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
- 9:00 We were supposed to meet at Stay SAKURA Kyoto Guest Service Center, but it turned out that the guest was
- at Stay SAKURA Kyoto Tambaguchi, so we hastily had the guest head directly to Saga-Arashiyama using the JR, and decided to meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station.
- 9:45 Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station
- 9:55 Tenryu-ji Garden
- 10:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:50 Okochi Sanso Villa
- 11:40 Nonomiya Shrine
- 12:30 Nanohana inside Ryoan-ji (lunch)
- 13:10 Ryoan-ji
- 14:05 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:00 Dismissal at Kinkaku-ji exit
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 9:00, when the guide met the guests at We were supposed to meet at Stay SAKURA Kyoto Guest Service Center, but it turned out that the guest was, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station at 9:45, Tenryu-ji Garden at 9:55, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 10:35, Okochi Sanso Villa at 10:50, Nonomiya Shrine at 11:40, Nanohana inside Ryoan-ji (lunch) at 12:30, Ryoan-ji at 13:10 and Kinkaku-ji at 14:05.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Keifuku Line Arashiyama to Ryoan-ji by train (250JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 250JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. The instructions had indicated a 9:00 meeting at a guest service center, but it turned out that the guests were actually staying at a Hotel in the Tambaguchi area. On short notice, I had the guests take the JR line directly to Sagano-Arashiyama, and we were able to meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station on the scheduled train as planned. I believe this worked out well because the guests were experienced travelers who followed the instructions, and because we had been in frequent contact through a messaging app.
We visited the classic garden route, including the Tenryu-ji garden, Okochi Sanso Villa, Ryoan-ji, and Kinkaku-ji with its garden. I believe they enjoyed themselves. The rainy season seemed about to end, and toward the end I think they were a little tired from the heat.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Keifuku Line Arashiyama～Ryoan-ji | 250JPY |
| Total | 250JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at We were supposed to meet at Stay SAKURA Kyoto Guest Service Center, but it turned out that the guest was at 9:00, and the tour finished at Kinkaku-ji exit at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 9:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Meet at Saga-Arashiyama Station, Tenryu-ji Garden, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Okochi Sanso Villa, Nonomiya Shrine, Nanohana inside Ryoan-ji (lunch), Ryoan-ji and Kinkaku-ji.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 250JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaeko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
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We spent half a day…
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
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We spent half a day with Kaeko Tanigawa taking us to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples and Nijo castle in Kyoto. She is very nice, customer-oriented and knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history.
To be highly recommended!
Jul 24, 2026
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Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
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Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create a tour that worked for our family with two young children. It was a very hot day, but the air conditioned van was perfect. We loved making ramen together, feeding monkeys, and seeing a few top sites of Kyoto.
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
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Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
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Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and my husband and I had the best time with her during our honeymoon in Kyoto in April! She reached out well before our trip to get to know our interests and carefully planned an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to us—even helping us choose the perfect lunch spot.
Throughout the tour, Kaeko was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and personable. She shared so much history and local insight while making the day feel relaxed and fun. What really stood out was that her expertise extended far beyond our 6-hour tour. She provided countless recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems that made the rest of our time in Kyoto even more memorable.
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience in Kyoto, I can’t recommend Kaeko highly enough. She was one of the highlights of our entire trip!
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto with Kaeko Tanigawa. She was so knowledgeable and we never felt rushed. She made some excellent recommendations for restaurants and other things to do around town. Highly recommend if you have a chance to book with her!