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 → Fushimi Inari Taisha → Kiyomizu-dera → Gion → Nishiki Market

What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Cover? Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion and Nishiki Market — A Licensed Guide's Report

We were able to meet ten minutes before the scheduled time (8:30), so we could head to Fushimi Inari Taisha relatively early. After taking photos among the Senbon Torii and lifting the "Omokaru Ishi" stone, we walked up to Kumataka-sha shrine and then returned. On the way to Fushimi Inari Station, the guests bought some goods they liked at a souvenir shop. At Kiyomizu-dera, they poured water over the wet Kannon Bodhisattva statue, and I explained the wish that their hardships and worries would be washed away with the water. I also took photos of that moment. Since I learned that the guests liked Studio Ghibli animation, I asked whether they would like to stop by a Ghibli shop, and they said they would, so although it was not in the original plan, we made a quick visit to an anime shop, took photos with the anime characters inside, and then went to Gion. In Gion, I explained the tea houses and geisha houses, as well as how maiko are kept busy with various lessons, and then we headed to our final destination, Nishiki Market. At Nishiki Market, the guests bought takoyaki, soft serve ice cream, taiyaki, and more, taking everything except the ice cream as takeout. By this point it was past 12:45, so I explained that the tour was ending and asked what they would like to do. They said they wanted to return to their hotel, so I guided them to the nearest bus stop, told them which bus number to take, and we parted ways. I believe they enjoyed themselves.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainShichijo Station (Keihan)~Ryukoku Daimae Fukakusa170JPY
Section 2TrainFushimi Inari Station~Shichijo Station170JPY
Section 3OtherShichijo Keihan-mae~Kiyomizu-michi0JPY
Section 4BusGion~Shijo Takakura230JPY
Total570JPY

Nice to meet you.
My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

I look forward to meeting you.
Best regard.

Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
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