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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 1. 7:15 Meet @Machiya Ebisuya
  • 2. 8:10 @Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji)
  • 3. 11:00 @Ryoan-ji
  • 4. 11:30 @Kinkaku-ji
  • 5. 12:15 @Obai-in
  • 6. 14:40 Disband @Nishiki Market

What Is a Private History and Culture Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors who were enjoying SHOGUN. They had a strong interest in Japanese history and culture, so I introduced many topics. I explained the background leading up to the Tokugawa era, as well as stories about the historical figures who served as models for the characters appearing in SHOGUN. In particular, I was able to talk about how William Adams (Miura Anjin) ultimately could not return to his home country and passed away in Hirado, and how, precisely because of this, he is still beloved today. Since the guests mentioned that they would be heading to Osaka after Kyoto, I also talked about sightseeing in Osaka and the history of the Toyotomi Hideyoshi era. They listened very earnestly, and I may have been the one enjoying it the most myself. I explained how to enjoy Nishiki Market and how to stroll around after the tour, and then we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainKyoto Kawaramachi~Arashiyama240JPY
Section 2TrainRanden Arashiyama~Ryoan-ji250JPY
Section 3BusKinkaku-ji-michi~Daitoku-ji-mae230JPY
Section 4SubwayKitaoji~Shijo260JPY
Total980JPY

Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

Sep 29, 2026
duncans746
Yuka was great
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