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
- ①10:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto Hachijo-guchi
- →Move by taxi
- ②10:45 ~11:20 Honen-in Temple
- ③11:20~12:00 Philosopher's Path
- ④12:00 ~13:00 Ginkaku-ji Temple
- ⑤13:00 Lunch (restaurant in front of Ginkaku-ji Temple's main gate)→Move by taxi
- ⑥13:40~15:00 Nanzen-ji Temple aqueduct, Hojo→Jumbo taxi not found, so moved by subway and strolled around the Gion area on foot
- ⑦16:00 Arrive at Gion-Shijo Station
- ⑧16:45 Disband at Keihan Railway Kyobashi Station
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were staying at a hotel in Osaka, and we had planned to meet at the Kyoto Station tourist information center, but they had trouble finding the location, so we met at a hotel near the Hachijo exit instead. Since they wished to visit quiet sightseeing spots that were not crowded, we toured around the Higashiyama area using a combination of taxi, subway, and walking. As some of the guests appeared to be involved in work related to architecture and design, they seemed to greatly enjoy the tranquil Honen-in Temple, as well as the main hall of Nanzen-ji Temple and the Suirokaku aqueduct. On the way back, as they were uncertain about the train to their hotel, I escorted them to Keihan Kyobashi Station before we parted ways. Although it was a hot day, they thoroughly enjoyed a precious time in Kyoto.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Keage～Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture) | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Gion-Shijo～Yodo | 320JPY |
| Total | 540JPY | ||
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
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most…
Jul 23, 2026
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most friendly, pleasant and experienced guide, Sam.
Sam explained the history and background of the many sight of Nara.
Showed us many small places that we would not have found on our own.
Highly recommended
Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very…
Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very knowledgeable, professional and caring. He gave tour experience of a lifetime.
Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…
Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to multiple shrines and temples around Tokyo. Sam was great! We enjoyed it
Sam was great. He gave us a super introduction to Tokyo!
Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…
Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable about the are and guided us to several temples using public transportation. We stopped for a traditional Japanese lunch and saw some of the specialty wood carvings from the area. Our guide enjoyed the beauty of nature and his enthusiasm helped us to pay attention to the natural beauty as well.