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 @ Hotel Kyoto
- 10:15-11:40 @ Nijo Castle
- 12:20-13:00 @ Kinkaku-ji
- 13:05-13:30 Lunch @ Menmen-kaku
- 14:00-14:50 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 15:00 Dismiss @ Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
Title: What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since Kyoto Imperial Palace was closed for viewing on this day, I informed them and they agreed to visit Kinkaku-ji Temple instead, and we began the tour.
The guests were very interested in history, and at the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle they explored each room quite carefully. This allowed me to explain each section thoroughly. When I offered a pair of binoculars I had prepared in advance, they took turns using them and were very pleased.
Kinkaku-ji Temple was not very crowded and was easy to walk around. They were moved by the beauty of the Golden Pavilion, but it was especially impressive to see how touched they were by the "Rikushu no Matsu" (Land Boat Pine). Unfortunately, the "Ryumon Falls" was under construction and completely covered, so it could not be seen at all.
Afterward, since they had requested either ramen or soba for lunch, I guided them to a noodle restaurant near Kinkaku-ji Temple. However, it seemed the food was not quite to their taste, and it turned into a somewhat quiet lunch.
At the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, I also guided them to Nonomiya Shrine and the Hozukyo Gorge view from the top of Kameyama Park.
I had intended to see them off at their accommodation, but when we reached the area near Togetsukyo Bridge, they said they wanted to explore Arashiyama on their own from there. So although the tour ended a little earlier than planned, we parted ways.
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 | Nijojo-mae～Kinkakuji-mae | 230JPY |
| Total | 230JPY | ||
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.