Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu

# What's a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan, and they traveled to Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Shimizu, and Tokyo, with just one day set aside for a day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto by bullet train. They planned to make a quick round trip back to Tokyo in the evening and return home the following day. They mentioned that every June they set off to travel all over the world.

Since the destinations had not been decided in advance by email, we decided on them after meeting on the day. As they wanted to learn about Kyoto and the history of Japan, I explained the basics of Japanese history at Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle. They also really wanted to see Gion, so I talked about geiko and maiko, and the daily life and history of Gion.

There was a small incident today. While walking along Sannenzaka, one of the guests said they wanted to try matcha, so although there were only teahouses in the area, I offered to show them the basics, and we entered a teahouse partway along Sannenzaka. However, incense was being burned in the shop, and the smoke suddenly triggered a health issue. We left the shop right away, and things were fine after using the medication they carried with them, but from there it was clearly difficult, so we walked down Ninenzaka and strolled around Yasaka Shrine and Gion Shirakawa. Although some time still remained, there was not enough energy to continue to the next spot, so we returned to JR Kyoto Station and parted ways.

I believe it was on the bullet train back to Tokyo that they kindly wrote a review right away. I was grateful, especially given how tired they must have been.

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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