Category: Uncategorized

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion

    Tour Itinerary

    • 8:00 Meet @ The Chapter Kyoto, a Hotel
    • 8:40-9:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
    • 10:10-10:40 @ Sanjusangendo
    • 10:50-12:00 @ Gion
    • 12:00 Disband @ In front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Gion The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour began with the group, but one of the guests was not feeling well due to a stomach upset and left the tour before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the group was able to see a ceremonial shrine maiden dance, which they enjoyed very much. One of the guests had a DSLR camera and would occasionally stop to take photos, sometimes falling behind the group. It was relatively uncrowded, which made for excellent photo opportunities. At Sanjusangendo, the guests observed carefully at first, but partway through their walking pace quickened and they finished relatively quickly. After exploring Sanjusangendo, another guest developed back pain and left the tour, returning to the Hotel by taxi. The remaining guests then headed to Gion and strolled around. At one point, one of the guests became so absorbed in photography that they tried to photograph inside an okiya, so I had to give a word of caution. I guided them to the area near the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, and at the guests' request we parted ways there.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Station~Fushimi Inari Station220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari Station~Shichijo Station170JPY
    Total390JPY

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Tokyo: Harajuku Takeshita Street & Samurai Ninja Museum

    Tokyo: Harajuku Takeshita Street & Samurai Ninja Museum

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel
    • 09:50 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 11:10 Lunch @ Asadori (Asakusa)
    • 12:10 Sensoji Temple
    • 13:20 Samurai Ninja Museum
    • 13:30 Disband @ Asakusa

    **Title:** What's a Private Tokyo Tour with Two Licensed Guides Like? A Guide's Report on Harajuku, Asakusa, and a Samurai Ninja Experience **Body:** The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Because the guests had booked the tour as two separate groups, we arranged an unusual format in which two [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guides led the group together. On Takeshita Street, some of the guests were especially interested in the souvenir and accessory shops as well as the animal cafes. At Senso-ji Temple, they listened with great interest to the explanations about the souvenir shops along Nakamise Street and the history of the temple. Since a samurai and ninja experience was included in the tour from 13:30, we guided the guests to the Samurai Ninja Museum, confirmed their reservation at the reception, took a final photo, and then parted ways. We responded fully to the guests' requests, so I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainHamamatsucho~Harajuku210JPY
    Section 2SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Asakusa260JPY
    Total470JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Hotel meet 10:30 Fushimi Inari 12:30 Lunch (sushi restaurant) 13:30 Kinkaku-ji  14:45 Kyoto Imperial Palace 15:50 Nijo Castle 16:30 Tour ends

    What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kyoto Imperial Palace, and Nijo Castle The guests were visitors from the Middle East. Before their current life in the Middle East, one had roots in Asia. At Fushimi Inari, some of the guests wanted to buy food from the street stalls, so we took a little time there. Also, after boarding the JR line, one of the guests lost a ticket, which caused a delay in exiting Enmachi Station, so the schedule fell behind. As a result, there was a risk of not making it in time for the final admission to Nijo Castle. For that reason, at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, apart from taking photos, I guided the group around almost without stopping to walk. Thanks to everyone's cooperation, we managed to arrive and begin the tour just before the final reception time of 4:00. The tour ended right after leaving Nijo Castle. The group returned to their hotel by taxi. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji. Had lunch been shortened by another method, I think there would have been a bit more time to spare. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSanjo Keihan~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
    Section 3BusEnmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
    Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Kitaoji Bus Terminal230JPY
    Section 5SubwayKitaoji~Imadegawa220JPY
    Section 6SubwayImadegawa~Nijojo-mae220JPY
    Total1,320JPY

    I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.

    Jul 24, 2026
    Trail65429092687
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Tour
    Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…

    Jul 23, 2026
    489caelinp
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
    Kyoto Guided Tour
    My friend and I had a great experience…

    Jul 16, 2026
    margaretsM7923ON
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
    Great way to see Kyoto
    Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.

    Jul 9, 2026
    Sandra_B
    Kazuo was great and…
    Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Kazuo was great and provided…

  • Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 10:30 Meet at Hotel Niwa Tokyo
    • 2. 11:30 Nezu Shrine
    • 3. 12:20 Imperial Palace East Gardens
    • 4. 13:45 Meiji Shrine
    • 5. 15:30 Lunch at Santouka Ramen
    • 6. 16:00 Omotesando and Takeshita Street
    • 7. 16:45 Shibuya Crossing
    • 8. 17:30 Disband at Asakusa

    Title: What Is a Private One-Day Tokyo Tour Like on a Cold Winter Morning? A Licensed Guide's Report At the meeting point, one of the guests had a headache, so we waited a while, but after taking some medicine they seemed well enough to go out. It was a bitterly cold morning with the season's first snowfall, so I handed out heat packs and started the tour a little later than planned. For safety, I first changed the route to Nezu Shrine to one that avoided long-distance walking, taking the JR from Suidobashi to Ochanomizu, then transferring from Shin-Ochanomizu to Nezu by subway. As we proceeded to Nezu Shrine and then the East Gardens of the Imperial Palace, the headache seemed to clear up. After appreciating a Shinto shrine at Meiji Shrine, we chose ramen for lunch, and the rich yet refreshing Asahikawa ramen was greatly enjoyed as a way to warm up chilled bodies under the cold sky. We strolled along Omotesando and Takeshita Street, then moved on to Asakusa, where we ran out of time and parted ways. Overall, the guests seemed largely satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainSuidobashi~Ochanomizu150JPY
    Section 2Free PassShin-Ochanomizu~Nezu600JPY
    Section 3Free PassNezu~Otemachi0JPY
    Section 4Free PassOtemachi~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 5Free PassKita-sando~Meiji-jingumae0JPY
    Section 6TrainHarajuku~Shibuya150JPY
    Section 7Free PassShibuya~Asakusa0JPY
    Total900JPY

    Born and raised in Tokyo a half-century ago, I have lived in Tokyo all my life except for one year in the UK to study for a master’s course. I am a Tokyo Native with viewpoints based on broader local knowledge than anyone else. I have specialised in Japanese history, culture, and architecture since I was an architect.
    Also, I am a foodie emphasising Japanese traditional & healthy foods. I’ve been to many countries around the world, such as the US, Central America, Europe, and Asia. As such, I believe I can anticipate the needs of foreign tourists in Japan.

    Despite my experience as a guide for just two years, we can make the best out of our tour by travelling from your hotel to spots time-efficiently with my local knowledge, while accommodating your unexpected requests during the tour.
    My strong area includes Yanesen; Old Temples in a Quaint Village, Kamakura, Asakusa Sensoji, Meiji Shrine and Imperial Palace. All give you peace of mind.

    Oct 22, 2025
    I5562SWphilipk
    Great intro to Tokyo
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kei was a genial and knowledgeable host, who…

    Oct 12, 2025
    Gary H
    Great tour of Tokyo!
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We loved our tour! Our guide was…

    Oct 5, 2025
    C
    Cindy_S
    Had one day in Tokyo and…
    Viator review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Had one day in Tokyo…

    Sep 15, 2025
    chrishN2970OC
    A highly enjoyable tour of Tokyo with knowledgeable local guide
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had…

  • Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

    Tour Itinerary

    • 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Annex
    • 10:30-11:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
    • 12:00-12:40 @ Kiyomizu-dera
    • 12:40-13:10 @ Higashiyama Area
    • 13:20-14:15 @ Gion
    • 14:25-15:05 Lunch @ Kamukura Gion Shijo Station Branch
    • 15:45-16:05 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
    • 16:35 Dismissal @ Hotel Annex

    What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Arashiyama The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Japan in December. They had traveled through Tokyo, Osaka, and Nara, and had come to Kyoto two days earlier. Some of the guests were fluent in English, while others were a little less comfortable with it. Even so, the guests had a strong interest in Japanese culture and religion and asked many questions. One of the guests in particular had a deep interest in religion. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests performed the two-bows, two-claps style of worship, and enthusiastically tried experiences such as the Omokaru-ishi stone and the Negai-no-matsu pine. At Kiyomizu-dera, they asked about the meaning of the hand gestures of the Amida Buddha, and they were delighted when I explained the concept of the nine grades of rebirth. On the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, the guests stopped at souvenir shops and did some shopping. In Gion, we strolled from around Tatsumi Bridge and took a route walking to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. Since the guests wanted to have ramen for lunch, after exploring Gion we stopped at a ramen restaurant near Gion-Shijo Station for lunch. After that, we headed to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a stroll, but by the time we finished it was already past the tour end time of 16:00. I informed the guests that an extension fee for the taxi would apply, and with their consent, I took them by taxi back to the Hotel, where we parted ways.

    Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!

    My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.

    I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.

    I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
    I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.

    I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!

    May 19, 2026
    498stephenq
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    An enjoyable visit
    Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…

    Apr 11, 2026
    V5131MFjodieh
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
    Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…

    Oct 14, 2025
    Scenic61154406959
    Great Historical Perspective
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…

    Sep 29, 2025
    Jea L
    Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Kaz was an excellent tour…

  • Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Nara in One Day: Kintetsu-Nara Station & Nara-machi

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 9:05-40 Kofukuji Temple
    • walk 15 minutes while communicating with deer
    • 10:00-30 Himuro-jinja Shrine & Yoshikien Garden
    • walk 10 minutes
    • 10:40 Todaiji Temple
    • 10:40 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:00-30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 11:50 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:00-30 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
    • walk 5 minutes
    • 12:40 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: former katana sword manufacturer's shop
    • walk 5 minutes (light lunch at Mizuya Chaya)
    • 13:00-30 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 13:50- Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town)
    • walk 15 minutes
    • 15:10 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station or elsewhere (End of Tour)

    A Private Deer Park Tour with a Licensed Guide: What's It Like in Winter? The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. This tour went remarkably according to plan, which is quite rare. The guests were wonderfully responsive, and I had the chance to explain a great deal. The guests were big animal lovers. Since the deer tend to be more aggressive in crowded tourist spots, we avoided those areas and enjoyed a more relaxed location to our hearts' content. The guests kept a good walking pace throughout, which was a great help. Because the winter season has relatively few tourists, it is a wonderful time to explore at a leisurely pace, and it is something I would happily recommend.

    Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
    I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
    After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
    I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
    What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.

    May 16, 2026
    I3520JTcristinat
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Nara with family
    Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…

    May 3, 2026
    Maria_J
    Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Enjoyable day in Nara
    We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…

    Apr 11, 2026
    64sandig
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
    ????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…

    Mar 30, 2026
    dpadillachavez
    Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
    Great day at Nara!
    Best tour on Nara, Junichi…

  • Tokyo: Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tokyo: Imperial Palace & Meiji Shrine

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:00 Meet up @ Hotel in front of Shinjuku Ward Office
    • 09:40 Imperial Palace
    • 10:40 Nezu Shrine
    • 11:50 Lunch @ Sansada (Asakusa)
    • 12:40 Sensoji Temple
    • 14:20 Shibuya Scramble Crossing・Hachiko
    • 14:40 Harajuku Takeshita Street
    • 15:20 Meiji Shrine
    • 16:30 Shinjuku Golden Gai・Hanazono Shrine
    • 17:05 Disband @ Shinjuku

    What Is a Full-Day Private Tokyo Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. Before coming to Tokyo, they had already visited Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and after sightseeing in Tokyo they planned to travel to Hokkaido. At the Imperial Palace, they were impressed by the vast grounds and listened with great interest to explanations about the role of the Emperor, the Meiji Restoration, and the Edo Shogunate. At Nezu Shrine, Sensoji Temple, and Meiji Shrine, they listened attentively to explanations about the differences between shrines and temples. On Takeshita Street, they showed interest in the various shops and animal cafes. Since I accommodated the guests' wishes throughout, I believe they were satisfied.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1SubwayShinjuku-sanchome~Nijubashimae600JPY
    Section 2SubwayNijubashimae~Nezu0JPY
    Section 3SubwaySendagi~Nishi-Nippori0JPY
    Section 4TrainNishi-Nippori~Ueno150JPY
    Section 5SubwayUeno~Asakusa0JPY
    Section 6SubwayAsakusa~Shibuya0JPY
    Section 7TrainShibuya~Harajuku150JPY
    Section 8SubwayMeiji-jingumae~Shinjuku-sanchome0JPY
    Total900JPY

    I am Seizo Kamiuto, National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I was born in Kagoshima City in Kyushu (Southern part of Japan) and grew up there until the graduation from a high school. I came to Tokyo to enter a University in Tokyo and since then, I have lived in Tokyo for more than 40 years and therefore I know Tokyo and its suburbs and Kagoshima City very well. After retiring from an IT company, I have been working as a Guide Interpreter of English since March 2018. I have guided many overseas guests to the popular sightseeing spots in Tokyo, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji area (Kawaguchiko Lake etc.), Hakone, Nikko, Yokohama, Kawagoe and Kagoshima and so on. I have received good reviews from many guests. I can explain the history and the culture of Japan in detail. I look forward to an opportunity to guide you in Japan. Thank you. Seizo Kamiuto

    Jul 10, 2026
    surferbikerdude1
    Tripadvisor review: Kamakura Day Trip from Tokyo in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
    Beautiful Tour of Kamakura
    Seizo Kamiuto was out…

    Jun 9, 2026
    stacy_grana
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    A wonderful day with an experienced guide
    Our guide, Seizo, was amazing.…

    Jun 6, 2026
    U9351HJjakes
    Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Tokyo Tour
    Seizo Kamiuto was great and super knowledgeable. He had a…

    May 20, 2026
    HugoJ670
    Tripadvisor review: Edo Tokyo & Japanese Culture Tour with Government Licensed Guide
    Tokio in de zon
    Seizo Kaminto is een uitstekende…

  • Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car

    Tour Itinerary

    • 9:00 ホテルでお迎え
    • 9:30 皇居(入場料無料)
    • 11:00 金閣寺(入場料:500円/人)
    • 12:00 ベジタリアンラーメン かずで昼食
    • 12:50 伏見稲荷大社へ出発
    • 13:20 伏見稲荷大社を散策(入場料無料)
    • 14:20 祇園へ出発
    • 14:40 祇園に到着 伝統的な町家の通り、花見小路を散策
    • 15:00 ここでツアー終了

    What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari The guests were a family with Japanese roots now living in North America. Some of the group spoke Japanese quite well, while others spoke only a little. Perhaps because of their heritage, they showed a strong interest in Japanese culture. However, it seemed to be their first time in Japan, and their reactions and expressions of surprise reflected their North American background. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, they were interested in the lifestyle of the emperor and asked many questions. There was still a little autumn foliage remaining in the Oike-niwa garden, which delighted them very much. At Kinkaku-ji, while I was guiding, an English-speaking visitor who happened to be nearby became very interested and struck up a conversation. They said they had read Yukio Mishima's "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" and had come to see it, so we enjoyed a lively conversation for a while. For lunch we went to Ramen Kazu. The menu offered both vegetarian and regular options, so both those who wanted to eat meat and those who did not seemed satisfied. At Fushimi Inari, they seemed a little puzzled by the system of omikuji fortunes, but took many photos at the Senbon Torii. I told them I hoped they would get to see a maiko, and we said goodbye in Gion at 3:00.

    Welcome to Kyoto!

    My name is Aoki. I am a passionate and certified English-speaking tour guide. I am dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience.

    **Why Choose Me?**
    – **Expert Knowledge:** I have an in-depth understanding of Kyoto’s rich history, temples, shrines, culture and heritage. I will share fascinating stories and insights that you won’t find in guidebooks.
    – **Guests first:** I fully respect your interests and preferences, ensuring that you get the most out of your visit.
    – **Local Connections and experiences:** As a local resident, I have connections with various artisans, tea houses, and local businesses. This allows me to offer unique explanations on traditional cultures, such as tea ceremonies, kimono dress-ups, and authentic culinary delights.
    – **Comfort and Convenience:** I prioritize your comfort and convenience. I am familiar with public transportations and know the best places to eat and shop, I take care of all the details so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

    I like to comunicate and share. I look forward to showing you the magic of Kyoto and creating wonderful memories together. By exploring with me, your visit will not just be a tour, but a memorable journey through the heart of Japan.

    Let’s enjoy Kyoto and uncover its secrets!

    Sep 5, 2025
    Maddie_T
    Awesome experience
    Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
    Our guide, Aoki, was fantastic!!!! She…

    Sep 4, 2025
    dannib211
    Perfect start to our visit in Kyoto!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    We had an amazing tour…

    Jan 20, 2025
    Wanderer503982
    Great Kyoto experience!
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Our tour guide Aoki and driver provided an excellent…

  • Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour

    Tour Itinerary

    • 1. 8:00 Meet @Sakanoue Ryokan
    • 2. 8:40 @Fushimi Inari
    • 3. 10:55 @Saihoji Temple
    • 4. 12:30 @Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji Temple)
    • 5. 14:15 @Nishiki Market
    • 6. 15:10 Disband @Nishiki Market

    Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour with Saihoji Temple Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests requested a visit to Saihoji Temple, so I explained the availability, the reservation process, and the reservation and cost arrangements for the guide, and since they kindly asked me to join them, I was able to enjoy the experience as well. I explained that Saihoji Temple does not rely on parishioners, so admission fees are its main source of income, and that visitors are asked not simply to view the garden but first to calm their minds through sutra copying before seeing it. In the sutra copying hall, the guests all sat in the formal seiza posture (even though table seating was available!) and copied the sutra with great seriousness. During the following garden stroll, they showed interest not only in the sights but also in the sounds, and seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. Since a request to extend the tour had been made at the start, after Saihoji Temple I took them to the bamboo grove and Tenryuji Temple. They also wished to visit Kinkakuji Temple, but they had become hungry and wanted to eat at Nishiki Market. I was glad to join them for lunch as well. After lunch, we walked around Nishiki Market together a little more. I asked what they wanted to buy, explained where they could purchase those items and how to get back to their accommodation from Nishiki Market, and then we parted ways. After returning home, they sent me many photos and were very pleased, saying it had been the most enjoyable and wonderful day of their entire stay in Japan. They mentioned that another member of the group is planning to visit Japan and would like to be looked after by us again.

    Transportation cost per person

    No.TransportationRouteFare
    Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
    Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
    Section 3TrainKyoto-Kawaramachi~Kamikatsura200JPY
    Section 4TrainArashiyama~Karasuma240JPY
    Total880JPY

    Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

    Jul 25, 2026
    Ann W
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  • Kyoto: Bamboo grove & Kiyomizudera

    Kyoto: Bamboo grove & Kiyomizudera

    Tour Itinerary

    • 09:30 HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
    • 10:00 Bamboo grove
    • Arashiyama
    • Arabica coffee
    • Togetsukyo bridge
    • 11:50 Kinkakuji (500)
    • 12:40 Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Store)
    • 14:30 Fushimiinari (0)
    • 15:20 Kiyomizudera (500)
    • 15:40 End of the tour

    What's a Private Photography-Focused Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report The guests were visitors from North America. They both had large cameras and mentioned that they had visited a camera plaza in Tokyo. The tour was originally scheduled to start at 10:30, but since they wanted to begin earlier, we moved it up by one hour. Today felt less like sightseeing and more like a photography session. While I usually carry a camera and take many photos of my guests, today my main role became guiding them to photogenic spots. The weather was typical of Kyoto in winter, with alternating rain and clear spells, but curiously the blue sky appeared whenever it was time to take photos, so I believe they were able to capture some great shots. I was surprised when heavy snow began to fall around the time we finished lunch. In the end, I guided them all the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. After Kiyomizu-dera, I made sure to share information about taking photos around the Yasaka Pagoda area. Since the guests were focused on photography, I did not take snapshots of them.

    I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

    Jul 14, 2026
    T6871WWricharde
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    Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…

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    mateoe216
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Would book again
    The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…

    May 27, 2026
    Leah_D
    Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Absolutely recommend!
    I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…

    May 26, 2026
    sheilacL3330KS
    Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
    Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
    Kazz was an excellent guide…