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
- 9:30 Meet at hotel
- 10:10 Nanzen-ji Temple
- 11:40 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
- 13:10 Nishiki Market
- 13:30 Shinkyogoku Street (Tour ends)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:30 at hotel and ended at 13:30. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Nanzen-ji Temple at 10:10, Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) at 11:40 and Nishiki Market at 13:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kawaramachi Sanjo／Kyoto City Bus to Nanzenji Eikando-michi／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY); Keage to Nijojomae by subway (260JPY); Horikawa Oike／Kyoto City Bus to Shijo Takakura／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 720JPY per person.
What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nanzen-ji, Nijo Castle, and Nishiki Market
I guided the group visiting from Oceania. It was a hot and humid day following the passing of a typhoon, but the guests found it comfortable, as they are used to very high humidity where they live. Since they left the choice of destinations to me, I selected places that were relatively less crowded, flat, and easy to walk: Nanzen-ji, Nijo Castle, and Nishiki Market. At Nanzen-ji, the group was delighted by the beautiful green maple leaves throughout the temple grounds. At Nijo Castle, they enjoyed the lavish interior decorations and the beautiful garden. At Nishiki Market, they purchased a hair ornament and honey, and finally I introduced several shops and restaurants along Shinkyogoku Street where ramen bowls could be purchased, ending the tour. The guests were in very good spirits throughout, and they mentioned they planned to continue exploring central Kyoto after the 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 | Kawaramachi Sanjo／Kyoto City Bus～Nanzenji Eikando-michi／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Keage～Nijojomae | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Horikawa Oike／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo Takakura／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 720JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 9:30, and the tour finished at Shinkyogoku Street (Tour ends) at 13:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 9:30 to 13:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nanzen-ji Temple, Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) and Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 720JPY per person across 3 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
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
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.