Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Nijo Castle — Guide Michi
October, 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
- 6:30 Hotel Meet
- 6:30-7:20 Travel (Hankyu Railway; Karasuma→Kyoto Kawaramachi, Keihan Railway; Gion-Shijo→Kiyomizu-Gojo)
- 7:20-8:30 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 8:30-9:20 Travel (Keihan Railway; Kiyomizu-Gojo→Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan→Nijojo-mae)
- 9:20-10:30 Visit Nijo Castle
- 10:30 Tour ends We said goodbye to the customers at Nijojo-mae
Title: What's an Early-Morning Private Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. It was their first time in Japan. This was a very early-morning tour starting at 6:30, and I managed to arrive at the Hotel about five minutes early by taking the first train, and began the tour from there.
I took the guests to Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Nijo Castle. The weather was clear and autumnal, making it ideal conditions for sightseeing.
However, there was one small incident during the tour when one of the guests went to the restroom and did not return for about 20 minutes, which caused some concern.
The guests seemed to particularly like the cliff-side construction of Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Ninomaru Garden at Nijo Castle, and they took many photographs. A notable stop on the tour was Nijo Castle. Nijo Castle is a historic fortress in Kyoto built in the early 17th century, and it served as the residence of the shogun when visiting the city. The castle is well known for its "nightingale floors," which were designed to chirp when walked upon as a security measure, and for the elegant Ninomaru Palace and its surrounding gardens. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of Kyoto's most visited cultural landmarks.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Karasuma～Kyoto Kawaramachi | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Gion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 870JPY | ||
My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !
Aug 4, 2026
Elie_S
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
We had a lovely…
Aug 4, 2026
Elie_S
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Wonderful and informative walking tour with Michi
We had a lovely morning walk with Michi. He had a great English, was at our meeting point before the planned time, he explained in such a delicate way the story behind the temples, buildings and streets of our tour. He was lovely towards our children and pleased us when we wanted to stop at a shop, eat/ drink smtng or even go to see a statue that was
«not planned ». We had a wonderful time scrolling down ancient Kyoto Tnx to Michi
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. The itinerary was well organized, starting with a convenient hotel pickup before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through the thousands of red torii gates was a memorable experience, and our guide shared interesting background about the shrine that added helpful context.
We then explored the Kiyomizu area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Koshindo Temple. The route offered a nice mix of historic landmarks, traditional streets, and scenic viewpoints. There was enough time at each stop to take photos and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
What really made this tour special was our guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. He provided interesting cultural insights, recommended local foods and hidden photo spots, and made sure everyone in the group was comfortable throughout the day.
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent!…
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent! Great communication before the tour and laid out an entire day for us. Was very accommodating and understood when the heat got to us and needed to take a break. He was very knowledgeable and gave us great pieces of information about the beautiful city of Kyoto. Would highly recommend the tour and Michi!!
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative. He had a great plan for our tour and everything went smoothly. He talked about the history of the city, industry, and culture and kept our daughters engaged. Highly recommended!