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
- 13:00 Kyoto City Hall
- 13:00-15:00 Nijo Castle
- 15:30ー16:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 17:00-18:00 Gion
- 18:00-19:00 Nishiki Market
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Kyoto City Hall at 13:00, Nijo Castle at 13:00, Kyoto Imperial Palace at 15:30, Gion at 17:00 and Nishiki Market at 18:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto City Hall to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 220JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Gion
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very interested in Japan and occasionally used some Japanese. The meeting point was changed at short notice, but we were able to meet and headed to Nijo Castle by subway. The guests asked many questions. We then took a taxi to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where I explained the site as we walked around. The guests were very knowledgeable, having become familiar with the Japanese language through Pokémon and Nintendo games, and were also well acquainted with sweets such as mochi. I had thought there might be bonbonnières at the Imperial Palace, but they were not available at the shops inside or outside, so unfortunately I could not introduce them. We took a taxi to Gion, enjoyed tea at Kagizen Yoshifusa, and afterward I explained the maiko and geiko okiya along Hanamikoji Street. At Eirakuya, the guests purchased several tenugui hand towels. We were also able to see a maiko. We took photos with the Nintendo Super Mario display at Takashimaya, and after exploring Nishiki Market with some explanations, the tour came to an end.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kyoto City Hall～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 220JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kyoto City Hall, Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion and Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 220JPY per person across 1 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?
Harumi 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 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.
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi…
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi in Kyoto. From the moment she was paired as our guide, she contacted us to personalize the daytrip. She shared great suggestions and ideas for the tour.
During the tour, she shared so much information about Japan, the history, culture, and meanings. So informative and thoughtful.
We had an amazing time with her and would highly highly recommend.
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
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Our tour was definitely customized and our…
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Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our guide Harumi was excellent! Leading up to our excursion she involved us in selecting options of things to do. She communicated clearly about meeting point and tips to bring so we would be prepared for the possibility of rain. Harumi was very knowledgeable on the places we visited and we learned a great deal about Japanese customs and traditions. The beginning of our tour we spent time exploring Kitano – cho foreign district. At the Shrine, Harumi shared key information about the gods and demonstrated how make a wish. We had the opportunity to eat lunch at a sushi bar where you order a selection of Japanese foods and experience eating with chopsticks! Motomachi Shopping district was a great place to spend the afternoon after our tour. What a wonderful experience!
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I…
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I booked a private tour and car to visit places on the outskirts of Kyoto. Our tour guide, Harumi Sagayama, not only provided a wealth of knowledge about our stops but also about the culture, history and politics of Kyoto. She was also critical on helping us narrow down the choices available to us. Our driver, Suzuki san, provided an impeccably clean, safe and comfortable ride as well. Absolutely delightful all around.
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kouzo San were very nice and constantly checked how we were doing.
Our party had one member using a mobility scooter and they made sure she was taken care of and was comfortable all the time. She even played a traditional Japanese game with us in the car before we got dropped off and this completed a most memorable and enjoyable time with them.