Tour guide in Kyoto Katsuko O.

Kyoto, Japan

Japanese, English

Tours Delivered,
Since Mar 9, 2018

11.0

Hours, Avg. response time

I'm Katsuko O., your private tour guide in Kyoto

Guide #28702

5.0 (156)

Hello, my name is Katsuko. I was born and grew up in Osaka, later lived in Tokyo, then Singapore and Kyoto. Now I live in Otsu in Shiga prefecture. I have more than 15 years of experience working in a multinational corporation and now working as a national licensed guide-interpreter. One of my hobbies is travelling abroad and so far I have visited more than fifty countries. Kansai area including Kyoto, Osaka, Nara and Shiga is the cultural center of Japan and has great historical importance. I can offer you unique experiences in this beautiful area, which can include visits to traditional Japanese gardens, ancient temples and shrines, authentic Japanese cultural experiences. I can guide you around all Kansai area including Osaka, Nara, Shiga (such as Lake Biwa, Hikone, Omihachiman, Shigaraki pottery village etc.), Mt. Koya (Koyasan), Mt. Hiei (Hieizan), Mt. Yoshino, old samurai trails such as Nakasendo/Tokaido and so on. Considering the recent issue of overtourism, one of the highly recommended destinations is Shiga, which is a neighboring prefecture of Kyoto and easily accessible from Kyoto/Osaka, and I have a couple of tours to visit Shiga. Additionally, I can also work as an interpreter, when you require interpretation while experiencing traditional crafts and traditional culture at such workshops. I will endeavor to make sure that you will have an enjoyable and memorable trip. I look forward to guiding you here in Japan. - National Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00750) - City of Kyoto Visitors Host - Licensed Guide certified by City of Kyoto (EN00054) - Nara Prefectural Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00036) - Mt. Koya and Kumano Area Licensed Guide Interpreter (EN00195) - International SAKE Sommelier

Delivers tours starting at

  • Kyoto

  • Osaka

  • Kobe

  • Nara

Tours by Katsuko O.

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5.0

Traveller reviews for this guide

156 reviews

  • Philip S.
    March 2026

    This was my first time in Kyoto as a tourist and this tour helped introduce me to many of the town's religious, cultural, and social highlights. Guide Katsuko O. planned and executed a full and very enjoyable day including some exceptional experiences, such as a lovely vegetarian lunch at a monastery. I learned a lot and had a great time.

  • Hannah R.
    March 2026

    This tour was fabulous. Katsuko was a wonderful guide who had so much knowledge about Uji and Kyoto. She took us to some places off the beaten path that we would not have found otherwise. I would definitely do this tour again!

    Replied from Katsuko O.

    Dear Hannah, Thank you very much for your kind review. It was such a pleasure for me to guide around Uji and I'm glad that you enjoyed the day in Uji. I wish you good health and happiness, and hope to have the opportunity to meet you again in the future. Warmest regards, Katsuko

  • Susan E.
    December 2025

    Katsuko gave us a wonderful tour. Her English is excellent, and she has a great depth of knowledge about the city. The tour was well planned and well paced. She was a wonderful, friendly, informative guide who I would gladly use again.

    Replied from Katsuko O.

    Dear Susan, Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm glad to know that you enjoyed the tour. It was truly a pleasure for me to guide you and show you around Osaka. I wish you good health and happiness, and hope to have the opportunity to meet you again in the future. Warmest regards, Katsuko

  • Lauren U.
    November 2025

    Katsuko was a wonderful guide who gave us a fantastic tour of Hikone Castle and Cikubushima Island. She was incredibly knowledgeable, patient and organized, and arranged things to ensure we weren't rushed at all. We would definitely recommend her for any tours.

    Replied from Katsuko O.

    Dear Lauren, Thank you very much for your kind review. I'm so glad that you enjoyed the tour. It was truly a pleasure for me to show you around Hikone castle and Chikubushima island, and it was a memorable day for me too. I wish you good luck and happiness, and hope to have the opportunity to meet you again in the future. Warmest regards, Katsuko