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
- 9:00 Meet at the guest's hotel, Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
- 9:30 Nijo Castle
- 11:30 Heian Shrine
- 12:30 Lunch
- 13:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
- 14:30 Konchi-in Temple
- 15:15 Break at a cafe
- 16:00 Teramachi Street to Nishiki Market
- 17:00 Tour ends at the Kawaramachi intersection
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at guest's hotel, Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo at 9:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 17:00. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:30.
The itinerary covered Nijo Castle at 9:30, Heian Shrine at 11:30, Nanzen-ji Temple at 13:30, Konchi-in Temple at 14:30, Break at a cafe at 15:15 and Teramachi Street to Nishiki Market at 16:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto City Hall to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Higashiyama (Kyoto) by train (220JPY); Keage to Kyoto City Hall by subway (220JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 660JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Garden Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Since the guests had mentioned in an earlier email that they were interested in history and gardens, I was able to show them the gardens of Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, Nanzenji Temple, and Konchiin, and they were very pleased. In particular, they thanked me for guiding them to Konchiin, a lovely garden where there were no other tourists and it was not crowded. The highest temperature that day reached 32 degrees, and although I thought I had been taking sufficient precautions, one of the guests began to show symptoms resembling heatstroke partway through, so I quickly changed the plan and moved to a place with shade. Fortunately, it did not become serious, but I was reminded that I must take great care when guiding during the hot season.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kyoto City Hall～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nijojo-mae～Higashiyama (Kyoto) | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Keage～Kyoto City Hall | 220JPY |
| Total | 660JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guest's hotel, Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo at 9:00, and the tour finished at Tour ends at the Kawaramachi intersection at 17:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours in total, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nijo Castle, Heian Shrine, Nanzen-ji Temple, Konchi-in Temple, Break at a cafe and Teramachi Street to Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 660JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Reiko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Guide Experience:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I am a certified Tea Ceremony Master (Chamei holder) and well-versed in the world of Kimono. As a resident of the historic Arashiyama district in Kyoto, I offer the most current and authentic insights into Japan’s cultural landscapes.
Self-Introduction:
Hello! My name is Reiko. I am honored to be your guide.
My guiding philosophy is rooted in “Omotenashi”—the Japanese art of selfless hospitality. Beyond showing you the famous sights, I specialize in sharing the profound beauty of traditions, from the mindful rituals of the Tea Ceremony to the intricate aesthetics of Kimono.
Living in the heart of Arashiyama, I am uniquely positioned to guide you through both hidden gems and iconic landmarks with ease. Whether we explore by foot, train, or private car, I take great pride in my meticulous preparation to ensure a seamless, deeply personal journey.
Let’s discover the true spirit of Japan together and create memories that will last a lifetime!