Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo — Guide Makiko
November, 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
- 10:00 Hotel meet (the guest contacted us and came down 15 minutes late) Taxi used (2 cars, arranged by guest)
- 10:45 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, walking
- 11:30 Sagatoriimoto Preservation District for Groups of Traditional Buildings, walking
- 12:00 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, taxi used (2 cars, arranged by guest)
- 13:00 Sanjusangendo
- 14:00 Ended around Shichijo Station
What Is a Private Kyoto Sagano Family Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time, part of a group traveling from Asia. Since the group included young children, they preferred to avoid crowded places and temples, so I suggested a temple in the Sagano area of Kyoto. They were pleased that it was not crowded and offered plenty of nature. I believe the children also enjoyed seeing the rows of rakan statues and ringing the bell. Since the travel time was long, I folded some origami as gifts for the children, which they were very happy to receive.
The group had left their cash at the Hotel, so I covered the costs on their behalf (I was later reimbursed), and I realized it would have been better to confirm this again before departure. Also, they had initially planned to use a stroller, but since stroller movement is difficult in many places, I think it is necessary to inform guests of this in advance.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hi, I’m Makiko originally from Kobe.
I have graduated from high school and University in the U.S., and working as an English Tour Guide in Japan since in my 20s.
I want my guests to experience the beauty of Japan in Kansai region.
Also, I’m a Sado, tea ceremony instructor , so ask me anything about tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese culture.
Especially, I would like to take you where you can find peace in your mind through my tour, my recommended places in Kyoto are Fushimi Inari and Nanzenji Temple.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting you!
Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We only had a few…
Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We only had a few hours to see Kyoto so we needed a local expert to maximize our visit.
Makiko did a fabulous job. She arranged a wheelchair at the station and then took us to Toji
Temple and Niko Castle
Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught…
Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught us a lot about Kyoto and Japanese culture.
Our driver was wonderful as well and having the driver made it possible for us to maximize
our time with Makiko. I would highly recommend this!!
Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding…
Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding us to notable example of each- Fushimi Inari shrine and the Sanjusangen-do Hall. We had a love walk through the Gion district too.
After a simple and perfectly delicious ramen lunch, we arrived at Yuuhisai Koudoukan, a very old school converted to a cultural center near the Imperial Palace. We enjoyed a limited and juried exhibit of Japanese confections prepared by competing chefs. That was followed by a casual tea ceremony. This final experience was something we’d have never found on our own.
Overall, Makiko is a very able guide, sensitive to our comfort and needs in the moment, effortlessly helping us to navigate the subways as well. We also discovered we had a mutual connection to Olympia WA and the college there. Beautiful introduction to Kyoto.
Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind,…
Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful.
It was a wonderful experience which was tailored to our interests and requests. I would very
much recommend. Thank you