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
- AM 09:30 Start from HOTEL Grand Pier
- Move to Saga Arashiyama Railway
- AM 10:10- AM 11:30 Tour from the Bamboo Grove to Tenryu-ji Park
- Move to Kinkaku-ji Railway Bus
- PM 12:30-PM 13:20 Tour Kinkaku-ji
- Move to Ginkaku-ji Bus
- PM 14:15-15:15 Tour Ginkaku-ji
- Tour ends at Ginkaku-ji Philosopher's Path
What Is a Private Kyoto Zen Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour ended up covering the representative Zen temples associated with three generations of the Ashikaga shogunate, and I believe the guests enjoyed learning about the differences between them as I explained the historical background of the era in which each temple was founded.
I was a little taken aback by the flurry of questions from one of the guests (such as how President Trump is viewed in Japan and the current state of relations with China), but I answered strictly as my own personal opinions.
Finally, when I explained about the Philosopher's Path, the guests said that although the cherry blossoms had not yet bloomed, they still wanted to walk along it, so I explained how to take the subway from Keage, and the tour concluded there.
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 | Kyoto～Saga Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kitano-Hakubaicho～Ritsumeikan University | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Kinkaku-ji-mae～Ginkaku-ji-mae | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Ginkaku-ji-mae～Kyoto Station | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Other | Kinkaku-ji～Ginkaku-ji | 4,000JPY |
| Total | 5,180JPY | ||
Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!
Jul 25, 2026
Ann W
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…
Jul 25, 2026
Ann W
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my trip!
Booking a private tour with Hideharu (Yoshi) Yoshino was easily one of the absolute highlights of my trip.
Yoshi-san customized the day perfectly to my interests, accommodating a last-minute hotel change and timing our morning perfectly so we could see the spectacular Gion Matsuri parade without the heavy crowds.
We explored Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and the traditional streets of Gion at a wonderful, relaxed pace.
The tour was fascinating and packed with interesting details that allowed me to truly understand Kyoto’s rich history.
Highly recommended!
Jul 18, 2026
Geert73
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
We, a…
Jul 18, 2026
Geert73
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
We, a family of 5, had a very enjoyable 6-hour private tour of Kanazawa with Hideharu Yoshino from Japan Guide Agency.
Communication before the tour was excellent and made it very easy to plan the day. Yoshi’s English was excellent, which made communication throughout the tour very smooth. He provided very clear and interesting explanations, giving us a better understanding of the history and culture of the places we visited.
During the tour we explored Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, and the Geisha and Samurai districts.
It was a well-organized and informative tour. Highly recommended.
Jul 15, 2026
G5010ZVmelodys
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
Our…
Jul 15, 2026
G5010ZVmelodys
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
Our tea and culture day in Kanazawa with our guide Hideharu Yoshino was amazing! Yoshi is very fluent in English and a great companion to walk around with as he knows so much about the history and culture of Kanazawa and Japan. He also knew the best place to grab lunch and helped us pick what was good local fish, curry or tea to try. Plus he made sure we felt comfortable and never out of place wherever we went. I would recommend him for anyone who likes to know more about what they are seeing or what they can do in the area. Yoshi is great!
Jul 11, 2026
rikkes490
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Rigtig god guidet tur
Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer
とても良いガイドツアーでした。
とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。