Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Masa
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. 07:00 Meet at Hotel
- 2. 07:40 Fushimi Inari
- 3. 09:20 Sanjusangendo
- 4. 10:50 Kiyomizu-dera temple gate (photos only)
- 5. 11:00 Asahido pottery shop (top of Kiyomizu-zaka)
- 6. 11:20 Sannen-zaka/Yasaka Pagoda/Ishibei-koji
- 7. 11:40 Lunch at Gion Ishi (soba restaurant at the bottom of the stone steps)
- 8. 12:30 Zohiko lacquerware shop (Teramachi Nijo)
- 9. 13:00 Daishodo (ukiyo-e woodblock print specialty shop)
- 10. 13:10 Dismissal
Title: What Is a Private Art-Focused Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Nishiki Market
The guests were a group from Europe. Japan had long been a country they admired and were eager to visit, and this was their first trip here (one of the guests had visited once before, many years earlier). Both of the guests had a strong interest in art, with one particularly drawn to lacquerware and another to ukiyo-e woodblock prints and other paintings. In addition to famous sightseeing spots, they were keen to view and acquire art pieces related to these interests.
Despite the intense heat, the guests wished to continue walking the Senbon Torii path at Fushimi Inari as far as the Yotsutsuji intersection, the first midway point. One of the guests also asked about the meaning, significance, and history of the torii gates. The next stop, Sanjusangendo, was especially requested, and the guests admired the thousand-and-one statues of Kannon and the guardian deity statues in the front row with great enthusiasm.
After lunch, due to fatigue from the time difference, one of the guests returned separately to the Hotel. I continued to guide the remaining guest to the art-related shops they had wished to visit. After visiting a large shop specializing in ukiyo-e woodblock prints, we exchanged a smiling handshake near the entrance of Nishiki Market and said goodbye.
Please note that, at the guests' request, all travel today was by taxi paid for by the guests, so transportation costs have been omitted.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver
Our guide, Masa was very knowledgeable and efficient. He took us to great tourist sites- Fushimi Inari, Bamboo forest and other Kyoto sites. He gave great insights to Gion and local Kyoto hot spots in central Kyoto. Even in the heat, he didnt stop and led the way for us. Having a car at the ready with a/c on was great, and made it an efficient day. Our 3 teenage boys enjoyed our day of culture and touring Kyoto. Highly recommend!!!
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an…
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an awesome tour guide. He was very friendly and kind man who went above and beyond for us, teaching us about history of the sites he took us to, as he is very smart and informed. He guided us through the complicated Kyoto, subway and bus stations. We learned a lot and saw many of Kyotos beautiful sites. I will definitely recommend him 100%!
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge on Kyoto. He catered to our interests and helped us to decide on the best places to see on our tour. He also helped us to be adventurous and try some local traditional foods at the market. He pointed out other stops of interest and helped us to plan the rest of our visit.
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly…
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly and inclusive.
Our Guide Masaaki Tanaka is a Kyoto local and was extremely knowledgable.
He was friendly , engaging and easy to understand . His English language was good.
Very informative and enjoyable outing.