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 Meeting point: Hotel Kyoto Hachijo
- 09:20 Sightseeing ①: Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 10:30 Sightseeing ②: Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 12:20 Sightseeing ③: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 13:10 Lunch/Break: Arashiyama
- 13:50 Sightseeing ④: Tenryu-ji Temple ⇒ Bamboo Path ⇒ Togetsukyo Bridge
- 13:40 Transfer to hotel
- 14:10 Dismissal: Hotel
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like When Plans Change on the Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were part of a group visiting Japan from North America for sightseeing. On the day, however, some of the guests were not feeling well and decided to rest at the hotel with accompanying members of the group, so the tour ultimately went ahead with the remaining guests.
I handled the advance communication and itinerary discussions with the group. The original itinerary listed Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari, along with Kurama-dera. In response, I pointed out that Kurama-dera would be difficult for the group and that Kiyomizu-dera is an extremely crowded landmark that would also be quite challenging, likely requiring a wheelchair. After several exchanges with the guests, the driver of the private car kindly offered to bring along a wheelchair they had on hand. As for the destinations, I proposed visiting Arashiyama instead of Kurama-dera, and this was accepted.
However, when I met the guests on the day, I was told that some members of the group, due to not feeling well, had decided to rest at the hotel, so the tour that day would be with the remaining guests. Both the driver and I were a little surprised by such a sudden change of circumstances, but we also felt somewhat reassured by the decision to prioritize health above all (though it was of course a pity for those who had to stay behind). Although the advance discussions had been quite challenging, the tour itself proceeded smoothly and concluded successfully as planned.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hi, everyone! I’m Norifumi Kamon, a government registered guide interpreter. Please call me “Nori”, or “Kamon-san”.
Let me introdece myself. I was born on April 17th in 1952 in Miyazaki prefecture in Kyushu island. I used to be an English teacher of Osaka Prefectural high school. When I retired from a teacher ten years ago, I decided to get a professional guide license. I wanted to play a role of the bridge between Japanese people and the people from all over the world as a second life of mine. After two years efforts, I finally got the guide license. Since then, I have guided several handreds of foreign people mainly in Kyoto and Nara for about five years except Corona Pandemic period. Almost all the tourists were deeply impressed by the beauty of nature, traditoin, culture, and art of Japan. I can surely help you enjoy and be satisfied with the sightseeing in Japan. And I’m looking forward to seeing you soon.
Apr 9, 2026
Ron_W
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We saw so much in the…
We saw so much in the…
Apr 9, 2026
Ron_W
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We saw so much in the…
We saw so much in the time we had. Nori explained the history of all places we visited. He
was so passionate about everything, we were very lucky to have him as tour guide.
Mar 24, 2026
zackn719
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
We did our private tour with…
Mar 24, 2026
zackn719
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Knowledgeable guide and a great tour
We did our private tour with Kamon-San, and he was a great guide to show off the sites and features of Nara! He got their early, and had a detailed and interesting schedule planned for us, including several of the local shrines and temples, allowing us to also enjoy the deer throughout our tour.
He also took us to a nice local restaurant where we were able to enjoy some of the best soba and catsu curry we had all trip! Kamon-san’s insights and trivia were definitely one of the top highlights from our entire trip to Japan! We would strongly recommend not just Nara but this guided tour to anyone who wants to appreciate more than just the deer!
Oct 20, 2025
66speech
Highlights of Kyoto.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with…
Oct 20, 2025
66speech
Highlights of Kyoto.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience with Nori. Nori exceeded our expectations with his knowledge of Kyoto history and culture. Well paced tour, covered Imperial Palace, temples, shrines, Bamboo Grove and Arashiyama. Helpful with navigating rail system. Very worth while. Nori earns highest rating possible.
Oct 16, 2025
Michael_H
Thoroughly enjoyed the…
Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Thoroughly enjoyed the day out…
Oct 16, 2025
Michael_H
Thoroughly enjoyed the…
Viator review: Osaka Off the Beaten Path 6hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Thoroughly enjoyed the day out with our guide Nori. Without him we would have been
literally lost & seen nowhere near the amount of sites. Nori guidance was top notch.