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
- 7:00 Meet up @ Gion Kyuraku
- 7:20-8:10 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 8:10-8:30 @ Higashiyama area
- 9:15-9:50 @ Togetsukyo Bridge, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:00-10:50 @ Jojakko-ji Temple
- 11:10-11:30 @ Gioji Temple
- 13:00 Disband @ Nishiki Market
A Private Kyoto Day Tour: A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, and Nishiki Market
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, but they seemed familiar with Japanese culture through anime and other media.
One of the guests appeared to have an injured leg, and on the way to Kiyomizu-dera, they mentioned that their leg hurt around Gojozaka, so we took a break sitting on a bench for a while.
Thanks to the early morning start, the approach to Kiyomizu-dera was uncrowded and easy to stroll through, though it was a little disappointing that a staff member was vacuuming on the Kiyomizu stage. At Otowa Waterfall there was no line, so I demonstrated and explained how to drink the water, but only one of the guests actually tried it.
At Jojakko-ji, the guests climbed to the top of the grounds, where the whole of Kyoto city can be seen, and enjoyed the magnificent view.
On the way from Jojakko-ji to Gio-ji, the guests bought drinks at a vending machine near the entrance of Nison-in and took a short break.
On the way to Randen Arashiyama Station, while two of the guests were buying souvenirs at a shop, the rest of the group had to wait outside in the blazing sun. At one point, one of them crouched down, so I quickly took that person to a shaded place where they could sit, and we managed to avoid any trouble.
After arriving at Nishiki Market, since it was just about time, we parted ways at the entrance.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Higashiyama Yasui～Shijo Kawaramachi | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto Kawaramachi Station～Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Randen Arashiyama Station～Shijo Omiya Station | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Shijo Omiya～Shijo Takakura | 230JPY |
| Total | 950JPY | ||
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.