Kyoto in One Day: Climbing Mount Kurama & Yasui Konpira — Guide Satoko

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour to Kurama and Kifune Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The meeting was scheduled for 9:30, but on the day itself an email arrived saying that preparations were running behind and asking to start from 10:00 instead. There was nothing to be done, so I decided to wait in the lobby. Everyone gathered at 9:50, and we set off from the Hotel. The guests had already strolled around Yasaka Shrine the previous day, so I gave a brief explanation, then hailed a taxi across from Yasaka Shrine and headed toward Mount Kurama. In front of Kurama Station on the Eizan Railway, we took photos in front of the large Tengu, and since there were paintings of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, Kiichi Hogen, and the Genpei War displayed in the station waiting room, I explained those as well. After entering Kurama-dera, the guests chose to go up by cable car, so we used it. We headed to the main hall while enjoying the natural beauty. On the way down there was a moment when one of the guests stumbled, but we managed to arrive safely on the Kifune side.

Since the guests said they wanted to eat first, we waited for a while at Kyo Shimei, which looked like it could serve light meals, but we were told it would take about an hour. The guests then said they would rather go into the city, have lunch there, and visit somewhere reachable within the time before ending the tour, so I decided to take them to nearby Yasui Konpiragu after lunch in Gion. At Yasui Konpiragu the guests said they wanted to attach a paper charm and crawl through the stone, so I had them write their wishes on the charm. However, there was already a long line at the stone, so they decided to come back early the next morning, and we said our goodbyes.

Regarding the wait for lunch in Kifune, I reflected deeply on having let the guests spend time unproductively. It struck me keenly that in such cases, rather than insisting on Kifune, a flexible response — like the one the guests themselves proposed, of going into central Kyoto for lunch and then heading to the next destination — is necessary.

Still, at parting the guests told me they had a great time, so I felt it turned out well.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Satoko

I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!