Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Mikane — Guide Satoko

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Yasaka Shrine, and Nijo Castle

The guests were a friendly and well-mannered group. There were plenty of sights on the way from the hotel to Sanjo Keihan, and they listened attentively to my explanations of the Takase River and Pontocho. At Fushimi Inari, one of the guests bowed at the torii gate at the entrance without being prompted, which impressed me, so I applauded and praised them. They were the type who wanted to try everything, and they experienced washing their hands at the temizuya, praying at the main hall, and lifting the Omokaru stone at the Senbon Torii. When I mentioned that Higashimaru Shrine at the entrance is good for academics, one of the guests happily paid a visit. On the way back, there were food stalls in front of the torii, so one of the guests enjoyed a 10-yen bread. The group also enjoyed takoyaki together. They were very impressed watching the takoyaki vendor quickly flip the takoyaki so they wouldn't burn. Then we moved on to Yasaka Shrine. Since it's like a general trading company of shrines, one of the guests happily took photos next to the Ebisu shrine, and when I explained that the water at Utsukushi Gozen Shrine is good for beauty, one of the guests happily washed their face. When I explained that the sword shrine is effective for cutting ties, one of the guests prayed to be free from injuries. Then we moved to Hanamikoji. I explained about the living quarters of geisha, and since the dances of the five hanamachi were being held at Minamiza just then, I introduced each hanamachi while looking at the posters. We passed briefly through Miyagawacho, and I showed them the bronze statue of Izumo no Okuni, then we took the Keihan train again to Sanjo, transferred to the Kyoto City Subway, and went to Nijo Castle. Normally I only guide the Ninomaru Palace and Ninomaru Garden, but since they wanted to walk the full loop and we had time, we also went around the Honmaru area. The originally proposed itinerary was supposed to end at Mikane Shrine, but since they asked where would be a good place to eat lunch, and it wasn't too far to walk, I guided them to the International Manga Museum, which the guests would likely enjoy, told them there was a cafe inside, took them to Teramachi Oike, explained that they could enjoy shopping and dining there, and said goodbye. The photo was taken just after one of the guests purchased the 10-yen bread at Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since it was still early in the morning, I took the photo here.

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Tour Report by Satoko

I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!