Private tour in Kyoto Katsuko O
5.0
(8) reviews
8 hours
1
8 hours
1
Katsuko O.
5.0
Guide rating
158
Reviews
Tours delivered
4 hrs
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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 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
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Katsuko O.
Shiga is a place with unique history and culture, including not only shrines and temples, but also samurai castle/merchant towns from the medieval period, located next to Kyoto. Shiga is also known for Lake Biwa, the largest freshwater lake in Japan, as well as its scenic beauty and biodiversity. This tour would be highly recommended if you have already visited major sites in Kyoto therefore look for sites with distinct culture and nature. Below is a list of suggested Shiga tours. More details can be found in the Itinerary section. [1] Hikone tour, known for the national treasure samurai castle and preserved castle town [2] OmiHachiman tour, a picturesque old merchant town [3] Lake Biwa tour, accompanied by a visit to historic temples [4] Shigaraki pottery village tour [5] Old Samurai Road walking tour (Nakasendo/Tokaido) In addition to above, tour to Mt.Hiei, MIHO museum, Nagahama city, etc, can be arranged as well.
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.
My wife and I had the best time during this trip thanks to Katsuko-san. She brought us to great places to visit related to Shogun that is not even in the itinerary, not rushing us and took care of us the whole day. She researched the history and Shogun series before meeting us and explained so well even with powerpoint. Thank you again, Katsuko-san for the wonderful time in Sekigahara and Hikone yesterday
Katsuko was the perfect guide for my day trip to Shigaraki pottery village. Wonderful communication throughout the organisational process and very accommodating to any preferences or changes in planning. She also made the most amazing choices in terms of kilns (ceramists’ studios) for us to visit to showcase the immense range of styles and techniques within Shigaraki pottery. I had an absolutely delightful time with Katsuko and would 100% recommend her to anyone who is looking for a guide to show them around the Shiga region (or Kyoto/Osaka)!
Excellent tour, very competent.
Katsuko is a wonderful guide. She put together the perfect day at Lake Biwa, exploring the preserved history in the streets of Omi Hachiman, a ride along the ancient moat in a boat driven by an expert sailor who used an oar that functioned like a fish's tail... And a trip to see the annual plum tree bonsai exhibition. Katsuko's knowledge of the area is extensive and she is a master at conveying that info in fascinating detail. Hope to meet up with her on our next trip to Japan!
Katsutco was a wonderful guide. In addition to learning the history of the areas we toured, she helped us understand a lot of Japanese culture and norms. Lake Biwa is a beautiful area that should be seen by cruise. We enjoyed our time on the mountain and observed the beauty and quiet of this honored place. Highly recommend.
[1] Hikone Tour - Lake Biwa cruise from Hikone port - Sacred Chikubu island - Hikone castle - explore castle town [2] OmiHachiman Tour - Hachimangu shrine - Mt. Hachiman by cable car - scenic boat ride over the moat - Omi merchant house in traditional buildings preservation district [3] Lake Biwa Tour with historic sites - Sakamoto temple town (Hiyoshi Taisha shrine, Old Chikurin-in) or Otsu city (Ishiyama-dera temple, Mii-dera temple) -lunch with Lake Biwa view - Lake Biwa cruise [4] Shigaraki Pottery Village Tour - Shigaraki Pottery museum - visit to a couple of pottery studios and kilns - pottery supplies shop [5] Old Samurai Road walking tour - Kusatsu, a post town where Tokaido and Nakasendo intersect - walk along old Tokaido - Otsu, once flourished post town Itinerary can be customized according to your interest and preference.
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Public transport (train) and/or taxi
Kyoto, Kyoto, Japan
Meeting at a lobby of hotel is recommended.
Japanese
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8 hours
1
8 hours
1
If your tour is valued over $200 USD and booked at least 45 days before the tour date, you can book with a 20% deposit!
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