Kyoto: Nanzenji Temple — Guide Satoko

What Is a Quiet Morning Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The booking came in two days in advance, and the guest had already visited many of the famous spots independently, so they requested "places that are not too crowded." Since they had already been to Fushimi Inari Taisha and the Arashiyama bamboo grove, I proposed a morning route through the quieter Pontocho, Shinbashi, and Shirakawa areas, leading to Heian Shrine and Nanzen-ji. When we met on the day, the guest mentioned they would be flying home in the early afternoon via Tokyo. Their inn was near Nishiki Market, and we had planned to head from Takoyakushi via Kawaramachi-dori toward Pontocho, but when the guest asked, "When did Nishiki Market begin?" we returned to Nishiki Tenmangu to look at the water once said to have been used to chill fish. When I explained why there is a Tenmangu shrine in the middle of the town and what a Tenmangu is, the guest thanked me, saying, "I've traveled around on my own, but I had no idea about any of this." We then proceeded via the Takase River toward Pontocho. As the guest was the type interested in many things, I explained everything we came across. In particular, when I mentioned that the Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater opens its rooftop in summer for a beer garden where geiko and maiko participate, the guest said, "It's a shame I didn't know about that in advance." Next, as we were about to head from Kirodoshi toward Shinbashi, the guest mentioned they had strolled Hanamikoji the day before, so I explained about Ichiriki-tei, visible across Shijo-dori. The guest wanted to see Ichiriki-tei up close, so we crossed the street and took a few photos in front of it. We then walked toward Shinbashi and viewed Tatsumi Bridge. As the guest seemed interested in stories about Kyoto's geisha, I also pointed out the blackboard listing the class schedule at the Yasaka Nyokoba. We then strolled along the Shirakawa River out to Sanjo-dori. The guest asked many questions along the way, and just as we reached the front of Chion-in and neared Ippon-bashi, I also spoke about how Japanese Buddhism has changed over the ages. When we reached Ippon-bashi, as expected, the guest asked whether it was okay to cross, and requested photos on the bridge. They must have really liked it, striking various poses on their own. We had planned to go to Heian Shrine and then head to Nanzen-ji, but since it was already nearing 9:00, I explained that we would go to Nanzen-ji first. We then strolled along the Lake Biwa Canal, and the guest was delighted, saying the beautiful mountain-surrounded scenery reminded them of their own hometown. When I explained that after the capital moved to Tokyo, Kyoto citizens attracted an industrial exposition to this area, which is why there are many municipal and national facilities here, and that they used the Lake Biwa Canal to build a hydroelectric plant and once ran city trams, the guest listened with great interest. We then headed to Nanzen-ji and climbed the Sanmon gate. Here too, the guest listened to my explanations with interest in many things. We then went to the Hatto and Hojo. As the guest wanted to "experience the tea ceremony," we decided to enter a tea seating. I felt it best to simply let them enjoy the tea however they liked, so I did not explain much about tea etiquette. When the guest remarked, "In Zen you meditate, but meditating makes you sleepy," I explained, "That is why the Zen sect introduced the custom of drinking tea," and the guest thanked me, saying it now made sense. As the guest was interested in many things, by the time we finished viewing the Hojo it was nearing 11:10. When I asked whether they wanted to see the flow of water at the Suirokaku aqueduct, they said, "I was just about to say I wanted to," so we walked up along the Suirokaku to see the water flow. We then viewed the garden of Tenju-an from directly in front of the gate, and when I mentioned that the tour was nearing its end, the guest asked, "I know the way back, but what will you do?" When I said I would take the subway from Keage Station, the guest said, "I'll walk with you to Keage Station," so I suggested we go to Keage Station passing in front of Konchi-in. As expected, they were moved by the quiet atmosphere of the area. Along the way, when I mentioned that this is where the grave of Yamana Sozen, the western army commander of the Onin War, is located, I was very surprised that the guest knew about the Northern and Southern Courts period. When I explained that the Onin War came after the Northern and Southern Courts period, we arrived at Keage Station, so we said our goodbyes. I accidentally took the photos in portrait orientation. My apologies.

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Tour Report by Satoko

I am a 53-year-old woman, living in Kyoto for nearly 40 years. I got the license in 2001. Since then, I worked as an interpreter or a translator in several companies, secretary at universities, and now work for a company on weekdays at the international dept.I do guiding job only weekend now. I started full swing guiding career after COVID-19 pandemic. I have gotten good review from many of my guests. I love my hometown, Kyoto which has a lot of interesting and historical sites to see. Particularly, I am native to Arashiyama which is famous for bamboo forest. So, I know a lot of places where you can relax yourself around this area. Other than that, Kyoto has many attractive sites which surely interest you.Also, I like meeting many people from different cultural background. I am very happy if I learn about your culture as well. Let’s enjoy exploring around Kyoto!