Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour — Guide Mako
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
- Starting at 8:00 per customer's request (6 hours until 14:00)
- 8:00 Meet at hotel (Hotel Kyoto Takasegawa by Hulic)
- Around 8:30 Travel to Arashiyama by Hankyu train
- Around 8:50 Bamboo Grove
- Around 9:10 Okochi Sanso Villa
- Around 10:15 Gio-ji Temple
- Around 11:00 Nonomiya Shrine
- Around 11:30 Customer takes a break at Randen Arashiyama Station, buying drinks
- Around 12:00 Depart Arashiyama by taxi
- Around 12:30 Arrive at Kyoto Imperial Palace
- Around 13:20 Take the subway to Shijo
- Around 14:00 Disband in front of Nishiki Market
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kyoto Imperial Palace
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Since some of the guests did not speak English, another member of the group kindly interpreted along the way. Arashiyama was not very crowded, perhaps because it was early in the morning, and the guests were delighted to take beautiful photos. On the path from the bamboo grove to Gioji Temple, many lotus flowers were in bloom, and the guests took photos, saying how lovely they were. One of the guests was fond of animals, and the group eagerly photographed lizards and other creatures together. At Gioji Temple, they enjoyed writing on ema plaques and drawing omikuji fortunes. At Nonomiya Shrine, they bought protective charms as souvenirs. After that, they took a short break at the Randen station, buying cola and fries. Since they wanted to enjoy Kobe beef in a casual setting, I recommended Nishiki Market, and when one of the guests mentioned wanting to sing karaoke, I told them about a karaoke place in Kawaramachi. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the weather was cool and comfortable. I had been concerned about the possible effects of a typhoon, but it did not rain, and we finished the tour safely.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Imadegawa～Shijo | 260JPY |
| Total | 500JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.
I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.
I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako,…
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako, was so fantastic. We had told her what we were interested in doing and she planned a perfect day. Her knowledge of the historical sites is extensive and interesting.
She is very friendly and fun. She was also considerate to go at our pace.
Would highly recommend seeing the Castle and the Golden Temple.
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was…
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was such an amazing tour guide, we had the absolute best day with her. We were able to squeeze in so many sights and with the private car it was such a breeze. Highly recommend this customized private tour (and Mako if she is available, definitely request her)!!
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples was fantastic. Saw more in the half day than what
we would have in 2 days. Mako was fantastic letting us know the history behind all the
areas. This made the experience all the better. 100% recommend
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She is knowledgeable and organized, and I felt like in another life we could have been friends. She made us feel so welcome and had a lot of interesting information to share during our tour. She took great pictures on our behalf! We absolutely recommend a tour with Mako.