This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1)9:00 Hotel, after meeting, go to Nijo Castle by subway
  • 2)9:20-10:50, Nijo Castle, then go to Nanzenji Temple by subway
  • 3)11:10-12:10, Nanzenji Temple, Tenjuan, then go to Higashiyama by subway
  • 4)12:30-13:00, Lunch, then go to Kiyomizu-dera Temple by bus
  • 5)13:30-15:00, Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine
  • 6)15:10, Farewell at a specialty tea shop

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests mentioned that the wall paintings and Japanese garden at Nijo Castle were beautiful. As they seemed to have an interest in art, they also visited the exhibition hall where the wall paintings are stored. They seemed to like the calm atmosphere of Nanzenji Temple. When I mentioned there was another beautiful garden, they also visited Tenjuan, and they seemed to enjoy this garden as well. They eagerly took many photos of the koi carp. Since I had been told in advance that this was a special trip, I gave them a small present, which delighted them greatly. As I had heard that the guests both like katsu, we enjoyed a katsu lunch together, and they said it was delicious. They seemed to like the view from Kiyomizu-dera Temple. At Yasaka Shrine, I explained the proper way to worship at a shrine, and they offered their prayers. After visiting Yasaka Shrine, as it was already past 15:00, I told them the tour would end here and asked what they would like to do next. They said they wanted to drink matcha, so I took them to a specialty tea shop, where we said goodbye.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwaySanjo Keihan~Nijojo-mae220JPY
Section 2SubwayNijojo-mae~Keage260JPY
Section 3SubwayKeage~Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture)220JPY
Section 4BusHigashiyama Sanjo (Subway Higashiyama Station) / Kyoto City Bus~Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Total930JPY

Nice to meet you.
My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

I look forward to meeting you.
Best regard.

Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
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