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
- 10:00 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
- 11:00 Arashiyama – Stroll from Togetsukyo Bridge to the Bamboo Grove
- 12:45 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 13:45 Lunch at Togenkyo
- 15:00 Sanjusangendo Temple
- 16:00 Disperse at the exit of Sanjusangendo Temple
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Sanjusangendo
The guests were visitors from North America. Although the tour had been booked through a travel agency as an Arashiyama and Sagano tour, the guests seemed happy to explore without being tied to that itinerary. Perhaps because of the heavy rain from the previous night through the morning, there were fewer tourists than usual, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed strolling through the bamboo grove and taking photos in quiet, uncrowded spots. After discussing options, they said they wanted to visit Kinkaku-ji, so we took the Randen tram and a city bus to get there. This spot was also relatively uncrowded after the heavy rain, and I believe they enjoyed it. They mentioned they wanted to have ramen for lunch, so we went to a nearby restaurant, and they were very pleased. Since they had already visited Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Gion on their own, I suggested Sanjusangendo, which caught their interest, so we transferred buses and headed there. The buses were empty, making for a comfortable journey. They were amazed by the 1,001 Buddhist statues and purchased a goshuin book to receive a temple stamp. I believe they were very satisfied.
Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Sanjo Keihan～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa～Arashiyama | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Randen Arashiyama～Kitano Hakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Kitano Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi～Nishinokyo Enmachi | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Nishinokyo Enmachi～Higashiyama Shichijo | 230JPY |
| Total | 1,450JPY | ||
Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day…
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day with Kaeko Tanigawa taking us to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples and Nijo castle in Kyoto. She is very nice, customer-oriented and knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history.
To be highly recommended!
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create a tour that worked for our family with two young children. It was a very hot day, but the air conditioned van was perfect. We loved making ramen together, feeding monkeys, and seeing a few top sites of Kyoto.
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and my husband and I had the best time with her during our honeymoon in Kyoto in April! She reached out well before our trip to get to know our interests and carefully planned an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to us—even helping us choose the perfect lunch spot.
Throughout the tour, Kaeko was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and personable. She shared so much history and local insight while making the day feel relaxed and fun. What really stood out was that her expertise extended far beyond our 6-hour tour. She provided countless recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems that made the rest of our time in Kyoto even more memorable.
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience in Kyoto, I can’t recommend Kaeko highly enough. She was one of the highlights of our entire trip!
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto with Kaeko Tanigawa. She was so knowledgeable and we never felt rushed. She made some excellent recommendations for restaurants and other things to do around town. Highly recommend if you have a chance to book with her!