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 HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
- 09:10 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
- Sannenzaka by walking
- Yasaka-no-to by walking
- 11:40 Bamboo path by taxi
- 12:00 Lunch (Musubi Cafe) by walking
- 13:20 Monkey Park by walking
- 15:00 HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION
- End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION at 09:00, Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi at 09:10, Bamboo path by taxi at 11:40, Monkey Park by walking at 13:20 and HOTEL THE CELESTINE KYOTO GION at 15:00.
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, and the Monkey Park
The guests came from North America. From the moment we met, they mentioned they loved shopping, so we stopped at various shops that seemed to suit their tastes. Around Kiyomizu-dera they bought kimono-fabric goods, a lucky charm at Kiyomizu-dera, a coaster at a pottery shop, and a Daruma doll and a fox mask at a souvenir shop. They were not very interested in history or pottery. Since one of the guests wanted to buy shochu as a souvenir, we stopped at a discount liquor store on the way from Kiyomizu-dera to the bamboo grove and made the purchase.
For lunch they had wanted to eat ramen, so I had checked some ramen shops around Arashiyama, but they said they did not feel like eating ramen in this heat. I suggested several options, and since some of the guests preferred a vegetarian meal, we went to a restaurant in Arashiyama that offers vegetarian options. Because of the extreme heat, we took a taxi to the entrance of the Monkey Park, and it cost only the base fare. Even in this heat, many international tourists had come to the Monkey Park.
After the tour, they wanted to visit a head spa near the hotel, so I made a reservation at the shop they requested. We came down from the Monkey Park with many rest breaks, and by then it was 14:20. Since they wanted to return to the hotel before going to the head spa, we did not push on to Kinkaku-ji, returned to the hotel, and wrapped up a little after 15:00.
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 .