Kyoto in One Day: Sanjo Sta & Kenninji temple — Guide Kazz

What Is a Private Kurama, Kifune, and Gion Walking Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

In our pre-tour email discussions about desired destinations, the guests mentioned wanting to visit Kurama-dera Temple and Kifune Shrine, which is a relatively unusual request. I had been there several times personally but had never guided guests there, so I did a preliminary survey to confirm the travel times involved, and asked them to come dressed appropriately for trekking. Later I received a request to extend the tour by two hours, so I added destinations and got their approval for the itinerary.

When we met at the Hotel, one of the guests was carrying a walking stick and seemed to have some difficulty walking. We arrived at Kurama without trouble, took the cable car up to the main hall, and were about to continue over the mountain toward Kifune when one of the guests said they would wait there. So I reworked the itinerary, returned to Kurama Station, took the Eizan train to Kibuneguchi, and visited Kifune Shrine.

The guests were visiting from Europe and were very calm and cultured people. They had joined a Gion night tour the previous day, and since they were interested in maiko and geiko, I showed them the location of the Gion Corner and the recently opened Gion Hanamachi Art Museum. They wanted to go right away, so I changed the plan, we entered the museum, and additionally watched a geiko dance performance. On the way back from Kennin-ji Temple, I guided them through the back streets of Gion Kobu to Ryokujuan Shimizu, a konpeito confectionery shop, which they were delighted with, and they bought some konpeito as souvenirs. They told me it was an excellent tour. (I am writing this text to cover the two-hour extension as well.)

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazz

I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!