Kyoto in One 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
- 8:30 Hotel meet (spoke with the guest beforehand and decided to start 30 minutes later) Train ride
- 9:30 Fushimi Inari (enjoyed takoyaki and coffee from the food stalls) Train ride
- 10:30 Sanjusangendo
- 11:45 Lunch (ramen at guest's request) Train from Shichijo
- 12:30 Gion stroll Taxi ride
- 13:30 Kyogashi (Kyoto sweets) exhibition and matcha at Yuhisai Kodokan, on foot
- 15:00 Finished near the hotel
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Gion
The guests were visitors from North America. Since one of the group had some difficulty walking, we moved at a slow and comfortable pace throughout the day. Fushimi Inari was quite crowded as expected, but we made a point of using elevators wherever possible. After that, we took a short break with takoyaki and coffee before heading to Sanjusangendo. The guests seemed to have an interest in art and took their time viewing everything carefully. Next, at the request of one of the group, we went to a ramen restaurant, and they enjoyed the ramen very much. We then moved to Gion, where I guided them from Shirakawa to Hanamikoji, and afterward we took a taxi to Yuisai Kodokan. Although it was not on the What to Do list, I had visited before and found it wonderful, so I suggested it to the guests in advance, and since they were interested, I took them there. They enthusiastically viewed the display of Kyoto sweets and took photos, and they also enjoyed the matcha experience afterward, saying, "It was really unique and special experience." (Because there was a fairly long wait for the matcha, the tour was extended by 30 minutes.)
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Marutamachi～Inari | 410JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Shichijo | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Shichijo～Gion-Shijo | 170JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
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