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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9：15 Meet ＠ Hotel Grand Pia Kyoto
- 10:00 ＠ Nijo Castle
- 11：00 ＠ Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12：00 ＠ Ryoan-ji Temple
- 13：00 Disband ＠ in front of Doshisha University
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at ＠ Hotel Grand Pia Kyoto at 9:15, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 13:00. The day ran to 3 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Nijo Castle at 10:00, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:00 and Ryoan-ji Temple at 12:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Nijojo-mae by train (260JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 260JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Ryoan-ji
The guests were quite knowledgeable about Japan and asked eagerly about its history and culture. We had in-depth conversations about the film SHOGUN and old folk tales they had heard long ago, and it was a truly enjoyable time for me as a guide as well. The guests were deeply impressed by the fusuma paintings and decorations in the Ninomaru Palace of Nijo Castle, and they listened attentively to even the finest details of my guiding. Ryoan-ji had fewer visitors than the other two sightseeing spots, so the guests were able to enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. At the end, the guests wished to visit Doshisha University, where one of them had studied for a short two-month program the previous year, and we said our goodbyes in front of the university entrance.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Total | 260JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at ＠ Hotel Grand Pia Kyoto at 9:15, and the tour finished at ＠ in front of Doshisha University at 13:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 3 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 9:15 to 13:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Ryoan-ji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 260JPY per person across 1 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?
Tomoko 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.
I was born and raised in Osaka and now I live in Nara where the history of Japan began, so I am familiar with historic sites such as shrines, temples, castles, traditional wooden townhouses, and so on. I like to guide historic and cultural places such as Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Himeji which were designated as world heritage sites. I am a trainee of chado, tea ceremony so I am knowledgeable about Japanese traditional culture related to zen.
I also like to introduce Japanese food culture in Nishiki in Kyoto or Doubonbori in Osaka. I have guided Nishiki and Kuromon market many times and many guests enjoy a food tour with me.
I try to make you feel comfortable and enjoyable during the tour. I hope you’ll have a great time with me and enjoy Japan!