Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Toshi

November, 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. 11:15 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen Platform
  • 2. 11:30 Hotel check-in at Hotel Granvia
  • 3. 12:00 Guide to Nijo Castle
  • 4. 13:30 Guide to Kinkaku-ji
  • 5. 15:00 Guide to Ginkaku-ji
  • 6. 15:30 Nanzen-ji (including the aqueduct)
  • 6. 16:00 Guide to Nishiki Market
  • 7.. 17:00 Disband at Hotel Granvia

What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour Avoiding the Crowds? A Licensed Guide's Report

I guided a guest from Europe who was visiting Japan to attend an international conference. The guest was a very approachable and friendly person, which made the guiding enjoyable. After consulting with the guest, we planned an itinerary that avoided places packed with tourists, covering Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and Nishiki Market. Unlike the heavy rain of the previous day, today was a comfortable and pleasant autumn day, so I was able to take my time guiding through the Ninomaru Palace, the main keep area, and the gardens, which the guest enjoyed. For Kinkaku-ji, I explained its background in the car, so at the temple grounds I could focus mainly on guiding through the scenery. After Kinkaku-ji, I guided the guest to Ginkaku-ji, which offers a striking contrast, and the guest was delighted by the beautiful scenery where the autumn foliage was just beginning. Next, we moved to Nanzen-ji, where I guided through the grounds and the aqueduct, and the guest showed great interest in the aqueduct that contributed to the modernization of Kyoto. Finally, I let the guest experience the bustle of Nishiki Market, known as Kyoto's kitchen, before we parted ways at the hotel. I also received words of thanks: "Thank you for such a rich and rewarding tour within a limited amount of time."

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

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1OtherKyoto Station Shinkansen Platform～Kyoto Station Shinkansen Platform140JPY
Total140JPY

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…