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
- 09:00 Hotel Kyoto
- 09:30 Fushimiinari
- 10:30 Kiyomizudera (500)
- Sannenzaka by walking
- Ninenzaka by walking
- 13:00 Nishiki Market for lunch (Stand Koe Donut)
- 13:40 Ippodo for Matcha
- 15:00 End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Kyoto at 09:00, Fushimiinari at 09:30, Kiyomizudera (500) at 10:30, Nishiki Market for lunch (Stand Koe Donut) at 13:00 and Ippodo for Matcha at 13:40.
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishiki Market
The guests were visitors from North America. Today there were an extraordinary number of students on school trips, and it felt like about half of the visitors at both Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera were students. They did not do much shopping, buying only some chili oil furikake at Ochanokosaisai and a little incense at Shoyeido. For lunch they had wanted to go to Nishiki Market, so we went, but they were overwhelmed by the shop displays and could not find a place they liked. The guests wanted to have sashimi and tempura, so I had intended to take them to Tatsumi (an izakaya), but it was closed for the day, so I decided to take them to a standing bar instead. However, the atmosphere was a bit too deep and they could not find much they wanted to eat, so we had chikuwa tempura, hamo tempura, hiyayakko, and fried chicken before leaving. I then guided them to a nearby doughnut shop, Koe Donuts, where they decided to eat inside, and lunch was complete. After this, I had them experience thick matcha at Ippodo, then saw them off at their hotel to conclude the tour. It is two days in a row, but they requested that tomorrow's start be at 9:30. Recently, at the Ippodo tea room, you have to wait about 30 minutes before being seated.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .