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
- 8:30 @ Hotel
- 9:15-9:45 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:10-10:45 @ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 11:00-12:10 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
- 12:30-13:15 Lunch @ Washoku JOY Kinkaku-ji Branch
- 13:20-14:00 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 14:30 Dismissal @ Hotel
Private One-Day Kyoto Tour for a Family Visiting Japan: A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Today they were checking out of their Hotel, so at the meeting point they brought their suitcases down to the lobby, checked them into the cloakroom, and then we set off. After the tour, they planned to head to Osaka.
Everyone except one member of the group was wearing LA caps, making it immediately obvious that they were Dodgers fans. When I mentioned Shohei Ohtani, they were delighted.
One of the guests looked at the Katsura River and asked, "Is this the river where the Battle of Toba-Fushimi took place?" I thought this must be someone well versed in Japanese history, but when it turned out they did not know Ashikaga Takauji, it seemed that was not quite the case.
When I mentioned that the Kiyotaki Tunnel near Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is known as a haunted spot, one of the guests said they wanted to go there, which made me think it might be best not to bring up this topic too casually.
While strolling through the Sogenchi Garden at Tenryu-ji, there was an incident where both of the guests got separated from the group.
At Kinkaku-ji, they purchased a magnet with a picture of the Golden Pavilion on it.
Since it was hot and humid, after touring Kinkaku-ji one of the guests in particular seemed quite worn out.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.