The "Historical Walking Tour," which offers free guided tours of the highlights of Kyoto Gyoen and Kyoto Imperial Palace (both in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City), has reached its 10th anniversary. Members of an NPO, mainly consisting of people who have passed the Kyoto Examination Level 1, have been introducing historical sites and connections to Murasaki Shikibu of the Heian period, the Aizu clan of the late Edo period, and Saigo Takamori to history fans. A commemorative lecture will be held on November 24th, and a tour is scheduled for December 1st.
The NPO is "Kyoto Tourism and Culture Association, Miyakoso." Founded in 2012, it is currently based in the former main building of the Kyoto Prefectural Government Office (Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City), and provides tours of the former assembly hall and other places. During the Jidai Matsuri (October 22nd), where the procession departs from in front of the Kenreimon Gate of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the group acts as guides for the viewing seats along the route.
The Gyoen Walking Tour began in 2013 as part of volunteer activities. Departing from the former Kan'innomiya Residence at 10 am every Sunday, tours visit the former Kujo Residence, the former Takatsukasa Residence and other sites. Members still provide guided commentary, but the number of courses has increased to four, including "Imperial Houses and Courtiers" and "Late Edo Period," and each course lasts 60-90 minutes and visits 8-10 locations.
According to Kumagai Yoshiteru, vice president of the NPO, there are currently courses with 20-30 participants. Kumagai Yoshiteru is pleased that the courses have become established, saying, "Each member puts in their own unique ideas for the explanations, telling different stories. We have a lot of repeat visitors."
