What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America, on a somewhat ambitious 10-day itinerary through Japan. Since the temperature exceeded 30 degrees and some of the guests were showing signs of travel fatigue, I suggested reducing the originally planned visits to four temples and shrines to ease the load. On the bus, I chatted with one of the guests, who sat beside me, about work and hobbies such as car racing and wagyu beef. It was quite hot and humid from the morning, so at Kinkaku-ji we took photos and toured the garden efficiently before moving on to Pontocho in an air-conditioned bus. The guests were tired but behaved with excellent manners. We all enjoyed a lively meal of sashimi and steak along with fried chicken and french fries. The steak grilled on a tabletop stove was especially a big hit with everyone, and it was wonderful to see smiles that we had not seen outdoors. With everyone's energy revived, we strolled through Fushimi Inari. Perhaps due to the heat and the Gion Festival, there were fewer people than usual, so we were able to view the approach, the shrine buildings, and the torii gates smoothly. Since we had about 30 extra minutes, we restored a stroll around Kiyomizu-dera, which one of the guests had wished to see. Although the peak of the heat should have passed, walking outdoors was hot enough to make one dizzy. One of the guests took great interest in the old townscape and traditional goods, while others were feeling worn out, so I guided them to the shade. Originally I had planned to accompany them back to the hotel, but as we were running close to the end time, they decided to return by taxi, so we parted ways on site. I hope they continue their trip safely and without overexertion.

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Tour Report by keiji

Hi, I’m Keiji Hashimoto, a Wakayama Licensed Local Guide Interpreter. Based in Tanabe City, Wakayama, I guide inbound travelers introduced through travel agencies in Tanabe, Osaka, and Tokyo, as well as guide-matching platforms such as Airbnb, GoWithGuide, and JTB Global Marketing. I mainly guide the Kumano Kodo and Koyasan and have been familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, and Nara.

Over the past eight years, I’ve worked more than 150 guiding days. On Airbnb and GoWithGuide, I’ve received a total of 30 five-star reviews (out of 5). For tours arranged through travel agencies, I typically don’t receive direct feedback from clients.

I decided to become an English guide on the Kumano Kodo because I truly love traveling myself. I’ve visited all 47 prefectures of Japan and traveled to more than 40 countries. During my travels, I’ve often been helped by local people and fellow travelers. Becoming a guide is my way of giving back, supporting visitors who come all the way to Kumano.

My main job is as a Nanko-ume (Japanese apricot) farmer, which makes it difficult to take long trips abroad. However, guiding international guests on the Kumano Kodo allows me to stay connected with global trends and perspectives.

The moments that make me happiest as a guide are when I’m sweating together with guests as we cross mountain passes, when I can sense what they need and solve problems almost without words, when we share a firm handshake at the end of the tour, and when I receive emails or letters from them after they return home. Those are the times I truly feel glad to be a guide.

I look forward to seeing you and sharing wonderful time with you.

Thank you.