Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour — Guide Masa
October, 2024
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
- 1. 10:00 Meeting point Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto Lobby
- 2. 10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 3. 11:40 Daitoku-ji Main Temple (Sanmon Gate, Buddha Hall, Dharma Hall)
- 4. 11:50 Obai-in
- 5. 12:30 Ryogen-in
- 6. 13:30 Lunch Nishio Yatsuhashi no Sato
- 7. 14: 40 Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 8. 15: 20 Cafe break AG Coffee Cafe
- 9. 16: 20 Nishiki Market (Takakura-dori Entrance)
- 10. 17: 10 Gion Tatsumi Bridge・Shinbashi
- 11. 17: 20 Gion Hanamikoji Nishimura Tobacco Shop (Purchase cigar cutter knife)
- 12. 17: 30 Gion Kobu・Ichiriki Chaya・Kaburenjo Theater
- 13. 17:50 Dispersal at Restaurant Hiramatsu Kodaiji (Dinner reservation)
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Ginkaku-ji, Nishiki Market, and Gion
The guests were visitors from Europe. One of them was on a third trip to Japan, having previously visited Kyoto about twenty years ago and being quite familiar with the country, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time, so the experienced guest was in effect introducing Japan to their companion. Both of them took photos frequently and often asked for pictures of the two of them together at various spots. At Ryogen-in, a question was raised: "I have reaffirmed that Japan is a Buddhist country, but the Japanese people I see in films and on TV are not peaceful, humanitarian Buddhists — they come across with a very warlike image. Isn't that contradictory?" Honestly, I struggled to answer. On the way back along Ginkaku-ji-michi, we stopped at a coffee roastery for a break, and then, at the guests' request, we skipped Fushimi Inari and strolled through Nishiki Market instead. Also, after sightseeing in the Gion district, on the way to the restaurant on Ninenzaka in Higashiyama where they had made a dinner reservation, they were able to purchase a cigar cutter they had been looking for at a tobacco shop on Hanamikoji Street in Gion, which delighted them very much. We arrived at the restaurant as scheduled at 17:50, and we parted with smiles and a handshake.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Daitoku-ji Mae～Kumano Shrine Mae | 230JPY |
| Total | 230JPY | ||
Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver
Our guide, Masa was very knowledgeable and efficient. He took us to great tourist sites- Fushimi Inari, Bamboo forest and other Kyoto sites. He gave great insights to Gion and local Kyoto hot spots in central Kyoto. Even in the heat, he didnt stop and led the way for us. Having a car at the ready with a/c on was great, and made it an efficient day. Our 3 teenage boys enjoyed our day of culture and touring Kyoto. Highly recommend!!!
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an…
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an awesome tour guide. He was very friendly and kind man who went above and beyond for us, teaching us about history of the sites he took us to, as he is very smart and informed. He guided us through the complicated Kyoto, subway and bus stations. We learned a lot and saw many of Kyotos beautiful sites. I will definitely recommend him 100%!
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge on Kyoto. He catered to our interests and helped us to decide on the best places to see on our tour. He also helped us to be adventurous and try some local traditional foods at the market. He pointed out other stops of interest and helped us to plan the rest of our visit.
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly…
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly and inclusive.
Our Guide Masaaki Tanaka is a Kyoto local and was extremely knowledgable.
He was friendly , engaging and easy to understand . His English language was good.
Very informative and enjoyable outing.