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

  • 1)8:30    Meet at the hotel, then travel by car to Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • 2)9:00~9:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha, then travel by car to Yasaka Pagoda
  • 3)9:50~10:05 Around Yasaka Pagoda, then travel by car to Kiyomizu-dera
  • 4)10:20~11:20 Kiyomizu-dera, then walk to the restaurant
  • 5)11:30~12:20 Lunch and shopping, then travel by car to Kinkaku-ji
  • 6)12:50~13:40 Kinkaku-ji, then travel by car to Nijo Castle
  • 7)14:00~14:05 In front of Nijo Castle, then travel by car to the hotel
  • 8)14:20    Farewell in front of the hotel

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time. They were interested in Japanese culture and, since they would be staying in Kyoto for a few days, asked me about the famous sights they should visit in Kyoto. At Fushimi Inari, they were amazed by the sheer number of torii gates and small shrine mounds. Before heading to Kiyomizu-dera, we stopped by Yasaka Pagoda to take photos, and the guests seemed to love the atmosphere of this area, taking pictures again and again. At Kiyomizu-dera, they enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the green foliage, and again took many photos. At the "wet Kannon," I explained that by having the Kannon bathe in water on our behalf, we ask for the removal of our suffering and anxiety, so I told them to gently pour water over the Kannon's shoulders, and they actually tried it. When they saw people who came after them pouring water over the Kannon's head, they laughed and said that this way their suffering and anxiety would not be removed. They also tried the water at Otowa Waterfall. For their meal, they ordered tonkatsu and tendon, and said it was delicious. During the meal, one of the guests mentioned wanting to buy matcha, so I took them to a nearby tea shop where they purchased some. At Kinkaku-ji, they took many photos with the Golden Pavilion in the background. Since there was still a little time before heading directly back to the Hotel from Kinkaku-ji, I asked the driver to drop us off in front of Nijo Castle, which the guests were interested in, and we took photos there. The guests were delighted. It seemed that they enjoyed this tour.

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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