Kyoto in One Day: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Nijo — Guide Kaz

The guest was a visitor from North America on their first trip to Japan, having arrived in Tokyo the day before and come straight to Kyoto. They mentioned having studied Japanese for three years during their school days and said they could read hiragana and katakana. As they follow a vegetarian diet, they asked me right after we met to recommend some good restaurants, and I suggested several.

Because it was early morning, Fushimi Inari Taisha had few tourists and was quiet, so we were able to try the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) without waiting in line. After walking around, the guest wanted to buy an omikuji fortune and a charm, but did not have any cash on hand, so I lent them 5,000 yen in cash on the understanding that they would withdraw cash by credit card later and repay me.

At Sanjusangendo, the guest seemed to feel a great affinity upon seeing that many of the Twenty-Eight Attendants share common ground with the deities of Hinduism. They purchased a goshuin stamp book and lined up to receive a goshuin, and since they observed everything from end to end very carefully, the visit took nearly an hour.

While walking around Gion, the guest tried to withdraw cash from their credit card at a convenience store but was unsuccessful, so in the end the 5,000 yen I had lent was to be handled by having it transferred to my bank account. They said the transfer would take two or three days, but I am a little worried about whether it will actually be made.

After walking around Nijo Castle, it was just about time to finish, so I tried to conclude the tour, but the guest then made various requests, such as wanting to be taken to a shop with vegetarian ramen and asking where they could buy a replacement for their broken suitcase. In the end, I saw them to a ramen shop near Shijo Kawaramachi and we parted ways there.

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

Tour Report by Kaz

Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!