Kyoto in Half a Day: Nijo Castle　 & Kyoto — Guide Makiko

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

  • 9:30　Meet at Kyoto Station　(Travel by taxi)
  • 10:30 　Stroll around Toji Temple・Kobo Market　(Travel by taxi)
  • 11:30 　Nijo Castle　(Travel by taxi)
  • 12:30　Kyoto Station
  • 13:45　Board the train with guests・End on board

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Stroll around Toji Temple・Kobo Market　(Travel by taxi) at 10:30, Nijo Castle　(Travel by taxi) at 11:30, Kyoto Station at 12:30 and Board the train with guests・End on board at 13:45.

Title: Can You Do a Wheelchair-Accessible Private Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report

The day before the tour, there was an inquiry about whether a wheelchair rental would be possible, as one of the guests had difficulty walking and had become tired from walking too much in Hiroshima the previous day. After meeting, we rented a wheelchair for free at Kyoto Station and used it throughout the itinerary. We took a taxi to Toji Temple, visited the Kobo Market, and toured the five-story pagoda and the temple grounds. The guests were delighted to see plum blossoms and early-blooming cherry blossoms. They were also able to witness a Buddhist memorial service, which made for a special experience. After that, we moved to Nijo Castle. Since I had confirmed in advance that it could be visited by wheelchair, we were able to tour it without any problems. The guests wanted to return to Kyoto Station a little earlier than planned, so we headed back, and since they were traveling toward Osaka, I accompanied them on the same train and concluded the tour on board. I realized I should research more about wheelchair-accessible locations in the future.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide

Tour Report by Makiko

Hi, I’m Makiko originally from Kobe.
I have graduated from high school and University in the U.S., and working as an English Tour Guide in Japan since in my 20s.
I want my guests to experience the beauty of Japan in Kansai region.
Also, I’m a Sado, tea ceremony instructor , so ask me anything about tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese culture.
Especially, I would like to take you where you can find peace in your mind through my tour, my recommended places in Kyoto are Fushimi Inari and Nanzenji Temple.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting you!

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Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
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Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught…

Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
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Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding…

Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind,…