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 Meet at Kobe Port Naka Pier Terminal 10:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple 12:45 Lunch (Sushi) 13:50 Sanjusangendo 15:10 Gion 16:05 Depart Kyoto
- 17:50 Drop off 2 of the 4 people at a Kobe beef restaurant 18:00 Arrive at Kobe Port Naka Pier Terminal Tour ends
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto and Arashiyama from Kobe Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Some of them had visited Japan several times before for other purposes, but this was their first time doing serious sightseeing. There was some concern about the road conditions from Kobe, but thanks to the driver's choice of route, the trip took about one hour and forty minutes each way. In consultation with the driver, we also arranged the route in Arashiyama so as not to take the same path twice. The weather forecast predicted improvement in the afternoon, but there was occasional light rain. Later, as we left Kyoto and headed toward Kobe, the sky became perfectly clear. Throughout the day the cold was not too noticeable. On the way back to Kobe Port, some of the guests wished to visit a shop specializing in Kobe beef, so I guided them there, then took the rest of the guests to the terminal, ending the tour. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.