Kyoto Private Taxi Tours in English

DOI Naoki

In Kyoto, Japan's most renowned sightseeing spot, a taxi tour in English is gaining attention. DOI Naoki of Doi Taxi became a taxi driver in Kyoto, his favorite town, 15 years ago. At that time, he saw many foreign tourists there and thought he would like to guide them in English, so he began studying almost by himself. He has now guided about 3,000 people since 1992. His more famous passengers have included former American President Bill CLINTON, actress Holly HUNTER (who won an Academy Award for her role in "The Piano"), foreign ambassadors to Japan, and artists.

"Their favorite routes in general take in well-known sightseeing spots such as Kinkakuji, Ryoanji, Kiyomizudera, Ginkakuji, Heian-jingu, Testugaku-no-michi (Philosophy road), Nanzenji, Sanjusangendo, Kokedera (Moss temple) and Katsura-rikyu," says Naoki. His recommended little-known spots are Fushimi wine cellar, Miyama-Kayabuki-no-sato, Fushimi-inarii-Senbon-torii, Miho museum, Rakusai-no-chikurin (bamboo forest) and its rural district, chatting with maiko (traditional Japanese dancing girl) in the Gion district, Taizoin and Manshuin.

He says there are lots of interesting episodes in his work. "Mr. Clinton suddenly booked on the day. I was really surprised. In fact, his former secretaries took my Kyoto tour the previous day mentioning nothing about the president. They must have been checking whether I was reliable or not. When Mr. Clinton saw me, he said 'Hello, Mr. Doi.' I was excited and out of my mind. I don't remember how I greeted him. I can only remember what I said which was 'Nice to meet you, Mr. President,'" explains Naoki. "When I guided Ms. Holly Hunter, she questioned me so much it extended my driving time and I broke into a cold sweat as she was almost too late to catch her plane."

"One of the difficult things in this job is food. I have different requests from my customers, and I cannot comply with them unless I have enough information I can recommend. I feel very happy when I receive a polite letter of thanks or a gift, when I receive a contact from people who were introduced by my past customers, and when I am told they could understand more about Japan, thanks to me," he smiles.

Naoki continues to brush up his English even now. "It is essential to know the vocabulary about history, geography and culture, names of flowers and trees, and how to explain Japanese cuisine. I am striving to be ready to speak about these topics, while I read English newspapers daily to learn foreign news and information about the countries my customers are from to use as topics of conversation."

In recent years, increasing numbers of Japanese customers are learning English. "By knowing about Kyoto in English, I hope they can discover something new." The charge is ?4,400 per hour. Parking fees and admission fees to temples and shrines are not included, but the guide service is provided free. As the taxi can hold four passengers, the fee per person for a group of three or four will be about the same as the fee for one passenger on a regular bus tour for foreigners. For instance, the fee per person will be ?5,500 if four people use the service for five hours, and you can freely visit more places.

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