Kyoto: Otagi Nenbutsuji & Seiryuuden — Guide Kazz

May, 2026

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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 09:30 Hotel Kyoto
  • 10:00 Otagi Nenbutsuji
  • 10:45 Gioji
  • 11:30 Bamboo Grove
  • 11:40 Tenryuji Garden by walking
  • Arashiyama
  • Lunch （Washoku Joy Nishioji Sanjo Branch）
  • 13:30 Kinkakuji (500)
  • 14:50 Seiryuuden
  • 15:30 Hotel Kyoto
  • End of the tour

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Kyoto at 09:30, Otagi Nenbutsuji at 10:00, Gioji at 10:45, Bamboo Grove at 11:30, Tenryuji Garden by walking at 11:40, Kinkakuji (500) at 13:30, Seiryuuden at 14:50 and Hotel Kyoto at 15:30.

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of the West Side and Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Today I guided the same guests as yesterday, this time taking them to the western side of Kyoto. I was surprised to find that the admission fee for Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple had risen from 500 yen to 1,000 yen at some point. Recently, in addition to Wednesdays, it seems the temple is now also closed on Saturdays, so this is something to keep in mind when planning. The bamboo grove was still in the season when the leaves are changing, so it looked rather sparse overall, and sunlight was streaming down onto the bamboo grove path. For lunch, to avoid the crowds, I took them to a local family restaurant, which they were pleased with. Since they did not take many photos or do any shopping, we ended up with some extra time, so at the end I guided them to the observation deck at Seiryuden atop Higashiyama, where they enjoyed a wonderful view.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazz

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!

Request Booking

Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…

Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing…

Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a…

Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…