Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Toshi

October, 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. 10:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
  • 2. 10:30 Guide to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • 3. 12:00 Guide to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 4. 13:30 Stroll through Nishiki Market (free lunch)
  • 5. 14:45 Guide to Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 6. 16:15 Disband at Kyoto Station

What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

I guided a group of guests from South America on a one-day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto. We began sightseeing in a light rain. First, I guided them through Fushimi Inari Taisha under umbrellas, explaining Shinto, shrines, and torii gates. After paying respects at the main hall, we moved toward the Senbon torii path, but as we passed through it, the rain grew heavier, so we quickly descended and took shelter in the car. Next, we headed to Kiyomizu-dera. The rain had eased, so we entered the grounds from the approach and I showed them the "Kiyomizu Stage" and the "Otowa Waterfall," walking down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka to conclude our visit to Kiyomizu-dera. At that point the rain began to intensify again, so to avoid it and to have lunch, we moved to Nishiki Market. After a one-hour break at Nishiki Market, by the time we reached Kinkaku-ji it was already close to three o'clock, so I had to guide them through Kinkaku-ji at a brisk pace. At Kinkaku-ji, the guests took many commemorative photos and were very pleased. I had hoped to include Arashiyama if there was time, but there was no longer any time left, so we returned to Kyoto Station.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Toshi

After a rather long teaching experience at Japanese college, I converted my career about 6 years ago into working as a tour guide for the tourists visiting Japan.
As my career overseas, I’ve been in the UN and the Japanese Embassy, all in the USA, totaling more than 6 years.
And then I had made a big change in my career from a diplomat to an academic researcher. For that career to achieve, I studied abroad and won a doctorate degree in linguistics from Indiana University and landed a teaching position at college in Japan.
With all these interesting and exciting experiences I’ve made myself ready to enrich your tour and make it both enjoyable and worthwhile.

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Apr 26, 2026
39ferdinandr
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Exceptional and entertaining
Great tour better the tour guide Toshi.

Apr 9, 2026
X1429XKclaudiam
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Sehr zu empfehlen
Wir haben als Familie diese 6-stundige Tour durch Kyoto…

Jun 28, 2025
WilliamAlfonso_R
Toshi is a very eloquent, knowledgeable, and diligent tour guide.
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Toshi was…

May 30, 2025
Z
ZevP5
Best Tour Guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshi was the best guide!! He was so…