This is a private guided tour report by Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.), a network of 1,000+ government-licensed, English-speaking local guides across all 47 prefectures of Japan. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:00 Meet at the vacation rental near Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (with taxi)
- 09:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 10:30 Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
- 11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 12:50 Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
- 13:00 Lunch at Arashiyama Soba Restaurant Iwao
- 13:40 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Ogura Pond (lotus in bloom), Tenryu-ji Temple Garden)
- 15:00 In front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (taxi ends)
- 15:30 Disband (near Shinkyogoku Nishiki)
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like for a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member of the group had previously traveled to Japan several times, mainly around the Tokyo and Yokohama areas, but the others in the group were visiting Japan for the first time during the summer break. Based on advance information, the group had a strong interest in Japanese culture, especially food culture, while there was also keen interest in history and culture. I received questions such as the role of Buddhism and Shinto for Japanese people and the proportion of believers, the meaning and role of the three-story pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and whether the bamboo in the Arashiyama bamboo grove was planted or grew naturally. Thanks to the resourcefulness and kindness of the experienced taxi driver, Mr. Tanigawa (including offering chilled mineral water at his own expense), I believe all of the guests enjoyed today's Kyoto tour even more. After giving advice on a restaurant for dinner and explaining the transportation options for the return trip, we strolled over to the Shinkyogoku and Nishiki area where they could also enjoy shopping, and there we exchanged smiles and handshakes with everyone before saying goodbye (15:30).
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver
Our guide, Masa was very knowledgeable and efficient. He took us to great tourist sites- Fushimi Inari, Bamboo forest and other Kyoto sites. He gave great insights to Gion and local Kyoto hot spots in central Kyoto. Even in the heat, he didnt stop and led the way for us. Having a car at the ready with a/c on was great, and made it an efficient day. Our 3 teenage boys enjoyed our day of culture and touring Kyoto. Highly recommend!!!
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an…
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an awesome tour guide. He was very friendly and kind man who went above and beyond for us, teaching us about history of the sites he took us to, as he is very smart and informed. He guided us through the complicated Kyoto, subway and bus stations. We learned a lot and saw many of Kyotos beautiful sites. I will definitely recommend him 100%!
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge on Kyoto. He catered to our interests and helped us to decide on the best places to see on our tour. He also helped us to be adventurous and try some local traditional foods at the market. He pointed out other stops of interest and helped us to plan the rest of our visit.
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly…
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly and inclusive.
Our Guide Masaaki Tanaka is a Kyoto local and was extremely knowledgable.
He was friendly , engaging and easy to understand . His English language was good.
Very informative and enjoyable outing.