Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Arashiyama and Sagano in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. They walked well without stopping, from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple through the bamboo grove village to the Randen Keifuku station. They had a regional accent that was at times a little difficult to catch.

What surprised me today was how extremely crowded the Kyoto Bus was that we boarded from Nonomiya — it was packed entirely with international visitors. It was so full that people waiting at bus stops along the way were unable to get on. About a year ago I used this same bus, and back then everyone could comfortably find a seat. Moreover, we three were the only ones who got off at "Toriimoto" to head to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, while the other international visitors seemed to ride on toward Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

In the past, many international visitors used taxis for this route, but everyone seems to have done their research well, as the bus was already full by the time it reached the Nonomiya stop. I really felt the information-gathering ability of international tourists and the influence of social media. During the Sagano walk, I also saw many school-trip students who had come off tour buses, which showed just how popular this area has become.

Going forward, sightseeing in this area may require careful consideration, including the timing of visits. The photo was taken in the bamboo grove village of Arashiyama.

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Tour Report by KAZU

I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.