Kyoto in One Day: Nishi Hongan-ji & Hanamikoji — Guide Satoko

What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Winter? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They had requested in advance to see places that show the everyday life of Kyoto residents, so in addition to the areas above, which show symbolic year-end and New Year scenery, I selected spots where one can enjoy animal figures, since the group was traveling together. For Nishi Hongan-ji Temple, I had introduced the traditional year-end soot-cleaning ritual beforehand, and the guests were moved to find such a quiet place in the middle of the city. We then moved to the Gion area. In the Shinbashi area, they were impressed by the beautiful scenery. They also seemed to understand kanji, and noticing the same surname written on the stone fence markers, they asked, "Are these family members?" We then moved to Chion-in Temple. I explained the Sanmon Gate and planned to introduce the great bell tower, so we split into two groups and climbed via the men's slope and the women's slope, then obtained a goshuin stamp. After introducing the great bell tower, we moved from the Maruyama Park side to Yasaka Shrine. There was a stall selling candy hand-painted with Japanese anime characters, and one of the guests purchased a Sailor Moon candy. One of the guests mentioned that Sailor Moon had also been popular in Oceania during their childhood. When I explained the chart of unlucky years today, one of the guests happened to be in an unlucky year. Then came the long-awaited lunch time. Everyone was satisfied with the menu at the ramen shop I recommended. After strolling through Hanamikoji, the grounds of Kennin-ji Temple, and Zenkyo-an, we moved to Ebisu Shrine. At Ebisu Shrine, they also purchased a goshuin stamp. Since Ebisu Shrine is relatively quiet, the guests liked it as well. Then, after strolling around the Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater, Miyagawacho, Shijo-ohashi Bridge, and along the Takase River, we headed straight to Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine. As usual at Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, I had them touch the head of the ox to receive its wisdom, and we began strolling through Nishiki Market. As I had expected, they were overwhelmed by the sheer number of people. After completing the whole itinerary, we said goodbye. As is often the case with younger travelers, one of the guests talked constantly, so one of the others always had to keep up the conversation, and it was somewhat difficult to find the right timing to speak. However, the guests seemed genuinely interested in Japanese people and asked many questions, so I too had a very meaningful time. The attached image was taken in front of the wall of the Goei-do Hall at Nishi Hongan-ji Temple.

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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!