Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Toshi

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Kyoto Station? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from North America. They had missed their limited express train at Osaka Namba, so the meeting time was delayed by 30 minutes to just after 11:30. We met safely at Kyoto Station, confirmed the day's itinerary (Fushimi Inari, the bamboo grove, Kinkaku-ji, Ippodo, Gion, and Nishiki Market), and first headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha by arranged taxi. On the way, I explained the background of Shinto and Fushimi Inari Taisha, and upon arrival I explained the torii gates, the foxes, the worship hall, and the concept of kami in Shinto. Next, I guided them through the grounds and we visited the worship hall. After that, we passed through the Senbon Torii and the guests enjoyed the power spots ("Omokaru-ishi" and "Neage-no-matsu") before descending Mount Inari. Next, we moved by car to Arashiyama, where I took time to guide them through the bamboo grove full of natural beauty, Kameyama Park, the Hozu River, and the Togetsukyo Bridge, after which we took a lunch break. Then we moved to Kinkaku-ji, and although it was a hot day, I guided them around the golden Kinkaku-ji. Since the guests had Chinese heritage, I spoke about the relationship between the Ming dynasty of China and Shogun Yoshimitsu, as well as Yoshimitsu's lasting admiration for Chinese culture. After Kinkaku-ji, the guests wished to purchase Japanese tea (matcha, sencha, etc.) as souvenirs, so we went directly to Ippodo, where they purchased high-grade teas such as gyokuro. Although the remaining time was limited, I gave a brief explanation of "maiko" and "geiko" near the Tatsumi Shrine area in a corner of Gion. Finally, we moved to Nishiki Market, where the guiding concluded. They were looking forward to a kaiseki dinner at a traditional restaurant in Gion. One of the guests was quiet, while another loved to talk and had a strong interest in Japanese culture, asking many questions, which made for an enjoyable guiding experience.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Toshi

After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.