Kyoto in One Day: Kennin-ji Temple & Pokemon Center — Guide Satoko

Title: What's a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since some of the guests were conversing in Spanish, I asked about it and learned they had roots in Latin America. At the outset, the group had requested a relaxed pace with restaurant stops, a chance to experience pop culture, some shopping, and a look at a geisha district, so I had arranged Hanamikoji Street, a Nintendo shop, Nishiki Market, and the Pokémon Center into the itinerary. If time remained, I intended to take them to Nijo Castle or Kyoto Tower.

Making the most of the opportunity, I came up with the idea of walking through Kennin-ji Temple on the way to Hanamikoji Street. When I explained the meaning of the roof tiles bearing the triple-comma design and the significance of the main gate, everyone listened attentively. When I asked whether they would like to enter the abbot's quarters (hojo), the answer was yes, so we went inside. One of the guests, being interested in architecture, eagerly took photographs of the garden and buildings. Another was moved by the beauty of the garden and took many photos as well. There were chairs set with tatami where one could sit and gaze at the garden, and one guest remarked, "I could stay here forever." Indeed, a gentle breeze made it very pleasant. I noticed for the first time myself that the pillars of the hojo room framed the Choontei Garden beyond like a beautiful painting.

After visiting Kennin-ji, we headed to Hanamikoji Street, where I talked about the characteristics of the tea houses. We then set off walking toward Takashimaya, and along the way one of the guests found a shop selling Japanese-style trinkets and bought some souvenirs. Meanwhile, others in the group played with gachapon machines and enjoyed ice cream. We arrived at Takashimaya right at a good time for a meal, so I asked how they would like to handle lunch. Some of the guests were ready to eat, while another had eaten a large breakfast and only wanted a drink, so I suggested a family restaurant. When I asked whether a wait of nine groups would be acceptable, the answer was yes, so we waited outside. During that time, part of the group went to the Nintendo shop. I apologized for the long wait, but the response was that they did not mind. Certainly, sitting for an hour in air conditioning is better than wandering around outside in the heat. When our turn finally came, we chatted about various topics, including the insurance system and tariffs.

After lunch, we all went to the Nintendo shop and took photos on the rooftop. Next, one of the guests wanted to buy a book about Japan, so we went to the book section, where they purchased many books. It seemed this guest holds gatherings to read poetry, and asked what Japanese poetry is like, so I explained haiku. They took interest and bought a book on haiku as well. Another guest bought a JoJo's Bizarre Adventure book as a souvenir for friends.

From there, we went to Teramachi Kyogoku and then Nishiki Market. They took photos in front of the large lantern at Teramachi Kyogoku. I then introduced Nishikitenmangu Shrine. When I explained that touching the head of the guardian ox statue and then your own head brings good fortune, one guest encouraged another to do so. Some of the things at Nishiki Market seemed unusual and novel to the guests. One of the guests bought a strawberry daifuku and a matcha daifuku, and I was treated to a matcha daifuku as well. As one of the group wanted strawberry juice and another wanted chocolate-covered strawberries, we decided to take a break at a juice stand along the way. One of the guests, eyes sparkling, said, "The Pokémon Center is close, so we're going there, right?" so we headed to the Pokémon Center. After spending some time there, our time was up and we parted ways. The guests were a very kind and caring group, and I too enjoyed a wonderful day.

Regarding the admission fee for Kennin-ji, the guests kindly covered my portion as well, so I have not billed the company for it.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

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!