Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Kazu

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group from Oceania, visiting Japan and Kyoto for the first time. In response to their request, this tour focused on the most famous highlights. At times, some care was needed as one of the guests felt unwell due to the crowds and the heat inside the taxi. Throughout the day the guests asked many detailed questions, and while I struggled to keep up at first, the questions gradually became more interesting and I quite enjoyed answering them. For example, when I explained that about 20 kg of real gold leaf is used on Kinkaku-ji, they asked where the gold came from and what kind of wood the building was made of. Looking it up with AI on the spot, I learned that the gold leaf comes from Kanazawa City, so it was a learning experience for me as well. Since this was their first sightseeing trip, I had thought it would be good to show them the iconic "The Kyoto" famous spots even if they were crowded. However, at the last place we visited, Gion and the Ishibei-koji lane, there was no one else around and the area was lit with a wonderfully atmospheric, soft glow, and everyone was delighted, saying "This is exactly Kyoto!" I regretted not including at least one hidden gem. As it was New Year's Eve, Yasaka Shrine was full of atmosphere with preparations for the "Okera Mairi" ritual held every New Year's Eve from 8 p.m., as well as preparations for the New Year's Day festivities, and I believe the guests were very pleased. I explained the tradition of the New Year's Eve bells and encouraged them to listen to the bells before going to sleep. Since their hotel is also in the Gion-Shijo area, I am sure they enjoyed strolling around Gion after we parted. As we said goodbye, one of the guests told me that today was the highlight of their trip to Japan, which made me very happy, and it is exactly this kind of comment that makes this work worthwhile. As I write this, the year has turned to 2026. Happy New Year. Last year, both in my daily work and including receiving one of the Japan Guide Awards, the staff of your company supported me in so many situations, and I am truly grateful. Thank you very much. I look forward to working with you again this year.

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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