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 Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto Meet up
- 9:50~11:00 Tenryu-ji Temple – Bamboo Grove
- 11:10~12:30 Okochi Sanso Villa – Arashiyama Park – Togetsukyo Bridge
- 12:50 Shijo Kawaramachi Disband
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe who came to Kyoto after traveling through Osaka, Nara, and Hiroshima. They said that the day before they had enjoyed visiting Kiyomizu-dera and watching the Yamahoko Junko procession of the Gion Festival. However, they mentioned that the sites were crowded with sightseers and travelers, and that they were surprised by the intense heat, a sudden evening shower, and lightning. Today's tour was a walk through Arashiyama, where we explored the World Heritage temple buildings of Tenryu-ji, Zen Buddhism, the garden, and the bamboo grove. They were especially moved by the Sogenchi Garden as viewed from the Great Abbot's Hall (Ohojo) of Tenryu-ji. We also talked about Japanese views on religion and the aesthetic sense of "wabi-sabi." As they walked through the densely growing bamboo grove and felt a breeze that seemed to suddenly lower the temperature, they enjoyed a mysterious sensation.
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 | Kiyomizu-Gojo～Shijo Kawaramachi | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama～Kyoto Kawaramachi | 240JPY |
| Total | 650JPY | ||
Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a…
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided
keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day
Japan.10/10
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent…
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient. He kept our tour
moving, but also make sure we rested when needed and we stayed hydrated.
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion during our time in Osaka. He explained everything clearly and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. He was very accommodating, always attentive to our needs, and incredibly polite and respectful. His subtle and thoughtful approach made us feel comfortable throughout the entire tour. Highly recommended!
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The length of the tour was just right for us—especially on such a hot day—and we still managed to find time to take some great photos.