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

  • 15:30 Zuigu-do Hall
  • 16:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple > Sannenzaka > Hokan-ji Temple
  • 16:45 Yasaka Koshin-do Hall > Ishibei-koji Alley
  • 17:30 Yasaka Shrine > Souvenir shop next to the Kanji Museum
  • 18:00 Hanamikoji Street > Tatsumi Bridge
  • 18:30 Pontocho
  • 18:50 Station building tour at JR Kyoto Station
  • 19:05 Dismissal in front of the hotel

Tour Itinerary in Detail

From there the group visited Zuigu-do Hall at 15:30, Kiyomizu-dera Temple > Sannenzaka > Hokan-ji Temple at 16:00, Yasaka Koshin-do Hall > Ishibei-koji Alley at 16:45, Yasaka Shrine > Souvenir shop next to the Kanji Museum at 17:30, Hanamikoji Street > Tatsumi Bridge at 18:00, Pontocho at 18:30 and Station building tour at JR Kyoto Station at 18:50.

What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guest had just arrived in Kyoto from Tokyo about an hour earlier. The guest was visiting from North America. We began with the darkness experience at Zuigudo Hall, and then continued to the stage of Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guest showed great interest in all of the explanations and seemed to enjoy the tour very much. The guest appeared to love photography and took many pictures. In particular, upon seeing the lit lanterns in Gion, the guest was delighted, saying this was exactly what they had wanted to see. We also encountered geiko three times, and the guest was careful to refrain from taking photos when appropriate. The guest was very polite and waited patiently for photo spots to become available, and seemed to have a wonderful time. The guest also gave a tip.

Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

Mar 24, 2025
Jennie_N
Ask for Mimmy
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williampP2709MA
Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
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Niaz_M
Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
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