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

  • 1)meet 9:45 By hire car to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
  • 2)Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple 10:40~11:10 By hire car to Myoshin-ji Temple
  • 3)Myoshin-ji Temple 11:25~12:15 By hire car to Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • 4)Kyoto Imperial Palace 12:40~13:25 By hire car to the hotel
  • 5)13:45 Arrive at the hotel, say goodbye here

Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Chartered Car? A Licensed Guide's Report on Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Myoshin-ji, and Kyoto Imperial Palace

To plan the tour itinerary, I emailed one of the guests, but a message came from the guest's representative instead, proposing that we visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, Myoshin-ji, and Choraku-ji by taxi. However, because it is difficult to catch a return taxi from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and because the area to be covered was wide, I recommended using a chartered car (hire). I also informed the representative that the tour date, in November, fell on a day when Choraku-ji is closed. As a result, the itinerary for the day was set as Hotel → Adashino Nenbutsu-ji → Myoshin-ji → Hotel. Since I was not in direct contact with the guest, I asked the representative to be sure to convey to the guests the itinerary, the use of a chartered car, and the fact that admission fees would be paid in cash, so that there would be no dispute on the day. I received confirmation that this had been conveyed.

On the day, the guests arrived a little after the meeting time (9:30), but we set off in the arranged vehicle. On the way to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, when I asked why they wished to visit Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Myoshin-ji, one of the guests said they had not made any particular requests, and expressed that they would like to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace if possible. So I suggested to the guests that we finish Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Myoshin-ji a little earlier and visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace at the end, and they agreed. As a result, they seemed to greatly enjoy Adashino Nenbutsu-ji and Myoshin-ji (Taizo-in), and they were also pleased to be able to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace, so it worked out well.

Nice to meet you.
My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

I look forward to meeting you.
Best regard.

Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
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