Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Yuka

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour with Saihoji Temple Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests requested a visit to Saihoji Temple, so I explained the availability, the reservation process, and the reservation and cost arrangements for the guide, and since they kindly asked me to join them, I was able to enjoy the experience as well. I explained that Saihoji Temple does not rely on parishioners, so admission fees are its main source of income, and that visitors are asked not simply to view the garden but first to calm their minds through sutra copying before seeing it. In the sutra copying hall, the guests all sat in the formal seiza posture (even though table seating was available!) and copied the sutra with great seriousness. During the following garden stroll, they showed interest not only in the sights but also in the sounds, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Since a request to extend the tour had been made at the start, after Saihoji Temple I took them to the bamboo grove and Tenryuji Temple. They also wished to visit Kinkakuji Temple, but they had become hungry and wanted to eat at Nishiki Market. I was glad to join them for lunch as well. After lunch, we walked around Nishiki Market together a little more. I asked what they wanted to buy, explained where they could purchase those items and how to get back to their accommodation from Nishiki Market, and then we parted ways.

After returning home, they sent me many photos and were very pleased, saying it had been the most enjoyable and wonderful day of their entire stay in Japan. They mentioned that another member of the group is planning to visit Japan and would like to be looked after by us again.

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Tour Report by YUKA

Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!