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
- ①8:30 Meet at the hotel
- ②9:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- ③9:50 Ryoan-ji Temple (Ninna-ji Temple from the car window)
- ④10:40 Sagano Bamboo Grove
- ⑤11:00 Tenryu-ji Temple
- ⑥12:00 Kyoto Gyoen National Garden (lunch)
- ⑦13:00 Nanzen-ji Temple
- ⑧13:30〜14:30 Sightseeing from the car window along the route 【Nanzen-ji Temple → Chion-in Temple → Gion → Yasaka Shrine → Yasaka Pagoda → Ninen-zaka → Kiyomizu-dera Temple → To-ji Temple → Nishi Hongan-ji Temple】, then return to the hotel. Disband at the hotel.
What Is a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like on a Rainy Day? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from North America, visiting Japan for the first time. They had arrived in Kyoto the previous day and had already visited Nijo Castle, which was adjacent to their hotel, so today was effectively their first day of sightseeing. It rained heavily throughout the entire day, but I planned the itinerary so that we could cover the major attractions, focusing on requested spots such as Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Sagano. With a lunch break at the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens, and including views from the car window in areas such as Higashiyama, the guests were able to see seven World Heritage sites. Some of the guests collected goshuin (temple seal stamps) at each temple, and everyone was thoroughly satisfied despite the rain.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
Jul 23, 2026
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