24 Jan 2023
Saori was our guide in Kyoto. She was enthusiastic, excellent English and Japanese, and a good conversationalist. She went to college in the USA, so she was able to relate to our stories, and we really enjoyed our conversations. She has a very nice personality, very friendly, easy going, and always smiling. Saori seems to genuinely enjoy meeting new people and using her English skills. She was happy to discuss any topic or answer any of our questions.
We met at Kyoto Train Station. She immediately initiated and helped us activate our JR Pass at the station, expediting our process at the correct counter. From there, we caught a train together and visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine “10 thousand pillar” shrine. We visited during Japan’s busiest New Year season so the shrine was bustling with activity. Saori explained the history and importance of the shine. We enjoyed the holiday food booths and snacks.
Saori was very flexible and let us leisurely enjoyed our snacks at various sites, and at the same time moved us along to allow enough time to arrive at Gion, hoping to catch the Geishas in transit to their work. Yes, we were lucky and walked pass by Geishas as well as trainees on the street. We had great fun with Saori and very happy to have met her. Thank you, Saori!