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
- 10:50 AM: Meet the customer at the Central Gate of the Shinkansen at Kyoto Station. Confirm and discuss the itinerary and meals.
- 11:10 AM: Arrive at Shichijo Exit bus stop. There is a long line at the bus stop for Kiyomizu. Since the staff says it would take more than 30 minutes to board the bus, we decide to take a taxi.
- 11:25 AM: Get off at the bottom of Kiyomizu-zaka. Head to Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
- 12:20 AM: Depart Kiyomizu-dera Temple, head to Yasaka Shrine via Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka.
- 1:00 PM: From Yasaka Shrine to Gion Shirakawa Tatsumi Bridge
- 1:30 PM: Start lunch at Gion Noichi (steak)
- 2:35 PM: Finish lunch.
- 2:55 PM: Head from Shijo Keihan-mae to Nijo Castle by bus. (Since Anna's feet hurt, we use the bus instead of the subway.)
- 3:25 PM: Arrive at Nijojo-mae
- 4:15 PM: Depart Nijo Castle, head to Uzumasa Tenjingawa by subway, then transfer to the Randen line and head to Arashiyama.
- 4:47 PM: Arrive at Randen Arashiyama. Stroll through the bamboo grove, visit Togetsukyo Bridge.
- 5:32 PM: Depart JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
- 5:49 PM: Arrive at Kyoto Station
- 5:55 PM: See off at the Shinkansen Gate. Tour ends
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group of friends visiting from the Middle East. While walking up Kiyomizu-zaka, one of the guests mentioned foot pain, so after that we walked at a much slower pace. All of them enjoyed taking photos. One of the guests seemed to be taking pain medication, but after Yasaka Shrine the foot pain gradually seemed to ease, and they walked along happily, taking quite a few videos as well. There was a note in the My Page remarks section, but for lunch the group requested either meat or seafood. I sent three candidate options and had them decide the day before, settling on Kyoto-style kaiseki, but in the evening they decided they would prefer meat after all, so we made a last-minute change again. In the end, the group was very satisfied with the steak lunch and it was very well received.
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 | Bus | Shijo Keihan-mae～Nijojo-mae | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijo Castle～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa～Randen Arashiyama | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Kyoto | 240JPY |
| Total | 980JPY | ||
Discover the Heart of Japan: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Flavor.
Hello, I am Taichi, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
Having explored the depth and diversity of Japan’s culture, history, and cuisine-particularly in the vibrant regions of Tokyo and Kansai-I’m excited to share my experiences with you.
With its dynamic seasonal changes and centuries-old traditions, with its ever-changing seasons and profound history, Japan invites you to create moments that stir your imagination and awaken a deeper connection to its beauty.
And Japan is more than just a destination-its travel experience engages your all five senses.
From breathtaking landscapes to tantalizing culinary, every corner holds something to delight and inspire.
Let’s embark journey of discovery, where you’ll sharpen your sense, create unforgettable memory, and embrace the true essence of Japan.
I look forward to helping your wonderful trip.
Apr 7, 2026
Karistan_S
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Apr 7, 2026
Karistan_S
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Taichi was wonderful. He spoke excellent English and knew a lot of history. We really enjoyed
the tour and are glad we splurged on it. It was really nice to have the taxi and guide on a
cold day. He had excellent suggestions and chose a quick fun restaurant for us for lunch!
May 15, 2025
TJP1967
Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t…
May 15, 2025
TJP1967
Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to make our
day even more perfect. We can’t recommend him enough.
Apr 14, 2025
rgp728
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We used Japan Guide Agency for a private…
Apr 14, 2025
rgp728
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We used Japan Guide Agency for a private tour of Kyoto. They were amazing! Our guide, Taichi, reached out to us ahead of our time and helped us create the perfect itinerary. We are vegetarian so he arranged a vegan lunch where we were able to try many different types of Japanese food. We had a perfect day and would highly recommend Japan Guide Agency and Taichi!
Apr 8, 2025
Sherif_A
Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was our 1 day trip to…
Apr 8, 2025
Sherif_A
Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was our 1 day trip to Kyoto. We wanted to see as much as possible but also get a good sense of the city. Taichi is a great guide, knowledge and communicates well. He was very caring to make sure we are able to take the best routes and avoid crowds where possible. Definitely recommend!