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 Hotel Granvia Kyoto ➡ Check sightseeing route at cafe ➡ Fushimi Inari Taisha by JR ➡ Kawazu cherry blossoms at Yodo Waterway by Keihan Railway ➡ Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove～Kameyama Park) by Keihan Railway + JR ➡ Nishiki Market by Randen + Hankyu Railway ➡ Knife shop (Teramachi Street) ➡ Gion ➡ Kyoto Station (17:30)
Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour in Early Spring? A Licensed Guide's Report
At the guests' request that morning, the tour started at 9:30. The guests were visitors from a cruise ship docked in Kobe. We enjoyed a lively conversation about their family roots and background. Since they had been looking forward to seeing cherry blossoms, I took them to the Kawazu cherry blossoms along the Yodo Waterway, which bloom earliest in Kyoto, and they were delighted to find them in full bloom. After that, I guided them to the places they wished to visit, including the bamboo grove, Nishiki Market, a knife shop, and Gion. At Arashiyama and Nishiki Market, they enjoyed a variety of food such as tempura, skewered beef, yakitori, and sake. They were very energetic and full of vitality throughout the day. Their step counter showed 16 km (22,000 steps). They said they had a wonderful time and headed back to their ship in Kobe by local train rather than the bullet train.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto Station～Inari Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari Station～Yodo Station | 280JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Yodo Station～Tofukuji Station | 280JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Tofukuji Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Randen Arashiyama Station～Shijo-Omiya Station | 250JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Omiya Station～Karasuma Station | 170JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Gion-Shijo Station～Shichijo Station | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,540JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Emi (meaning “smile” or “laugh” in Japanese) , born, raised, and living in Osaka for more than half a century. I’ve been working as a government-licensed tour guide since 2018 after early retirement from a company. My favorite things are hiking, cooking, eating, laughing, learning different cultures, jazz, playing the chromatic harmonica, etc.
I’ll provide you with a few suggested itineraries first, but of course I’ll be happy to provide you with a flexible itinerary according to your preferences and requests and to help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Kobe, etc. I can also offer a tour visiting not only popular destinations but also hidden or less-crowded places.
I’m looking forward to meeting and guiding you!!
Jul 17, 2026
TROY_R
Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This was a perfect tour…
This was a perfect tour of…
Jul 17, 2026
TROY_R
Viator review: Osaka Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
This was a perfect tour…
This was a perfect tour of Osaka! Our guide Emi built a tailored itinerary that exactly met our needs and we visited amazing sites we would’ve never known about thanks to her. Throughout the tour, Emi was so kind, knowledgable, positive, and flexible – we enjoyed every second and are so grateful she was the person that showed us beautiful Osaka. Strongly recommend Emi and this tour if you’re planning a trip to Osaka!
Sep 18, 2025
L9831WKjenniferb
4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely afternoon with English…
Sep 18, 2025
L9831WKjenniferb
4 hour Kyoto tour with English speaking guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Lovely afternoon with English speaking Emiko Yamanaka. Very informative and knowledgeable about the history of the city. Visited the Torii shrine, sadly the other shrine had just closed, and walked through the Gion district. Emi also provided us with a map that she had made with the must see places, including which subway line and how many stops to take! Very useful for the next day trip. Would highly recommend Emi as your tour guide
Aug 15, 2025
SuperGC68
Great value
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide…
Aug 15, 2025
SuperGC68
Great value
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a two day 6hr tour with our guide who took us around in Kyoto. It was a well balanced walking tour through historical sites, famous streets/neighbourhoods and local markets. We travelled very efficiently with a combination of taxis, trains and buses. Our guide Emi was very well prepared, with high flexibility, kindness and curiosity. She was a great value to the tour. I highly recommend this two day tour to visit Kyoto in a very efficient way.
Jul 4, 2025
Inspire64445626178
Delightful day with Emi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a delightful day with our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Inspire64445626178
Delightful day with Emi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a delightful day with our guide Emi. She designed a day around all the main spots that we wanted to visit at a comfortable pace. We learned a lot from her! And we couldn’t have done all that we did that day without her deep knowledge and experience. My niece said that it was the best day of our vacation! Thank you Emi for guiding us and sharing your knowledge with us! I would highly recommend this tour with Emi.