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
- 9:00 Tour start (Hotel Vischio Kyoto)
- 9:40 Arrive at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 10:30 Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda
- 11:20 Kennin-ji Temple
- 12:30 Lunch
- 14:00 Higashi Hongan-ji Temple
- 14:40 Shosei-en Garden
- 15:00 Disband at Kyoto Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Tour start (Hotel Vischio Kyoto) at 9:00, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 9:40, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda at 10:30, Kennin-ji Temple at 11:20, Higashi Hongan-ji Temple at 14:00 and Shosei-en Garden at 14:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Gojozaka by bus (230JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 230JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama and Gion Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body: The JR line had stopped due to the discovery of a suspicious object, so I quickly changed routes and managed to arrive just in time for the start of the tour. Since the guests wanted to visit beautiful, quintessentially Japanese places and learn about many things, we started at Kiyomizu-dera. A taxi would have been faster, but I thought they might enjoy the local atmosphere of riding the bus, so I asked, and indeed they wanted to try the bus. Fortunately, we were able to board smoothly. Because it was still fairly early in the morning, the crowds were lighter than during the day, and the guests seemed to enjoy it at a relaxed pace. After that, we walked slowly to Ninenzaka, the Yasaka Pagoda, Kennin-ji, and Gion. At Kennin-ji, the cherry blossoms were still beautiful, and the guests were deeply moved by everything—the gardens, the abbot's quarters, the tea room, and the Dharma hall. In Gion, we were also fortunate to be able to enter, right away and by chance, the teppanyaki restaurant the guests had said they wanted to try, in a perfect location with a close-up view along the Shirakawa. I had the impression that everything truly went smoothly. Since we had a little under an hour to spare, I guided them to Higashi Hongan-ji and Shosei-en, which are near the Hotel. Adding the grand scale of Higashi Hongan-ji and the beauty of its garden at the end, even though it was not on the original plan, was something I am glad the guests were able to enjoy.
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 | Kyoto～Gojozaka | 230JPY |
| Total | 230JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tour start (Hotel Vischio Kyoto), Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Kennin-ji Temple, Higashi Hongan-ji Temple and Shosei-en Garden.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 230JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Jun is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello, my name is Junko (call me JUN for your convenience). I have been living in Kyoto Prefecture for about 20 years! I am a true Kansai (western Japan) person, born in Hyogo, lived in Osaka, and now live in Kyoto.
When I was single, I had the good fortune to work in Kyoto City, and I have been in Kyoto Prefecture ever since my marriage. I’ve gotten familiar with this place and still discover something new every time I walk around. Kyoto is an ancient city with 1,000 years of history and a rich cultural heritage, but it is also a modern city that is evolving day by day. I am recently fascinated by the charm of Nara as well. It is an even older capital than Kyoto, full of history and strong influences from continental culture. There are many great places to see.
I am friendly and patient. Always with a smile, I will introduce you to the charms of Kyoto and Nara! I am also active as a yoga instructor, flexible in body and mind, so likewise, I will flexibly customize your trip according to your needs, so please feel free to contact me for more information.
Oct 18, 2025
T2788VXalejandror
Excellent!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very efficient, we had a great time the trip…
Oct 18, 2025
T2788VXalejandror
Excellent!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very efficient, we had a great time the trip was amazing and we learned a lot,
Junko has amazing english! 100% recomended
Jul 14, 2025
leoniesJ1228RW
Magical day in Kyoto with Junko
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yesterday, we enjoyed a fantastic 4-hour…
Jul 14, 2025
leoniesJ1228RW
Magical day in Kyoto with Junko
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yesterday, we enjoyed a fantastic 4-hour guided tour of Kyoto with Junko. She shared a wealth of fascinating insights about the city and its rich history, taking us through charming neighborhoods and stunning shrines. Junko was incredibly knowledgeable and passionate: No question was too much for her, and every story she told brought Kyoto to life. Thank you, Junko, for an unforgettable experience!
Jul 9, 2025
AIMEE_C
Kyoto Tour
Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very knowledgeable with all the sights. She was…
Jul 9, 2025
AIMEE_C
Kyoto Tour
Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Junko was very knowledgeable with all the sights. She was able to tell us about the location
in English. She knew how to get to the sights by train, bus or walking.
Jun 16, 2025
Cyess
Great Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a fabulous walking tour of Kyoto…
Jun 16, 2025
Cyess
Great Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a fabulous walking tour of Kyoto with our guide Junko. We explored many
memorable sites and learnt so much about the rich history of this beautiful city.
Would highly recommend.