Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Kazu

# What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Flexible Itinerary Changes

The guests were visiting from Europe. Although somewhat older than me, their family situation was quite similar to mine, which alone made our conversation lively. They had chosen Japan for a milestone anniversary trip, and it was their first visit to Japan. Their itinerary ran from Tokyo to Hakone, Hida-Takayama, Kanazawa, Hiroshima, and finally Kyoto. Recently I keep seeing this exact pattern.

Today was the final day of a three-day holiday weekend, and there were many events around Kyoto, while temples were holding special viewings as well, so everywhere was crowded not only with international visitors but also with Japanese families and groups. In the earlier part of the itinerary, the guests were able to enjoy the quiet atmosphere, but as we moved into busier spots, just looking at the crowds seemed to tire them out.

After buying a sharp Japanese knife as a souvenir on Sanjo-dori and having lunch at Nishiki Market, the plan was to climb Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka up to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. However, perhaps the crowds at Nishiki Market had been hard to bear, because when I explained again that we would next climb some stone steps and would once more be surrounded by crowds, I immediately received a "No thank you." So we changed the plan to Sanjusangendo. This turned out to be a great choice. Although there were still a fair number of visitors, the guests really liked the solemn atmosphere, and I was able to explain all sorts of things beyond the standard story of Sanjusangendo, staying enthusiastic right to the end. We said our goodbyes near Karasuma Oike Station.

A notable stop on the tour was Sanjusangendo Temple. Sanjusangendo is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto famous for its long wooden hall, which is the longest of its kind in Japan. Inside, it houses 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy, including a large central seated figure flanked by rows of standing statues. The temple's name refers to the 33 spaces between the pillars of the main hall, and its quiet, dignified atmosphere makes it a popular destination for visitors seeking a more contemplative experience in Kyoto.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide

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