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 Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi
- 9:40-10:40. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple
- 11:00-11:40 Daikaku-ji Temple
- 12:00-12:40 Ryoan-ji Temple
- 12:50-13:50 Ninna-ji Temple
- 14:00-14:40 Lunch
- 15:15
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Forza Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi at 9:00, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple at 9:40, Daikaku-ji Temple at 11:00, Ryoan-ji Temple at 12:00 and Ninna-ji Temple at 12:50.
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Garden and Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They chose this itinerary because they love gardens, and it was a pleasure to guide such calm and thoughtful travelers who shared many interesting things with me. At the Bamboo Grove Path, they enjoyed the atmosphere. At Tenryu-ji, the flowers had finished blooming, but they enjoyed seeing the irises. In the Hatto (Dharma Hall), they had many questions about the dragon painting on the ceiling. When I explained that dragons are often depicted in Japan because they are believed to spout water from their mouths, serving as protection against fire, they said this helped them understand why dragons are so common — since in the West dragons breathe fire. At Daikaku-ji, the driver kindly joined us and offered various explanations as well. After buying some souvenirs, we moved on to Ninna-ji, where we viewed the interior of the buildings and the spacious garden. I explained that the five-story pagoda is supported by a monkey on the first level, and we then went to Ryoan-ji, where I explained the dry landscape garden and features such as the tsukubai. We had a late lunch at a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, which they were very pleased with. They said it was much more delicious than the conveyor-belt sushi in North America. Finally, we returned to the hotel and concluded the tour.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.