Kyoto in One Day: @ Nijo Castle & @ Gion — Guide Kaz

Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for First-Time Visitors? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. In pre-tour emails I had asked about their preferred destinations, but they replied that they would leave the choice up to me, so I decided to start with no fixed plan and determine our destinations after meeting them in person and gauging their reactions. When we met and talked, they seemed interested in Gion, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari Taisha, so I decided to focus our tour on those places.

The guests walked at a slow pace, and going up and down stairs seemed difficult for one of them, so we began our exploration at Nijo Castle, which is one station away from the station nearest to their Hotel. Both guests appeared to have a deep interest in Japanese history and culture, and they explored the Ninomaru Palace and Ninomaru Garden very enthusiastically, taking their time. After they experienced the level of crowding at Nijo Castle, I asked whether they would be okay with Fushimi Inari, which is even more crowded, and they said they would be fine, so we headed there next.

Fushimi Inari was very crowded, but they were pleased to be able to take a commemorative photo at the Senbon Torii, and one of the guests enjoyed waiting in line to try the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone).

Afterward, when I mentioned that we would head to Gion, it was memorable how excited both guests became. Unfortunately, we were not able to see any maiko or geiko, but they were very delighted when I shared with them the hidden charms of the geisha district.

After exploring Gion, we had a little time left, so I tried to guide them to Kennin-ji Temple, but since the guests did not have any cash and the admission fee was cash-only, we had to give up on that.

After that, I saw the guests off at their Hotel. It ended a little earlier than expected, and we parted ways on the spot.

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!