Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour — Guide Kazu

What Is a Private Kyoto Arashiyama Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors to Japan for the first time, coming from North America. They spoke another language between themselves. One of the guests was very sensitive and spent a long time praying alone at the temples and shrines we visited. At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, the sight of the many nameless graves brought the guest to tears. Since a tea ceremony experience was scheduled for 3:30 in the afternoon, we started the tour at 9:00. The itinerary I had prepared planned to use public transportation such as the subway and buses, but on the morning of the tour, at the guests' request, we used a taxi for the round trip between the hotel and Arashiyama. As noted above regarding why we finished early, I believe it was because the guest was not comfortable in crowded places. Thanks to the taxi, we arrived in Arashiyama early, and we returned to the hotel early without stopping for lunch. The admission fees had increased, with Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple rising from 500 yen to 1,000 yen, and Gio-ji Temple from 300 yen to 500 yen. This may be unavoidable due to various circumstances, but the increase at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple is a 100% rise. Around 600 yen would seem more reasonable. The photo was taken at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.

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Tour Report by KAZU

I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.