Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu

April, 2025

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

  • ①　10:00　Meet at Dhawa Yura Kyoto
  • ②　10:05　Explanation of the itinerary and the history of Kyoto
  • ③　10:40　Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • ④　11:30　Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • ⑤　12:45　Lunch break
  • ⑥　13:30　Saga Daikaku-ji Temple
  • ⑦　15:00　Arashiyama Bamboo Grove walk
  • ⑧　16:30　Disband in front of the hotel

Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Beyond Fushimi Inari and Kinkaku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time by cruise ship. Kyoto was the start of their itinerary, and from there they planned to travel around various parts of Japan. From their wish list, Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and the Bamboo Grove were must-sees, but since this is an extremely crowded season, I set Saga Daikaku-ji Temple as one more place where they could take their time. Because it is a monzeki temple (a temple headed by imperial family members), many of its halls were relocated from the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It is also the head of the Saga Goryu school of ikebana, a foundational training center for sutra copying, and the entire temple has served as a filming location for samurai movies. When the Emperor and Empress visit Kyoto, they are said to take their lunch here. Despite being a temple with so much to offer, it has relatively few visitors. As something of a Hidden Gem, I believe the guests enjoyed listening to the many stories I was able to share.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazu

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

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Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…

Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
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