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 RAKURO Kyoto by The Share Hotels
- 10:00～11:30 Stroll around Nanzen-ji Temple and Okazaki
- 11:30～11:50 Heian Shrine
- 12:10～12:40 Chion-in Temple
- 13:00～13:20 Stroll around Gion
- 13:20 End at Gion
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at RAKURO Kyoto by The Share Hotels at 9:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 13:20. The day ran to 4 hours and 20 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Stroll around Nanzen-ji Temple and Okazaki at 10:00, Heian Shrine at 11:30, Chion-in Temple at 12:10 and Stroll around Gion at 13:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Karasuma Marutamachi (Marutamachi Subway Station)／Kyoto City Bus to Higashi-Tennocho／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY); Okazaki Park Museum・Heian Shrine-mae／Kyoto City Bus to Chion-in-mae／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 460JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Kyoto's Quieter Temples? A Licensed Guide's Report
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private tour in Kyoto for guests visiting from Europe. In advance, an overseas agency had requested the major sightseeing spots, so I had initially proposed Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. However, when I shared the crowd conditions at both sites via a messaging app and mentioned that I could also suggest quieter locations, the guests requested a change to less crowded places, so I revised the itinerary to Nanzen-ji Temple and Heian Shrine.
At Nanzen-ji Temple, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom, and with fewer visitors compared to late March, the guests enjoyed the beauty of the Japanese architecture and gardens amid the falling cherry blossoms. They took many photos and appeared deeply moved. A Buddhist memorial service happened to be taking place, which they watched with great interest.
The cherry blossoms along the canal on the way from Nanzen-ji Temple to Heian Shrine, and the view of Higashiyama and the cherry blossoms from the bridge in front of the large torii gate, also left a strong impression on them. Since they did not tour the garden at Heian Shrine, we had extra time, so we added a visit to Chion-in Temple. At Chion-in, just as at Nanzen-ji, they marveled at the large main gate, and here too they watched a memorial service with interest, coming to appreciate the differences between the Buddhist sects.
Afterward, we strolled around Tatsumi Bridge and Hanamikoji Street, and I guided them to the Gion Corner at Gion Kaikan and a nearby Japanese restaurant before ending the tour. Overall, it was a highly satisfying tour.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Karasuma Marutamachi (Marutamachi Subway Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Higashi-Tennocho／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Okazaki Park Museum・Heian Shrine-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Chion-in-mae／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 460JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at RAKURO Kyoto by The Share Hotels at 9:00, and the tour finished at Gion at 13:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 20 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 13:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Stroll around Nanzen-ji Temple and Okazaki, Heian Shrine, Chion-in Temple and Stroll around Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 460JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Umi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.
I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.
Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very…
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
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Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very friendly, personable and was very insightful! We had a wonderful morning exploring Kyoto and seeing some of the great historical castles, palaces, shrines and temples. Umi also showed us around the famous Nishiki markets, and shared with us some great hidden local restaurants! Would definitely recommend booking this tour, and would definitely recommend Umi as a tour guide!
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi. We appreciated her thoughtful help in planning the tour and she was extremely flexible and responsible to our questions and interests. She was a pleasure to work with and be with and we were grateful that she introduced us to Kyoto most graciously.
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide…
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide for a half day private tour around Kyoto. She worked with us in
advance on the itinerary to match our interests and was very informative and gracious
during the tour itself. I highly recommend her!
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She worked with us on a customized plan that included adapting for a member of our family that uses a wheelchair. The sites she recommended were perfect and gave us a nice touch of Kyoto. We particularly loved the final temple and the experience we had there. The lunch spot we ended up choosing was an excellent Japanese meal. She was extremely knowledgable about the sites, Kyoto in general, Japan’s history, and more. You could tell she loves what she does.