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
- 08:00 Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
- 08:30 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
- Sannenzaka by walking
- Yasaka-no-to by walking
- Yasakakoshindo by walking
- 10:50 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
- Matcha
- 12:20 Gioji (300) by taxi
- 13:30 Bamboo path by walking
- 13:40 Tenryuji Garden (500) by walking
- 14:30 Arashiyama Togetsu-kyo bridge by walking
- End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo at 08:00, Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi at 08:30, Kinkakuji (500) by taxi at 10:50, Gioji (300) by taxi at 12:20, Bamboo path by walking at 13:30, Tenryuji Garden (500) by walking at 13:40 and Arashiyama Togetsu-kyo bridge by walking at 14:30.
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Kiyomizu, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama
The guests were visitors from North America. During the tour, they purchased a frog figurine as a keepsake carrying wishes for safe travels. At the shops I took them to, they bought many souvenirs. Around Kiyomizu, they purchased a Kiyomizu-yaki sake cup in a paulownia wood box, along with a tea whisk and whisk stand. Around Kinkakuji, they bought a bracelet, a small accessory case, a handkerchief, and a bookmark. In Sagano, they picked up items such as a frog figurine and a beckoning cat. It was extremely hot, so we made sure to stay well hydrated, but the guests understandably became tired in the latter half of the day. After the tour concluded at Togetsukyo Bridge, they returned to their hotel by taxi.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .