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
- 10:00 Hotel by Hotel
- 10:15 – 11:15 Konchi-in Temple
- 11:30 – 12:00 Nanzen-ji Suirokaku Aqueduct
- (Travel by taxi)
- 12:15 – 13:30 Nijo Castle
- 13:45 – 14:15 Lunch at Cafe Tirol
- 14:30 Disband at JR Nijo Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hotel by Hotel at 10:00, Konchi-in Temple at 10:15, Nanzen-ji Suirokaku Aqueduct at 11:30 and Nijo Castle at 12:15.

Can You Do a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Nanzenji and Nijo Castle? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Europe. Although there was no reply to my advance messages, we met successfully at the hotel. We first walked to Konchi-in at Nanzenji Temple. The guests were able to view the interior of the Hojo, the Hasso-seki tea room, and the Crane and Turtle Garden almost entirely to themselves, and they observed everything with great enthusiasm. As it was extremely hot again today, after seeing the Suirokaku aqueduct we took a taxi to comfortably visit the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle in cooler conditions. In the afternoon, the guests planned to head to the Sagano Bamboo Grove, so on the way to walking to JR Nijo Station we had lunch together at a long-established café. Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time and appeared to have thoroughly enjoyed sightseeing in Kyoto.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
Jul 23, 2026
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most…
Jul 23, 2026
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most friendly, pleasant and experienced guide, Sam.
Sam explained the history and background of the many sight of Nara.
Showed us many small places that we would not have found on our own.
Highly recommended
Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very…
Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very knowledgeable, professional and caring. He gave tour experience of a lifetime.
Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…
Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to multiple shrines and temples around Tokyo. Sam was great! We enjoyed it
Sam was great. He gave us a super introduction to Tokyo!
Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…
Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable about the are and guided us to several temples using public transportation. We stopped for a traditional Japanese lunch and saw some of the specialty wood carvings from the area. Our guide enjoyed the beauty of nature and his enthusiasm helped us to pay attention to the natural beauty as well.
