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
- 8:25 Meet at hotel
- 9:00 Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 10:45 Yasaka Pagoda
- 11:05 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 11:45 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine
- 12:15 Kanji Museum
- 12:30 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:25 at hotel and ended at 12:30. The day ran to 4 hours and 5 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Ginkaku-ji Temple at 9:00, Yasaka Pagoda at 10:45, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 11:05, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine at 11:45 and Kanji Museum at 12:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo Keihan to Ginkakuji-michi by bus (230JPY); Ginkakuji-michi to Higashiyama Sanjo by bus (230JPY); Higashiyama Sanjo to Kiyomizu-michi by bus (230JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 690JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. In the morning, when I went to pick them up at the Hotel, they were already waiting in the lobby. They were very courteous and listened attentively to my explanations. We arrived at Ginkaku-ji almost exactly at opening time, and since there were few tourists, I was able to guide them calmly. At Kiyomizu-dera, they enjoyed hearing the anecdotes about the famous Kiyomizu stage. The tour was scheduled to end at Yasaka Shrine, but as we had a little extra time, I guided them to the Gion Festival corner at the Kanji Museum and showed them a video of the Gion Festival. Both of them watched with great interest. The photo was taken at Ginkaku-ji.
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. Winner of Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Sanjo Keihan～Ginkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Ginkakuji-michi～Higashiyama Sanjo | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Higashiyama Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi | 230JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 8:25, and the tour finished at at 12:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 5 minutes in total, from 8:25 to 12:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Ginkaku-ji Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Shrine and Kanji Museum.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 690JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kazu is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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.