Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Mako
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
- 9:00 Meet with the client @The thousand Kyoto
- Around 9:25 Arrive at Tofukuji JR
- Around 10:45 Depart Tofukuji Take a taxi
- Around 11:10 Arrive at Ninenzaka, head to Kiyomizu-dera
- Around 12:00 Depart Kiyomizu-dera
- Around 12:30 Arrive at Ninenzaka, take a taxi
- Around 13:00 Arrive at Eikando
- Around 14:00 Depart Eikando
- Around 14:10 Arrive at Nanzenji
- Around 14:20 Depart Nanzenji Head to the subway
- Around 15:00 Disband around Higashiyama Station
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Autumn? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited Japan from North America. They were on a memorable trip together. They had stayed in Osaka until the previous day, and today was their first day in Kyoto. At Tofuku-ji Temple, which they had requested, the autumn foliage was well advanced, and they enjoyed taking photographs. Since they preferred sightseeing over shopping, I took them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where they were delighted by the beautiful scenery. I introduced yatsuhashi as a Kyoto souvenir and took them to a shop offering samples, which they were very pleased with. At Eikan-do Temple, the autumn leaves were beautiful, and they were happy to have come at such a perfect time. (They did not have a sit-down lunch; instead, they bought yuba manju and matcha lattes along the approach to Kiyomizu-dera and enjoyed them while walking.) At Nanzen-ji Temple, the autumn foliage was also beautiful, and they enjoyed taking photographs. After that, we traveled by train to Higashiyama Station, and I took them near Heian Shrine, where we parted ways. They mentioned that they often go hiking, so they said they were not tired from all the walking.
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 | Train | JR Kyoto～JR Tofukuji | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Subway Keage～Subway Higashiyama | 220JPY |
| Total | 370JPY | ||
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.