Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Kazu
September, 2025
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
- ① 11:00 Meet in front of JR Kyoto Station AVANTI Building
- ② 11:05 Itinerary explanation and explanation of Kyoto's history
- ③ 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- ④ 13:00 Yasui Konpira Shrine
- ⑤ 13:20 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Sannei-zaka
- ⑥ 13:45 Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Ninen-zaka ~ Ishibei-koji Alley
- ⑦ 15:20 Sanjusangendo
- ⑧ 16:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- ⑨ 17:00 Disband at Gion

Kyoto Private Family Tour Report: What Can You See in One Day at Kinkaku-ji and Sanjusangen-do?
The guests were a group visiting from North America. One member had been coming to Japan frequently for work but had never had the chance to do any sightseeing here, so this trip was finally realized as a leisure trip together with the group. This is something I can relate to well; back when I was an office worker myself, whenever I went on overseas business trips I was always pressed by work and time, so it was usually impossible to find any room for sightseeing. The highlight of this tour was clearly enjoyed by the group, who were especially fond of Kinkaku-ji and Sanjusangen-do. During our travels, the whole group and I had lively conversations on rather in-depth topics, such as work, views on immigration, and comparisons between Japan's welfare pension system and the actual situation in North America. Having had a long relationship with Japanese companies, one member seemed somewhat accustomed to Japan, giving me the impression of being a little different from an ordinary overseas traveler. After spending several days in Tokyo and Gotemba, they moved on to Nagoya, and I heard that they had been commuting by Shinkansen every day from their hotel in Nagoya to places like Hiroshima and Kyoto. Today as well, they were going to return to Nagoya once and head to Nara the next day. The group also seemed to be running low on stamina from the consecutive days of a demanding schedule and the hot, humid weather. Even so, I hope this Kyoto tour will remain a good memory for them.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable. Spoke perfect English and made the day fun and educational. Was able to adjust the tour based on my needs.
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu san in Kyoto. From the moment that the tour was booked, his communication with email about planning the day was exceptional.
Kazu gave detailed explanations about the areas we visited and we appreciated all that he had to offer at each of our stops.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made a new friend.
Kazu helped us arrange the best day with our short time in Kyoto. He brought us to some “hidden gems” and gave us thorough explanations on history and culture.
I would highly recommend this tour.
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide Kazu was very knowledgeable in terms of the history and explaining many of
the wonderful ancient sites around Kyoto. Definitely a must! Otherwise, I think it would be
difficult to tourists to understand on their own.
