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

  • 8:00 Meet at the port
  • 9:30 Sanjusangendo (including the garden)
  • 11:30 Stroll through Gion Shirakawa
  • 12:20 Nijo Castle
  • 13:20 Lunch (shopping mall) 15:20 Arashiyama, bamboo grove
  • 17:00 Port

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Sanjusangendo (including the garden) at 9:30, Gion Shirakawa at 11:30, Nijo Castle at 12:20 and Port at 17:00.

What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests arrived from a cruise ship. Since walking long distances was difficult for part of the group, I planned the itinerary around places that were easy to access right from the parking area and where a wheelchair rental was available. They were very pleased with every location, which made me very happy. They had researched Japan before their trip and asked many questions about historical dates at the places we visited. They had also watched the film "Shogun" and showed a very deep interest in Nijo Castle. They also enjoyed the scenery of Gion Shirakawa and Arashiyama, as well as the bamboo grove, and I believe they had a very meaningful sightseeing experience even in the light rain. Along the way, they were approached by local high school students and a group wearing rental kimono, and they enjoyed the friendly interaction. A notable stop on the tour was Nijo Castle in Kyoto. Nijo Castle was built in the early 17th century as the Kyoto residence of the Tokugawa shoguns, the rulers of Japan during the Edo period. It is famous for its "nightingale floors," which were designed to chirp when walked upon as a security measure against intruders, and for the elegant Ninomaru Palace with its beautifully painted sliding doors. The castle is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Kyoto's most popular historical landmarks.

Hello, I am a tour guide, Chiyuki. If I write my name in Japanese, it means one thousand happiness. Please call me Chiyuki. I am looking forward to seeing you.
I have been guiding many visitors from all parts of the world since I became a tour guide.
I hope Japan can attract many people with beautiful scenery, culture, historical buildings, food and so on. What are you interested in?
And I couldn’t be happier if I can help you to create memories of a wonderful trip.
I will make my best effort to satisfy my guests. See you soon. Thank you very much. Chiyuki

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