Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu
September, 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
- 12:00 Hotel meet-up 12:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple 14:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 14:40 Tenryu-ji Temple 15:30 Short break 16:45 From Nishiki Market to Shinkyogoku and Pontocho 18:00 Tour ends
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Nishiki Market
The guests came to Japan from North America. They enjoyed taking photos of each other during the tour. Both were particular about their photography and used a Japanese-made single-lens reflex camera, only occasionally taking pictures with a smartphone. At Kinkaku-ji we were caught in heavy rain and had to take shelter while sightseeing. Afterward the rain stopped, and it was even a bit hot in Arashiyama. At Nishiki Market, perhaps because they were thirsty, they had a little beer. They then bought some beautiful chopstick rests. After Nishiki Market, I guided them from Shinkyogoku to Kiyamachi and then to Pontocho. The northernmost part of Pontocho was right by the guests' Hotel, so I imagine they went for another stroll after the tour. The photo was taken in the bamboo grove at Tenryu-ji.
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 | Subway | Sanjo Keihan～Nishioji Oike | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Nishioji Oike～Kinkaku-ji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kinkaku-ji-michi～Enmachi | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Enmachi～Saga-Arashiyama | 190JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Randen Arashiyama～Shijo Omiya | 250JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Shijo Omiya～Karasuma | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,330JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.