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 Meet at Hotel Kyoto Shijo
- To Subway Shijo Station
- 9:20 approx. Kyoto Imperial Palace Guided Tour
- 10:00 approx. Depart Kyoto Imperial Palace Taxi
- 10:20 approx. Arrive at Kinkaku-ji Guided Tour
- 11:00 approx. Depart Kinkaku-ji Taxi
- 11:10 approx. Arrive at Ryoan-ji Guided Tour
- 11:40 approx. Depart Ryoan-ji Taxi
- 12:00 approx. Arrive at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Entrance, Guided Tour
- 12:30 approx. Depart Arashiyama To JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
- 12:45 approx. Arrive at JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
- 13:20 approx. Arrive at JR Kyoto Station Dismissal
What Can You See on a Private Kyoto and Arashiyama Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan from Europe. They mentioned that while matcha and Japanese food are available where they live, they wanted to buy authentic matcha in Kyoto. They said the Kyoto Imperial Palace was larger than they had expected. At Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), they enjoyed taking photos and having matcha ice cream. They also liked the beautiful rock garden at Ryoan-ji, but as it was hot, they did not stay very long. Afterward, since there was still time, we went to Arashiyama. The guests had mentioned that they wanted to see the bamboo grove, so I took them there. From the bamboo grove, we walked via Arashiyama Park to the banks of the Katsura River, where I showed them the Togetsukyo Bridge, and then we walked to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. After that, I accompanied them to Kyoto Station, where we parted ways inside the station. They said they had climbed all the way to the summit at Fushimi Inari the previous day, and mentioned that they were not tired today either, so they were very energetic guests.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Subway Shijo～Imadegawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | JR Saga-Arashiyama～JR Kyoto | 240JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.
I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.
I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako,…
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako, was so fantastic. We had told her what we were interested in doing and she planned a perfect day. Her knowledge of the historical sites is extensive and interesting.
She is very friendly and fun. She was also considerate to go at our pace.
Would highly recommend seeing the Castle and the Golden Temple.
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was…
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was such an amazing tour guide, we had the absolute best day with her. We were able to squeeze in so many sights and with the private car it was such a breeze. Highly recommend this customized private tour (and Mako if she is available, definitely request her)!!
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples was fantastic. Saw more in the half day than what
we would have in 2 days. Mako was fantastic letting us know the history behind all the
areas. This made the experience all the better. 100% recommend
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She is knowledgeable and organized, and I felt like in another life we could have been friends. She made us feel so welcome and had a lot of interesting information to share during our tour. She took great pictures on our behalf! We absolutely recommend a tour with Mako.