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Joined 2015
Kenji M.
Available Areas
Hyogo, Kyoto (Living), Nara, Osaka, Kobe, Himeji
Languages
English, Japanese
Response Time
15 hours on average
Availability Updated
Today
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 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 1500 yen needed). My guide fee is 56000 yen / 8hours (up to 8 persons)
Osaka Highlight tour
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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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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
Paige A.
“Charming guide in Kyoto”
We couldn’t have had a more kind and charming guide in Kenji. This was our first time in Kyoto, and he took us on a wonderful journey of the key highlights. Our 13-year old also appreciated the insights, and Kenji made sure to find things at the different historical sites that a teenager might be most interested in. We highly recommend Kenji!
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Kenji M.
Paige san, Thank you for your great review of my highlight tour in Kyoto. I'm very glad that you and your family liked my guiding and various historical sites we visited even in the hottest day. Your review will motivate me to try to enjoy more next tour. If you have another chance to visit Kyoto, please let me know so as to offer any tour to meet your needs. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
Coralee A.
“Great Tour of Kyoto”
This was our first visit to Kyoto and we had an ambitious sightseeing plan for our time in Kyoto. Kenji made it not only possible but truly enjoyable. From the start, he was very responsive and worked with us to design a tour that included all the locations we wanted to visit. When we met him at our hotel, he gave us a clear, well-organized schedule that made the most of our day while keeping a comfortable pace. Kenji brought along visual aids and informative handouts that provided valuable context about each temple and shrine we visited, as well as insights into Shinto and Buddhism. These resources were especially helpful in bridging any language gaps and gave us a much deeper understanding of Kyoto’s rich cultural sites. Kenji’s planning was impeccable — he timed our visits so that we could experience popular spots without the crowds. For example, when we arrived at the Bamboo Forest, it was nearly empty, which made it even more special. Throughout the day, Kenji expertly guided us from the southeast to the northwest of Kyoto, covering all our must-see spots efficiently and without feeling rushed or tired. We truly appreciated his knowledge, thoughtful planning, and the care he took to make sure we had an unforgettable day in Kyoto. We highly recommend Kenji to anyone looking to explore Kyoto with an insightful and well-prepared guide!
Kenji M.
Your Reply Coralee-san, What a wonderful review of tour you gave me! I'm very glad to hear that you liked my guiding at each spot and preparation for our tour. Despite of rather tight schedule filled with six popular tourist destinations, we managed to complete all of them with your cooperation as scheduled. It was my great pleasure that I could guide you and your nice family so enjoyably. It will also make me more proactive to next tour. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
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Keith W.
“Great tour”
My son and I had a great experience in Himeji with Kenji. He was prompt and professional the whole time, and went the extra mile to meet us at the door of our Shinkansen car upon arrival at Himeji station. He was responsive throughout the day when we requested to ride a taxi, walk, what to have for lunch, etc. His knowledge of Himeji castle was especially informative as he walked us through the tour, and we enjoyed our time together!
Kenji M.
Keith-san, Thank you for your great review of our Himeji tour. I'm very glad that I could guide you both Japan's No. 1 impregnable fortress and mysterious sanctuary of authentic Buddhist temple complex in a mountain in Hemeji blessed with a fine weather. With your cooperation we could manage to finish our limited 6-hour tour on time as scheduled. It was so enjoyable for me to spend a wonderful time with you and your son. I look forward to next chance to guide you in future. Arigatogozaimashita, Kenji
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 with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 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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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.
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