spots, I’ve got you covered. Flexible & Friendly: I understand the needs of international travelers and will help you navigate Japan (including your JR Pass) with ease. Shopping & Sweets Expert: I am a huge fan of shopping! If you need recommendations for Japanese cosmetics or the best local snacks, just ask me. I especially have a "sweet tooth" for Apple Pie and Daifuku (mochi)—I’m always on the hunt for the best ones in town! Let’s go beyond the guidebooks and discover the real Japan together. I look forward to meeting you in Kyoto, Osaka, or Kobe!
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Niko T.
KONNICHIWA!! I’m Niko! I’ve lived in Australia and worked at the Osaka Expo 2025. Through those experiences, I met people from all over the world — we hung out together, and I loved taking them to hidden local spots that tourists usually don’t find, like cozy cafés, local restaurants, and beautiful nature spots. I’m a very friendly person who loves learning new things. I enjoy not only sharing unique and lesser-known sides of Japan, but also hearing stories about your country and anything you’d like to talk about! I’m a big FOODIE! (Please go to my galleries!) Please let me make you try my favorite Japanese foods!! I also love taking a pictures and will always bring my camera with me, , so I can take beautiful photos of you during the tour — and you’ll get them on the spot as a little gift ! Providing warm hospitality to people is truly my joy. You won’t regret joining my tour — I promise! Can’t wait to meet you soon!
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