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)9:55 Meet (hotel), taxi to Nijo Castle
- 2)10:20~11:15 Nijo Castle, taxi to Sanjusangendo
- 3)11:35~12:30 Sanjusangendo, taxi to Teramachi Shopping Street
- 4)12:40~13:30 Lunch, walk to Nishiki Market
- 5)13:30~13:50 Nishiki Market, taxi to Nanzenji Temple
- 6)14:10~15:00 Nanzenji Temple, taxi to hotel
- 7)15:15 Farewell in front of the hotel

Kyoto Private Tour Report: How Can a Licensed Guide Adjust the Itinerary When a Guest Feels Unwell?
The day before the tour, the guests contacted me to say that they were not feeling well and did not want to walk very much, so I quickly revised the planned itinerary and selected spots with less walking and flatter ground where possible, and the guests agreed to travel by car. At Nijo Castle, the guests admired the beautiful decorations of the Karamon Gate and the Ninomaru Palace. In the Ninomaru Garden, one of the guests enjoyed gardens and took many photos of the garden. To keep the walking distance short, after viewing the Ninomaru Garden we turned back and headed to Sanjusangendo. The guests also took photos of the garden at Sanjusangendo and admired the many Buddhist statues. We went for lunch, and although the guests ate, they did not seem to have much of an appetite. During lunch we talked about various topics. Next we went to Nanzenji Temple. The guests still did not seem to be feeling their best and said they would wait on a chair in front of the Hojo at Nanzenji, so I guided the rest of the group. The guest studying in Europe was a fine young person who listened attentively to my explanations. After visiting Nanzenji, there was about an hour of tour time remaining, so I asked whether they would prefer to visit Yasaka Shrine or return to the Hotel, and they said they wished to return to the Hotel. We returned to the Hotel and said goodbye in front of it, wishing them a quick recovery.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Nice to meet you.
My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.
I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.
By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.
My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.
I look forward to meeting you.
Best regard.
Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
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Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…
Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
Book it
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He adapted the tour to our preferences
and helped us cover a lot of ground in one day. Would recommend!
