Kyoto: Toji & Gion Pass through Hanamikoji — Guide Kazz

What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toji, the Imperial Palace Grounds, and Gion

I contacted the guests about 20 minutes before the meeting time via a messaging app and through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), but there was no response. Around 9:00, the driver who had been waiting in front of the entrance came into the Hotel and told me the guests had arrived. When I met them and tried to confirm the day's schedule, I found that the information I had sent had not reached them. On the booking document the guests had, there was a handwritten note listing Toji, the Imperial Palace, Gion, and Shugakuin Rikyu. I explained the famous spots, but as there was little reaction, I decided we would go to the places in the note. However, since Shugakuin Imperial Villa requires advance reservation, I left it out from the start.

We first went to Toji, then to the Imperial Palace, but upon seeing the long line, they said they would skip it. Guessing that they liked gardens, I consulted with the driver and we went to Shoren-in. The garden was beautiful and they took many photos. After that, we went to the related Shoryuden, where they took many photos of the panoramic view over Kyoto. Thinking a calm place would be good for lunch, we went to a yatsuhashi restaurant. They were very pleased and also enjoyed some beer. Their face became a little flushed, and around the time we saw the Yasaka Pagoda, they said they would return to the Hotel, so I took them back and we concluded the tour.

A notable stop on the tour was Toji Temple. Toji, meaning "East Temple," was founded in 796 when Kyoto became the capital, and it is one of the city's most important Buddhist sites. Its five-story pagoda stands about 55 meters tall, making it the tallest wooden tower in Japan and a well-known symbol of Kyoto. The temple is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist statues arranged in a three-dimensional mandala.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazz

I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!