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
  • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka
  • 10:30 Kodai-ji Temple>Ishibei-koji Alley
  • 11:30 Yasaka Shrine>Hanamikoji Street
  • 12:00 Lunch at Korin
  • 13:00 Pontocho
  • 13:30 Kyogoku Shopping Street
  • 14:00 Nishiki Market
  • 14:30 Disband Subway Shijo Station

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Kiyomizu-dera Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka at 9:30, Kodai-ji Temple>Ishibei-koji Alley at 10:30, Yasaka Shrine>Hanamikoji Street at 11:30, Pontocho at 13:00, Kyogoku Shopping Street at 13:30 and Nishiki Market at 14:00.

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

Today was a private tour for the guests. Although the group was staying at a hotel, they kindly arranged to meet in front of Kyoto Station, which was very helpful. One of the guests seemed to have some difficulty walking and waited at the lower area during our visit to Kodaiji Temple. Even so, they walked very well, and at the end, when asked whether to take a taxi, the guests said they preferred to take the subway and boarded from Shijo. The guests were very considerate toward one another and made for a wonderful group to guide. It was a little cold, but it was not too crowded, which was pleasant.

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
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A must if visiting the first time. Will save…

Mar 15, 2025
Eric B
Wonderful Osaka castle and tour
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Mimmy was a wonderful…

Mar 12, 2025
williampP2709MA
Amazing time in Osaka with Mimmy
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Mimmy was an amazing tour guide!…

Oct 30, 2024
Niaz_M
Great choice if you have limited time in Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a…