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

  • 8:30 Meet up @ Hotel Kiyomizu
  • 9:05 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 10:05 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 10:55 Nijo Castle
  • 12:30 Lunch
  • 13:45 Sanjusangendo Temple
  • 14:30 Hotel Kiyomizu

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 9:05, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 10:05, Nijo Castle at 10:55, Sanjusangendo Temple at 13:45 and Hotel Kiyomizu at 14:30.

Can You Do a Private One-Day Tour of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were staying in Kyoto for only two days, and since today was their main day, I planned the itinerary by selecting as many popular spots as possible. It was a very hot day from the morning, and surprisingly there were few crowds at every location, which was a positive point, but the outdoor activities left everyone a little tired due to the heat. Even so, at each place they asked many questions about history, culture, and customs, and I believe they were interested and enjoyed themselves.

Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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