Kyoto in One Day: Kinkaku-ji & Fushimi Inari Taisha — Guide Kazu

Can You Do a Private Kyoto Sightseeing Tour in One Day? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. After sightseeing in Tokyo and hiking in Nagano, they arrived in Kyoto the day before. One of the guests had visited Tokyo many times before but had only been to Kyoto a few times, while another was visiting Japan and Kyoto for the very first time. This private one-day tour of Kyoto was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/). Since the guests wished to see as many places as possible, and each site was quite far apart, the pace was somewhat rushed, but even so, I explained various aspects of Japanese history and religious views while riding in taxis and trains. Interestingly, one of the guests listened especially attentively, and the group seemed very happy watching them enjoy the tour, occasionally explaining parts that were not understood. The guests loved golf and were said to be at a single-digit handicap level, and since I also enjoy golf, I could really appreciate their dedication. We had planned to go from the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater to the Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka, but energy ran out and hunger set in, so we headed back toward Pontocho. On the way, I learned that one of the guests had become fond of tenshinhan, so I recommended a good casual Chinese restaurant on Shijo Street and parted ways there. They smiled and said they would enjoy tenshinhan first and then have sukiyaki or sushi in Pontocho. They plan to return to Tokyo the next morning.

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

Tour Report by Kazu

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama