Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu

June, 2024

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

  • ① 10:00　Meet at hotel (Hotel Musse Kyoto)
  • ② 10:30　Stroll around Pontocho ~ Gion
  • ③ 12:00　Yasui Konpira Shrine
  • ④ 12:20　Yasaka Pagoda
  • ⑤ 12:50 　Lunch (Sannenzaka)
  • ⑥ 14:30　Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • ⑦ 16:00　Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • ⑦ 16:45　Disband at Kinkaku-ji Temple

What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. At their request, this private tour focused mainly on strolling through areas such as Gion and Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto.

In Gion, the guests were interviewed in English by junior high school students on a school trip, and they enjoyed exchanging small gifts, which I believe made for a wonderful memory. I also took many photos for them. I explained various topics, including the history of Kyoto, what Gion actually is, and the roles of Buddhism and Shinto. In response, the guests shared perspectives comparing these with values and issues in their own society, so I found it a great learning experience as well. There were no reimbursed transportation expenses.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazu

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…

Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…