Kyoto in Half a Day: Sanjusangendo — Guide shige
September, 2025
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
- 9:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Meeting
- 10:30~11:15 Sanjusangendo
- 11:40~12:30 Shorenin Monzeki
- 12:45~13:20 Chionin Sanmon Gate – Miedo Hall – Amidado Hall – Bell Tower,
- 13:30 Maruyama Park Dismissal
Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Shorenin, and Chionin
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Both were very energetic. They had arrived in Kyoto the previous day and visited Nijo Castle, Ginkaku-ji, and the Philosopher's Path. Today, despite an approaching typhoon, they toured Fushimi Inari from early in the morning, completed their prayers, and then met up with me.
At Sanjusangendo, they were deeply moved by the building, the statues of the 28 guardian deities, and the 1,001 statues of Kannon Bodhisattva. Afterward, we moved to Shorenin Monzeki, where, partly to take shelter from the rain, we viewed the elegant gardens and interior of the tranquil monzeki temple, and discussed the history of Japanese Buddhism and its relationship with the imperial family. At the end, they rang the bell in the bell tower and offered a prayer. They also took many photographs. They were greatly impressed by the enormous wooden architecture of the Chionin Sanmon gate and the Miedo hall as well.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Keihan Shichijo | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shichijo～Sanjo Keihan | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sanjo Keihan～Higashiyama (Kyoto) | 220JPY |
| Total | 560JPY | ||
Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a…
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided
keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day
Japan.10/10
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent…
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient. He kept our tour
moving, but also make sure we rested when needed and we stayed hydrated.
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
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Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
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Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion during our time in Osaka. He explained everything clearly and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. He was very accommodating, always attentive to our needs, and incredibly polite and respectful. His subtle and thoughtful approach made us feel comfortable throughout the entire tour. Highly recommended!
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
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We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
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We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The length of the tour was just right for us—especially on such a hot day—and we still managed to find time to take some great photos.