Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Jun
March, 2025
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
- Meet at Nijo Castle. Guided to the Ninomaru Palace, then to the Imperial Palace. After that, guided around Gion. To save time, they kindly used a taxi.
What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
It was raining, but when I mentioned at the start that the gardens are even more beautiful in the rain, the guests already seemed to understand this, so we got off to a good start. I had heard that the guests were interested in history, so I began with an overview of Japanese history centered on Nijo Castle, which seemed to deepen their understanding. They asked many good questions, and even when my explanations fell short, they kindly followed up and helped me out. They were very friendly and kind, and I feel we spent the entire time in a relaxed atmosphere. Since we were able to use a taxi, we could get around efficiently.
14:00 Meet at Nijo Castle 15:30 Arrive at the Imperial Palace 16:30 Depart from the Imperial Palace 16:45-18:00 Stroll around Gion
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello, my name is Junko (call me JUN for your convenience). I have been living in Kyoto Prefecture for about 20 years! I am a true Kansai (western Japan) person, born in Hyogo, lived in Osaka, and now live in Kyoto.
When I was single, I had the good fortune to work in Kyoto City, and I have been in Kyoto Prefecture ever since my marriage. I’ve gotten familiar with this place and still discover something new every time I walk around. Kyoto is an ancient city with 1,000 years of history and a rich cultural heritage, but it is also a modern city that is evolving day by day. I am recently fascinated by the charm of Nara as well. It is an even older capital than Kyoto, full of history and strong influences from continental culture. There are many great places to see.
I am friendly and patient. Always with a smile, I will introduce you to the charms of Kyoto and Nara! I am also active as a yoga instructor, flexible in body and mind, so likewise, I will flexibly customize your trip according to your needs, so please feel free to contact me for more information.
Oct 18, 2025
T2788VXalejandror
Excellent!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very efficient, we had a great time the trip…
Oct 18, 2025
T2788VXalejandror
Excellent!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very efficient, we had a great time the trip was amazing and we learned a lot,
Junko has amazing english! 100% recomended
Jul 14, 2025
leoniesJ1228RW
Magical day in Kyoto with Junko
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yesterday, we enjoyed a fantastic 4-hour…
Jul 14, 2025
leoniesJ1228RW
Magical day in Kyoto with Junko
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yesterday, we enjoyed a fantastic 4-hour guided tour of Kyoto with Junko. She shared a wealth of fascinating insights about the city and its rich history, taking us through charming neighborhoods and stunning shrines. Junko was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate: No question was too much for her, and every story she told brought Kyoto to life. Thank you, Junko, for an unforgettable experience!
Jul 9, 2025
AIMEE_C
Kyoto Tour
Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very knowledgeable with all the sights. She was…
Jul 9, 2025
AIMEE_C
Kyoto Tour
Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very knowledgeable with all the sights. She was able to tell us about the location
in English. She knew how to get to the sights by train, bus or walking.
Jun 16, 2025
Cyess
Great Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a fabulous walking tour of Kyoto…
Jun 16, 2025
Cyess
Great Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a fabulous walking tour of Kyoto with our guide Junko. We explored many
memorable sites and learnt so much about the rich history of this beautiful city.
Would highly recommend.