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
- 09:00 ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto
- 09:30 Otagi Nenbutsuji (500) by taxi
- 11:20 Bamboo forest by walking
- 11:30 Tenryuji garden by walking
- 12:20 Arashiyama Monkey Park (800) by walking
- 13:40 Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Branch)
- 14:50 Ryoanji (600) by walking Rock Garden
- 16:00 Gion
- End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto at 09:00, Otagi Nenbutsuji (500) by taxi at 09:30, Bamboo forest by walking at 11:20, Tenryuji garden by walking at 11:30, Arashiyama Monkey Park (800) by walking at 12:20, Ryoanji (600) by walking Rock Garden at 14:50 and Gion at 16:00.
What's a Full-Day Private Tour of Arashiyama and Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Initially they had many places they wanted to see, so I proposed three plans, and this itinerary was decided upon. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple was crowded with many international visitors. We viewed the traditional townscape of Toriimoto on our way to the bamboo grove. After that, we passed through the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple, crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and went to the Monkey Park. One of the guests mentioned having seen the Togetsukyo Bridge on social media. The Monkey Park was very popular with international visitors, and we saw few Japanese tourists there. After lunch, we walked to Ryoan-ji Temple. Japanese irises, sweet flags, and water lilies were in beautiful bloom. Forest green tree frogs were calling in the pond in the back garden of Ryoan-ji Temple. There were three egg masses of forest green tree frogs attached to the branches of a maple tree. After the tour, the guests said they wanted to go to Gion, so I took them to Gion and we parted ways there. They were delighted to have seen so many things.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .