Kyoto in One Day: Ebisu Shrine & Ryoan-ji Temple — Guide Don

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from Fushimi Inari to Ryoan-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report

[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide DON led a private one-day tour of Kyoto for guests visiting Japan.

Overview On the day of the tour, we met at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the guests' hotel in Kyoto City. After a brief self-introduction, the guide outlined the day's plans and possible destinations, letting the guests know they were welcome to share any requests at any time, and the tour began in a flexible manner.

Destinations and Tour Content Gion to Fushimi Inari Taisha We walked to Gion-Shijo Station and took the Keihan train to Fushimi Inari. Along the way, we stopped at Ebisu Shrine, where I briefly explained the role of Japanese shrines and the characteristics of Shinto. At Fushimi Inari, I focused on the origins of the shrine, Inari worship, and the symbolic meaning of foxes and torii gates. The guests actually tried the "Omokaru-ishi" (lifting stone) and greatly enjoyed the experience.

Arashiyama Area Since the guests had a JR Pass, we used JR to travel to Arashiyama. In Arashiyama, I introduced the traditional Japanese craft of "zogan" (damascene inlay) and guided the guests to a specialty shop. The guests purchased two items as souvenirs for their grandchildren and seemed very satisfied to find something different from ordinary souvenirs.

Tenryu-ji and the Bamboo Grove At Tenryu-ji, I introduced the highlights of the garden, the philosophy of Zen, the activities of Rev. Thomas Kirchner, and the relationship between Zen and Japanese gardens. Camellias were blooming in the temple grounds, and although they were not a special variety, their beauty sparked lively conversation. This talk about camellias later served as a natural introduction to the "wabisuke camellia" we saw at Ryoan-ji. Afterward, I guided the guests to the bamboo grove in Sagano, where they enjoyed a stroll in the quiet setting.

Ryoan-ji (Final Destination) Toward the end of the tour, the guests expressed a wish to visit a quintessentially Kyoto place with fewer crowds, and among Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji, they chose Ryoan-ji. At Ryoan-ji, I focused on the karesansui rock garden (the arrangement and meaning of the 15 stones) and also touched on the design and message of the tsukubai (stone water basin). Connecting back to the camellia discussion at Tenryu-ji, I introduced the "wabisuke camellia," and the guests were delighted that there was a consistent thread throughout the day. I also shared the story of former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and his cultural activities.

Conclusion and Farewell Around 15:00, we ended the tour at Ryoan-ji and I saw the guests back to their hotel by taxi. The guests kindly said they would love to come back to Japan and tour together again, and we parted with a promise to meet again.

Additional Notes For this tour, there was a situation in which I was unable to make direct contact with the guests about the meeting point up until the day before. I consulted [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) by email, and thanks to their prompt response, [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) contacted the agency in Europe on their side and confirmed the guests' hotel.

On the day, being careful not to be impolite, I asked during the tour whether they had received the emails. They said it seemed they had not, but laughed warmly, saying such things happen. The guests explained that they had left everything to the agency in Europe and did not seem concerned at all.

According to the guests, the agency in Europe had struggled to find an English-speaking guide in Kyoto, and in the end they happily said they were glad to have met me.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) staff for their prompt response.

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

Tour Report by Don

Hello! I’m Don, a Kyoto native with 20 years of experience in Vancouver’s travel industry. Now back in Japan, I work as a tour guide interpreter, sharing my love for Kyoto and the Kansai region with visitors from around the world. I use visual aids and storytelling to make each experience both engaging and informative, and I’m always exploring new places to deepen my local knowledge.

In Kyoto, I often guide guests through iconic sites like Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, the Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama, and Tenryu-ji Temple. We may also visit Nara Park and Todai-ji Temple in nearby Nara. In Osaka, popular stops include Osaka Castle, the vibrant streets of Dotonbori, and the historic Tsutenkaku Tower. For those interested in Japanese pop culture, I can introduce you to Maid Cafes, the Manga Museum, Crane Game Centers, the Pokémon Center, and karaoke spots.

I also offer a taste of local life by taking guests to a variety of dining experiences — from high-end wagyu restaurants to casual izakayas and ramen shops. If you’re interested, I can accompany male clients to traditional onsen or sento baths and, in the evenings, to piano bars and other nightlife venues.

Outside of work, I value time with my family. I have a wonderful wife and two daughters. One of them is currently studying international relations at a university in Tokyo, while the other is a high school student here in Kyoto. Family life is very important to me, and I believe that warmth and connection are key, not only in family but also in travel.

Whether you’re here to see the famous sights or to experience the everyday life of Kansai, I’d be honoured to be your guide. Let’s make unforgettable memories together!