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)10:40 Meet at the hotel, confirm today's itinerary, and take a taxi to Arashiyama
  • 2)11:35~12:30 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Tenryu-ji Temple), then walk to the restaurant
  • 3)12:40~13:30 Lunch, then take a taxi to Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 4)13:50~14:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple, then take a taxi to Gion
  • 5)14:50~15:20 Gion, then take a taxi to Kyoto Station
  • 6)15:40 Say goodbye at Kyoto Station

What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like from a Cruise Ship? A Licensed Guide's Report

I exchanged several emails with the guests, and it was arranged that on the day I would pick them up at the hotel they had specified. However, the day before the tour, I received an email in which the guests seemed concerned about whether we would meet successfully, so I sent an email reassuring them that there was nothing to worry about. The meeting time was 10:30 am, and on the day I arrived at the hotel by 10:00 and emailed the guests to let them know I was already waiting at the hotel. Around 10:25, they replied that they had arrived at Kyoto Station and were now heading to the hotel. Around 10:40, they arrived at the hotel, and we confirmed the day's itinerary. One of the guests suggested going by taxi, so I asked the front desk to arrange a taxi, and we departed around 11:00. The group had traveled around various parts of Korea and Japan by cruise ship, and had come to Kyoto that day from Osaka Port. Since it was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto, I explained things about Kyoto during the ride. At Nonomiya Shrine, I guided them on how to worship at a shrine, and they made their visit. I also took photos of them at the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, and other spots, and they spent some time admiring the garden at Tenryu-ji, saying it was beautiful. Next, since there was a request for lunch, I guided them to a restaurant and we had lunch together. During lunch, after talking about family and other topics, they said they wanted to go to the next spots, Kinkaku-ji and Gion, but wondered what to do about Fushimi Inari. During the ride, I talked about Ninna-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji, and we headed to Kinkaku-ji. At Kinkaku-ji, they took many photos. As the sun came out and it got hotter, one of the guests seemed a little tired. After that, during the ride I talked about the geisha districts, maiko, and geiko, and we headed to Gion. I guided them along Hanamikoji and to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo, took photos of them, and talked about the daily life of maiko. When the Gion visit ended, it was around 15:20. The next plan had been Fushimi Inari, but since one of the guests was tired and wanted to return to Kyoto Station, we returned to Kyoto Station. They planned to take the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka Station and then take a taxi from Shin-Osaka back to Osaka Port, so I guided them to the Shinkansen ticket window, and since they said that was fine, we parted ways there.

Nice to meet you.
My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.

I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.

By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.

My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.

I look forward to meeting you.
Best regard.

Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
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