Nobu san was very friendly and patient, and we went on an 8 hour full day tour of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ginkaku-ji, Kinkaku-ji, Fushimi Inari Shrine and a few more shrines. Nobu san was early and already waiting for us outside our hotel. He knew we wanted to see the red maple leaves even though the season is almost over so he changed the itinerary so that we could see red leaves at a shrine that wasn't on my original list. He was very kind, warm, flexible, knowledgeable, funny, and spoke excellent English. Everything you'd hope for in a tour guide. We travelled as a family of four with my parents and sister and we sat very comfortably in his spotless, spacious van.
On a side note, Nobu san was immensely helpful. After confirming my tour, I emailed him numerous times about where to buy the best souvenirs in Kyoto and asked for restaurant recommendations. He always replied the next day in a very friendly manner and never seemed annoyed. He genuinely enjoys and loves his city and job.
We would definitely book him again when we return to Kyoto. It's worth it as the shrines and sites are very spread out and it would've taken us a few days to cover what we did in one day. At the end of the tour, he knew we wanted to visit a kimono shop so he dropped us off at an authentic vintage local shop. Thanks so much Nobu san!
From Ms. Joy Ngan.
