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 11:00 Start from Kobe Naka Pier Cruise Terminal
- 1 hour delay due to accident congestion on the Hanshin Expressway
- On the way, moved from Hankyu Kammaki Station to Arashiyama (Guest approved)
- PM 13:30-14:40 Tour of Tenryu-ji Garden and Bamboo Grove
- Move to Kinkaku-ji
- PM 15:10-16:00 Tour of Kinkaku-ji
- Move to Fushimi Inari
- PM 16:30-17:10
- Move to Gion
- PM 17:30-18:30 Stroll from Gion to Kencho-ji and Miyagawa
- Move to Kobe Naka Pier Cruise Terminal, arriving PM 20:00, tour dismissal
Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto and Kobe Day Tour Despite Highway Traffic? A Licensed Guide's Report
On the day of the tour, the Hanshin Expressway toward Kyoto was closed due to an accident-related traffic jam. We detoured onto the national road but ended up running one hour behind schedule. The expressway toward Kyoto was also congested, so with the guests' consent, we switched to the railway from Hankyu Kanmaki Station and headed to Arashiyama partway through the route. Kiyomizu-dera Temple had also been included in the plan, but with the guests' consent, we decided to remove it from the itinerary. Everything else was carried out as planned. Along the way, we stopped at a coffee shop where the guests purchased a cup featuring the name "JAPAN" as they had wished. After strolling through Gion and Miyagawa, we headed to Kobe. There was another accident-related traffic jam on the way, but we somehow managed to arrive at roughly the planned time. Since it is impossible to build a schedule that anticipates accident-related traffic jams, I think it would be necessary to consider how to handle extension fees that arise from such unavoidable circumstances.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kammaki～Arashiyama | 280JPY |
| Total | 280JPY | ||
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。