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

  • Hotel
  • Sannenzaka Shopping
  • Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • Heian Shrine
  • Handicraft Center

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Retracing an Old Visit? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Europe. This was a trip to retrace memories of a visit to Japan made about fifty years earlier. At Sannenzaka, they looked very closely at the Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, and they listened with great interest to the history of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and its "kake-zukuri" stage construction. When they noticed high school students on a school trip wearing kimono, they found it unusual and wanted to take a photo together, so I passed on the request and they were able to take the picture.

At Heian Shrine, they marveled at how spacious it was and how beautiful the buildings were. When I explained about the Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages) scheduled for the next day, they became very interested and said they definitely wanted to see it, so I briefly explained the route using a map. The Handicraft Center, which had originally been their main goal, also seemed to please them, which was wonderful. Since they were also interested in the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts and in maiko, I introduced the Gion Corner as well. We went a little over time, but finished at the Handicraft Center.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusKiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Higashiyama Niomon / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Total230JPY

Hi, everyone! Nice meeting you! I’m Yoshimi, Japan National Licenced Tour Guide.
I live in Osaka city with my family, working for overseas trade.
I love traveling abroad as well as in Japan regardless urban area or countryside.
So interested in interacting with you through attractive sightseeing spots around Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, etc.
Osaka is famous as exciting big city and delicious food, Kyoto and Nara boast more than 1000years history with lots of UNESCO world heritage site.
I also would like to introduce Japanese culture such as Sa-do or tea ceremony, Ka-do, or flower arrangement, Kimono wearing.
What intrigue you in Japan? Depending on your interest, I’m able to recommend anything, anywhere.
Please let me know what kind of thing you’d like to see or experience.
Really looking forward to seeing you soon!

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