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
- 9:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
- 9:20 Karasuma
- 9:25 Katsura
- 9:34 Katsura
- 9:41 Arashiyama
- 10:00 Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Park
- 11:14 Arashiyama
- 11:22 Katsura
- 11:26 Katsura
- 11:33 Kyoto Kawaramachi
- 11:50 Gion (Hanamikoji, Kennin-ji Temple)
- 13:00 Yasaka Shrine, disband
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Hotel Kyoto Sanjo at 9:00, Karasuma at 9:20, Katsura at 9:25, Arashiyama at 9:41, Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Park at 10:00, Arashiyama at 11:14, Katsura at 11:22, Kyoto Kawaramachi at 11:33, Gion (Hanamikoji, Kennin-ji Temple) at 11:50 and Yasaka Shrine, disband at 13:00.
What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Arashiyama and Gion Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We were fortunate that it did not rain in the morning. The first part of the itinerary was Tenryu-ji Temple and the Sagano Bamboo Grove. At Tenryu-ji, the guests were deeply moved by the Sogenchi Garden, the beauty of the large pond and trees seen from the bench, the full view of Tenryu-ji from the hill, and the views over Kyoto City.
Next, we went to the Sagano Bamboo Grove. The guests were impressed by the beautiful roughly 400-meter stretch of bamboo and took photographs.
Next, we visited Arashiyama Park. The guests were moved by the view of the Hozu River from the observation deck, the riverside walking path, and the view from Togetsukyo Bridge, and they took photographs.
Next, we went to Hanamikoji Street, where the guests admired the traditional Kyoto townscape and the buildings of Kennin-ji Temple.
Finally, we visited Yasaka Shrine, affectionately known as "Gion-san." The guests seemed interested in the explanation that the reason it is called "Gion-san" comes from the fact that Yasaka Shrine was known as "Gion-sha" until 1868, and that the Gion Festival is held for one month each year, from July 1 to July 31, in central Kyoto and at Yasaka Shrine.
It was a wonderful group who got along very well.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent…
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent tour today in Kyoto at a number of different stops. We went to monkey park, bamboo Grove, tenryuji temple, Arashayama park and the Golden Temple. It was a packed schedule but our guide made sure we got everywhere and transited smoothly. He was also very helpful with our young kids and a food allergy. This was our third tour with JGA and we highly recommend them for Kyoto.
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had a wonderful day with Kaji and our driver seeing many sights during our first time in Kyoto!
To start, Japan Guide Agency (operator) went above and beyond to help us even have the tour on our requested day. Despite all of their regular rental vehicles being unavailable, they were able to secure a driver and minivan for the 5 of us and Kaji, our guide. Excellent communication and responsiveness by email as we worked through to resolve the challenge and confirmed the planned itinerary.
Kaji arrived at our hotel ahead of schedule to be ready for our pickup. From there, he led us with interesting facts and helpful tips to Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Park, Nijo Castle, and a delicious casual udon lunch as requested at Tokutoku Fushimi Takeda. Lastly, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha and for a bonus, quickly saw To-ji Temple before getting dropped back off at our hotel.
Overall, time and money well spent. We covered so much ground on this tour and it was a worthwhile experience with help from Kaji and our driver. Definitely recommend!
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great…
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great experience. The team is extremely professional and knowledgeable of the Kyoto area. Having a driver was great in the heat and on getting around to the various stopping points efficiently. Our guide was also very helpful and knowledgeable of each place we visited and knew of appropriate spots for pictures, info etc.
Great experience overall.