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 Hotel
- (Hankyu + Taxi)
- 10:20-10:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
- (Taxi)
- 11:20-11:50 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- (Taxi)
- 12:40-13:20 Nijo Castle
- (Taxi)
- 13:30-14:20 Lunch (Kyo-ryori Teramachi Yoshikura)
- (Walk)
- 14:40-15:15 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- (Taxi)
- 15:30 Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 10:20, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 11:20, Nijo Castle at 12:40 and Kyoto Imperial Palace at 14:40.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Nijo Castle
The guests were a group from North America. On this day, one of the guests was not feeling well, so the tour was arranged flexibly, adjusting the itinerary as we went. In the end, the route was Hotel → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple → Nijo Castle → lunch → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Hotel. At the start, one of the guests was feeling so unwell that it was uncertain whether they would be able to join, but out of a strong wish not to miss the Arashiyama area including the Bamboo Grove, the guests enjoyed many photogenic landscapes. For lunch, the guests requested a menu centered on fish and vegetables, so I guided them to a Japanese restaurant, where they enjoyed a set meal of saikyo-yaki grilled fish served with simmered Kyoto-style vegetables and tofu. The guests had already been in Japan for nearly two weeks and were very knowledgeable about the country. For example, they asked in-depth questions based on the knowledge and information they had already gathered on topics such as how the imperial family has maintained a paternal line since the first emperor, the background and circumstances of making Tokyo the political center during the Edo period, the relationship between the imperial family and the shogunate, the impact of the situation in the Middle East on energy prices, and the tuition and difficulty levels of national/public versus private universities. At each sightseeing spot, the guests also showed keen interest in the decorations and fittings of the buildings, as well as the beautiful and detailed craftsmanship of the roof tiles and cypress-bark roofing.
Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide
My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through…
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through Kyoto the day after we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, learning both about the culture and the hidden gems. He shared the details of each temple that he took us to, as well as took us through streets that showed the different styles of the Japanese culture the best part was that he was very communicative prior to and after our tour. He was so on top of everything that he made reservations at a specific restaurant during our tour, based on our interests, so that we do not waste time. It was an area that we would not be able to find on our own, obviously. He also changed some of the areas we were going to tour, based on our sons interest. That was actually the best part for our son, as he was able to experience archery.
The best part is that Masaki is so kind and considerate that there was a typhoon coming through Tokyo during our stay. He knew we were going to be traveling there after Kyoto and he made sure to update us with the train schedules and the storm details. We could not have asked for a better guide through Kyoto. I wish we could utilize his expertise in Tokyo…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!
Absolutely perfect for getting the most out of a single day in Kyoto. Masaki-san is an excellent tour guide. He communicated well by WhatsApp to set up our plans so we could see everything we wanted. He kindly adjusted our start time after our travel plans were delayed. He figured out the best way to adjust our tour when we spent too long admiring a few places! And he took us to the most amazing local type place for lunch. Overall it was beyond our expectations and we truly are grateful and thankful to Masaki-San for our truly perfect day!
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient…
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient guide for our first visit to Kyoto. He explained the significance of the castle and temples we visited, pointing out parts he felt were most interesting. He also went out of his way to help us figure out our bullet train tickets for our return.
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San. Masaki San helped us plan the itinerary
and customized it for us. We had a good mix of temples and sights and shopping. Kyoto has
amazing history and sights and temples. We will definitely be back to spend more time.