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 ＠Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, bus stop
- 9:30-10:40 Visit Arashiyama Monkey Park
- 10:40-11:00 Transfer (customer's contracted vehicle; Togetsukyo Bridge → Torokko Arashiyama Station)
- 11:00-11:50 Visit Okochi Sanso Villa
- 11:50-12:20 Bamboo Grove walk
- 12:20-12:50 Visit Tenryu-ji Temple (Hyakkaen Garden, Sogenchi Garden)
- 12:50-13:10 Kimono Forest walk
- 13:10-13:40 Transfer (customer's contracted vehicle: Kimono Forest → Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple)
- 13:40-14:20 Visit Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 14:20- The customer headed to Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium by contracted vehicle
- I also rode along and got off at the Arashiyama bus stop. I said goodbye to the customer at 14:30.
- ※This tour was scheduled for 9:30-15:30 (a 6-hour tour), but at the
- customer's request to finish the tour one hour earlier, we ended the tour
- at 14:30.
- (In addition to the above, the original plan also included a meal arrangement and a visit to Gio-ji Temple,
- but at the customer's request <a change requested the previous day>,
- we hastily canceled the restaurant and rearranged the schedule.)
What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Include? Arashiyama Cherry Blossom Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. I took them to the Monkey Park, Okochi Sanso Villa, the Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple (Sogenchi Garden and the Hyakka-en flower garden), the Kimono Forest, and Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. At the guests' request, the tour was ended one hour earlier than planned. (The request to end the tour one hour earlier, canceling the originally planned lunch time and the visit to Gio-ji Temple, came in the day before the tour.) A change to the tour itself is fine, but having to cancel the restaurant reservation the day before left me feeling very apologetic toward the restaurant that always takes good care of us. As it happened, I had no tour scheduled the previous day, so I was able to handle it. Today's tour enjoyed fine weather, and it coincided with the peak of the cherry blossom season, so I believe the guests were able to fully enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. It seemed that the Hyakka-en flower garden at Tenryu-ji Temple, where many flowers were in full bloom, was a particular highlight for one of the guests, while the Monkey Park was the favorite for the other. (The attached photo shows the guests at the amusement park at the Monkey Park.)
Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Togetsukyo Bridge～Torokko Arashiyama | 0JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Tenryu-ji Temple～Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple～Arashiyama bus stop | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. The itinerary was well organized, starting with a convenient hotel pickup before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through the thousands of red torii gates was a memorable experience, and our guide shared interesting background about the shrine that added helpful context.
We then explored the Kiyomizu area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Koshindo Temple. The route offered a nice mix of historic landmarks, traditional streets, and scenic viewpoints. There was enough time at each stop to take photos and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
What really made this tour special was our guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. He provided interesting cultural insights, recommended local foods and hidden photo spots, and made sure everyone in the group was comfortable throughout the day.
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent!…
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent! Great communication before the tour and laid out an entire day for us. Was very accommodating and understood when the heat got to us and needed to take a break. He was very knowledgeable and gave us great pieces of information about the beautiful city of Kyoto. Would highly recommend the tour and Michi!!
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative. He had a great plan for our tour and everything went smoothly. He talked about the history of the city, industry, and culture and kept our daughters engaged. Highly recommended!
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of all the sites we visited, was able to answer all of core questions, and knew where to find cold water when we were all thirsty! We really enjoyed our whole 4 hour tour.