Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Masa

August, 2024

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. 8:00 Meeting Coffee House Café (near Oyado Hachi)
  • 2. 8:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 3. 10:40 Sannenzaka・Ninenzaka・Ishibei-koji
  • 4. 11:30 Maruyama Park・Yasaka Shrine
  • 5. 12:10 Chion-in Temple (Sanmon Gate, Miedo Hall, Seishido Hall, Hojo Garden, etc.）
  • 6. 13:40 Shoren-in Temple
  • 7. 14:30 Lunch (Hatsune Sushi)
  • 8. 15:15 Dismissal (Oyado Hachi)

**Title:** What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, making their long-awaited first trip to Japan. The tour was arranged to coincide with a birthday celebration. As background to their visit, the guests had a strong interest in Japan as "a country at the forefront of advanced technology while also possessing a unique and ancient history and culture." Throughout the tour, they enjoyed asking questions such as why torii gates are painted red, why the fox is a symbol of Inari shrines, and how Buddhism and Shinto coexist. However, under the intense summer heat, and after energetically climbing the very steep approach to Chion-in Temple, the guests expressed a wish to take a shower after lunch, so we went directly to the hotel by taxi. In front of the hotel entrance, the guests repeatedly commented on how fulfilling and satisfying the day's tour had been, and we parted with smiles and a handshake (15:15). (As round-trip taxis were used, no claim for guide transportation expenses is necessary.)

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

Tour Report by Masa

Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.

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