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
- 10am Hotel pickup
- 10:30-12:00 Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple, Togetsukyo Bridge, Bamboo Forest, etc.)
- 12:30-13:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 14:00-15:00 Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 15:15-15:45 Gion
- 16:00 Return to Hotel
Guest: The guests preferred to keep things efficient, with few questions, and were satisfied by visiting only the essential locations. Since they mentioned plans to continue their trip to Kyoto and Osaka, I offered advice about the places they intended to visit.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello!
I am Joji. Please call me Bonjoji, because Bon Jovi is my favorite Rock group. I was born and raised in Kyoto, Japan. I graduated from University of South Carolina with Statistic major. During my work, I have lived in CA and NJ for 12 years. So, we can talk about the cultural difference between the USA and Japan from my experience as a student and as a businessman. My hobby is visiting old ruins in the world so that I have been to Vesa Merde in the USA, Macchu Picchu in Peru, Easter Island in Chile, Volbilis in Morocco, Tikal in Guatemala, Angkor Wat in Cambodia and etc. When I lived in the USA and visited these historical sites, I have been treated well as a family by many local people. So, it is a time that I treat you back well while you are traveling in Japan. I am official National Government Licensed English Guide Interpreter and my goal is simply to make your journey more comfortable, enjoyable and unforgettable. Please feel free to contact me and let’s enjoy the tour together.
Bonjoji
Apr 16, 2026
kellywO6769DQ
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour with a great guide
Joji was an excellent guide who…
Apr 16, 2026
kellywO6769DQ
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great tour with a great guide
Joji was an excellent guide who showed us many wonderful sites in Kyoto. He contacted us
beforehand and put together a great itenary of places we wanted to see. He is a warm and
personable guide and highly recommend him and this tour.
Apr 5, 2026
D1147DVdamons
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Guide
Joji guided us through temples and a small bamboo forest…
Apr 5, 2026
D1147DVdamons
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great Guide
Joji guided us through temples and a small bamboo forest to our final archery destination.
He is a wealth of knowledge and a joy to be around. We highly recommend Joji.
Apr 3, 2026
558drews
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The perfect guide for discovering Kyoto
We had an exceptional experience with…
Apr 3, 2026
558drews
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The perfect guide for discovering Kyoto
We had an exceptional experience with our guide Bonjoli in Kyoto. He possesses a deep and genuine knowledge of of both history and culture of the city. He made our experience meaningful and memorable.
His fluency in English made our experience more engaging.we would recommend him highly. This was one of the highlights of of our trip.
Oct 25, 2025
OnAir05338931895
Tokyo Adventure with Joji
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We visited Japan in October of 2025, during…
Oct 25, 2025
OnAir05338931895
Tokyo Adventure with Joji
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We visited Japan in October of 2025, during our stay in Tokyo we decided to take a 6 hour tour to hit all the top spots on our list on our first full day. This tour did that and more. Our guide, Joji was a delightful, knowledgeable, kind and attentive guide and he spoke incredible English! During our tour we stopped at the Meiji Shrine, Tsukiji Fish Market, SensoJi temple, and the Imperial Palace in one day! Joji created a seamless itinerary and helped us understand how to get around Tokyo including navigating the chaotic subway system! Joji helped us create memories we will cherish for years to come. Would totally have Joji guide us on another adventure!