Profile photo for Cannon Xiao
1962 messages
active 1 hour ago

Cannon Xiao

I adore Japan! Its rich cultural tapestry, captivating history, delectable cuisine, warm-hearted people, and breathtaking landscapes truly captivate my heart. My passion for Japan runs deep—not only do I appreciate its traditions and natural beauty, but I also actively engage with its music, dramas, video games, anime, and broader cultural expressions. In fact, to better understand and enjoy these aspects, I even took the initiative to learn Japanese on my own.

Engaging in conversations about Japan with culturally-minded travelers brings me immense joy, and I find fulfillment in assisting them in crafting an experience that aligns with their desires. My travel philosophy centers around the belief that life and travel are opportunities for personal reflection and growth. I am fervently dedicated to sharing this philosophy with our guests, ensuring that their journey through Japan becomes a meaningful exploration of both the external wonders and the inner self.

What places and activities do you specialize in?

"Japan is a fascinating country where ancient traditions harmoniously coexist with modern innovation. From the elegance of tea ceremonies and the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms to the refined craftsmanship of sushi, every element of Japanese culture tells a story that continues to inspire me. My deep appreciation for Japan extends beyond personal interest—I specialize in designing immersive Japan tours that highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage and vibrant culinary scene.

Whether a traveler is passionate about serene natural landscapes, time-honored traditions, delicious local cuisine, or the colorful worlds of anime and video games, I excel at creating thoughtfully tailored itineraries that reflect their unique interests. My goal is to ensure every guest experiences the very best of Japan through meaningful encounters and unforgettable moments."

How did you get involved in travel?

"When I was 16, I left China to pursue my studies in Malaysia. At the age of 20, I moved to Melbourne, Australia, where I lived and worked for ten years. Eventually, I returned to Shanghai. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to travel to many countries and regions, meeting people from all walks of life and diverse cultural backgrounds. These experiences not only broadened my worldview but also deepened my appreciation for the unique traditions, landscapes, and stories each destination holds. It was through these meaningful encounters that my passion for travel truly took root, ultimately guiding me toward a fulfilling career in the travel industry."

Please share a unique travel experience you will never forget.

"One of the most unforgettable travel experiences I had in Japan was in the charming town of Kamakura. Among all its historical treasures, what left the deepest impression on me was visiting Hase-dera Temple. As I wandered through the peaceful temple grounds, I came across hundreds of small Jizō statues tucked away along moss-covered paths. Each statue, lovingly placed, seemed to embody the prayers and emotions of people who had come before me. The quiet beauty of the temple, paired with the soft chanting of monks in the distance, created an atmosphere that was both spiritual and deeply moving."

Cannon is part of the following groups: Japan Travel Agents
Top itineraries and travel advice

Recent trip reviews for Cannon

Get the "private group" experience for a small family!
Japan | Sep 20 - Sep 28, 2025

Rosa
Rosa S.
Honolulu, HI | Reviewed on Oct 05, 2025
I initially sought the help of Kimkim because I knew we were ambitious in our own desires and needed to travel as efficiently as possible: We wanted to see Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen, and Fukuoka when experiencing Kyushu for the first time, and then fly to Hokkaido for Sapporo's Autumn Food Festival and a day trip to Lake Toya — all in just 2 weeks time. We had been to Japan before, and we knew how more expertise in our planning would be wise, especially since we... Read more

I initially sought the help of Kimkim because I knew we were ambitious in our own desires and needed to travel as efficiently as possible: We wanted to see Osaka, Hiroshima, Miyajima Island, Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen, and Fukuoka when experiencing Kyushu for the first time, and then fly to Hokkaido for Sapporo's Autumn Food Festival and a day trip to Lake Toya — all in just 2 weeks time. We had been to Japan before, and we knew how more expertise in our planning would be wise, especially since we insisted on private cultural experiences versus touristy attractions and crowds. Kimkim delivered on our desires and more.
Our local specialist Cannon was exceptional, and we really appreciated how he communicated with us. He made superb suggestions, was remarkably responsive and timely, and kept in touch daily during our trip. He always remained sensitive to our budget, and even sent us suggested walking routes when we were on our own leisure time. At one point, he even offered to be our translator when a medical mishap occurred, and he stepped up his behind-the-scenes updates with our guides and drivers accordingly.
Our thanks to guide Akiko (Hiroshima & Miyajima Island), driver Gong (Beppu, Kurokawa Onsen & Fukuoka), and driver Naru (Sapporo & Lake Toya): each of your added specialties added to our trip wonderfully.

Local specialist: Cannon Xiao
Cannon
Cannon Xiao
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on Oct 09, 2025

Hi Rosa,
Thank you for choosing KimKim to arrange this trip for you. We deeply appreciate your trust, support, cooperation, patience, and understanding throughout the journey. Our warmest wishes go to you and your family — may happiness and health always be with you. We sincerely hope to see you on your next trip.
Best
Cannon

Overall a good overview of Japan’s highlights...
Japan | May 5 - May 12, 2024

A
Alex C.
Thailand | Reviewed on May 19, 2024
Overall a good overview of Japan’s highlights.Mie has been by far our most helpful and caring guide especially at time we had a health care issue with my mother.Overall the drivers delivered well ( accuracy and flexibility). Other guides were actually quite unhelpful, falling short on understanding our group’s needs, logistics and providing insights on the sites visited. Some logistics opportunities of improvement ( ex: pick-up planned far too early last morning we had to change, meeting... Read more

Overall a good overview of Japan’s highlights.Mie has been by far our most helpful and caring guide especially at time we had a health care issue with my mother.Overall the drivers delivered well ( accuracy and flexibility). Other guides were actually quite unhelpful, falling short on understanding our group’s needs, logistics and providing insights on the sites visited. Some logistics opportunities of improvement ( ex: pick-up planned far too early last morning we had to change, meeting point for food tour in Tokyo unclear causing 1/2 h delay).Some days could have been less packed allowing to better benefit from nice hotels and enjoy some experiences: Hakone’s busy day was leading to very early diner ( 5 pm) so postponing the onsen experience to a timing not relevant with the kids.Hope this will help.

Local specialist: Cannon Xiao
Cannon
Cannon Xiao
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 21, 2024

Thank you for your suggests. Best wishes to your and your family.

Overall a good overview of Japan’s highlight...
Japan | May 5 - May 12, 2024

Vincent
Vincent C.
France | Reviewed on May 13, 2024
Overall a great overview of Japan’s highlights giving insights for future more focused trips.Mie has been by far our most helpful and caring guide especially at time we had a health care issue with my wife.Overall the drivers delivered well ( accuracy and flexibility).Some logistics opportunities of improvement ( ex: pick-up planned far too early last morning we had to change, meeting point for food tour in Tokyo unclear causing 1/2 h delay).Some days could have been less packed allowing to... Read more

Overall a great overview of Japan’s highlights giving insights for future more focused trips.Mie has been by far our most helpful and caring guide especially at time we had a health care issue with my wife.Overall the drivers delivered well ( accuracy and flexibility).Some logistics opportunities of improvement ( ex: pick-up planned far too early last morning we had to change, meeting point for food tour in Tokyo unclear causing 1/2 h delay).Some days could have been less packed allowing to better benefit from nice hotels and enjoy some experiences: Hakone’s busy day was leading to very early diner ( 5 pm) so postponing the onsen experience to a timing not relevant with the kids.Hope this will help.Vincent

Local specialist: Cannon Xiao
Cannon
Cannon Xiao
Local specialist in Japan | Replied on May 14, 2024

Dear Vincent,
Hope you are doing well and thanks a lot for your sharing your feedback with us. We truly appreciate your honesty and suggestions.