Kyoto: To-ji Temple & Daiun-ji Temple (Gion-kaku) — Guide Ichiro
September, 2024
This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Hotel
- 8:45-9:45 To-ji Temple
- 10:15-11:00 Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
- 11:15-12:00 (Lunch)
- 12:30-13:30 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
- 13:45-14:30 Nijo Castle (Honmaru Palace)
- 15:00-15:30 Daiun-ji Temple (Gion-kaku)
- 16:00 Arrive at hotel
- Hotel: Hyatt Regency Kyoto (east of Sanjusangendo)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in To-ji Temple at 8:45, Nishi Hongan-ji Temple at 10:15, (Lunch) at 11:15, Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) at 12:30, Nijo Castle (Honmaru Palace) at 13:45 and Daiun-ji Temple (Gion-kaku) at 15:00.
What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report
The group were guests visiting from North America. It was the first day of their five-day stay in Kyoto, and their request was: "Please take us somewhere unique, off the beaten path."
So I incorporated the "Honmaru Palace" at Nijo Castle, which reopened this September 1st for the first time in 18 years, and "Daiun-in Gion-kaku," which is open only for a period of just under three months for the first time in six years. The guests were very pleased with these choices.
In the morning, to let them experience the difference between state Buddhism (a huge main hall enshrining a large Buddhist statue) and popular Buddhism (a huge main hall able to accommodate around a thousand worshippers), I set a course from To-ji Temple to Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.
At Nishi Hongan-ji, photography was freely permitted inside the main hall and the Founder's Hall (though visitors were asked to avoid photographing other worshippers as much as possible), so the guests took many photos.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.