Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu
August, 2024
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
- ① 9:30 Meet at hotel (The Hiramatsu Kyoto)
- ② 10:10 Pontocho ~ Shijo Ohashi Bridge
- ③ 10:40 Tatsumi Bridge・Shinbashi-dori ~ Chugenji Temple (Jizo Bodhisattva)
- ④ 11:00 Kenninji Temple
- ⑤ 12:00 Yasui Konpira Shrine
- ⑥ 12:20 Ninenzaka・Sanneizaka (Yasaka Pagoda)
- ⑦ 13:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
- ⑧ 13:45 Lunch・Break (Gion)
- ⑨ 14:10 Gion Hanamachi Art Museum
- ⑩ 15:15 Yasaka Shrine
- ⑪ 15:30 Dismissal (in front of Yasaka Shrine)
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Gion and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from North America. It was their first time in both Japan and Kyoto, and they wished to focus intensively on Gion, Kiyomizu-dera, and Sannenzaka, so I devoted plenty of time to explanation as we toured Gion and Kiyomizu-dera. At times they asked sharp questions one after another, and at other times they were not listening to the explanation at all and were simply enjoying themselves together — but it was a wonderful time. I hope they enjoyed it. As is probably the case everywhere, the heat was so intense that sweat kept dripping down and there was nothing to be done about it, but in the end we said goodbye with a hug even though we were both drenched in sweat. This summer has been especially harsh, and I never realized that just talking could make me sweat so much. Also, please note that Kennin-ji Temple requires an admission fee for the guide as well.
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 | Train | Karasuma Oike～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Total | 220JPY | ||
Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable. Spoke perfect English and made the day fun and educational. Was able to adjust the tour based on my needs.
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu san in Kyoto. From the moment that the tour was booked, his communication with email about planning the day was exceptional.
Kazu gave detailed explanations about the areas we visited and we appreciated all that he had to offer at each of our stops.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made a new friend.
Kazu helped us arrange the best day with our short time in Kyoto. He brought us to some “hidden gems” and gave us thorough explanations on history and culture.
I would highly recommend this tour.
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide Kazu was very knowledgeable in terms of the history and explaining many of
the wonderful ancient sites around Kyoto. Definitely a must! Otherwise, I think it would be
difficult to tourists to understand on their own.