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 with customer @ Hyatt Place Kyoto
- 9:20 Arrive at Kiyomizu-dera Temple (arrive by taxi) guided tour
- 10:10 approx. Sannenzaka
- 10:30 approx. Ninenzaka
- 11:00 Maruyama Park
- 11:10 Yasaka Shrine
- 11:20 Gion Hanamikoji
- 11:40 Gion Shirakawa
- 11:50 Pontocho
- 12:00 approx. Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
- 12:10 approx. Nishiki Market
- 12:30 approx. Near Nishiki Market entrance @disband
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report from Kiyomizu-dera to Gion and Nishiki Market
The guests were visitors from North America. They wanted to focus on sightseeing rather than shopping. Since they said walking was not a problem for them, we walked from Kiyomizu-dera toward the Gion area on foot. They mentioned they enjoyed hiking and were used to walking. We took a taxi from the hotel to Kiyomizu-dera, but explored everything else on foot. At Kiyomizu-dera, they enjoyed the view from the stage and taking photos. We also stopped by the Yasaka Pagoda and a yatsuhashi shop. Some of the shops that are usually open happened to be closed, but there were fewer people around, so they were able to sightsee at a relaxed pace. In Gion, I talked about maiko and geiko. Before entering Nishiki Market, I showed them a photo of osechi and explained that it is what Japanese people eat at New Year, and they were surprised at how luxurious it looked. After I guided them through Nishiki Market, they wished to enjoy the market on their own, so at the guests' request we finished a little early. They both said they cook often, and they planned to buy Japanese ingredients and challenge themselves to make Japanese cuisine back home.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.
I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.
I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako,…
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako, was so fantastic. We had told her what we were interested in doing and she planned a perfect day. Her knowledge of the historical sites is extensive and interesting.
She is very friendly and fun. She was also considerate to go at our pace.
Would highly recommend seeing the Castle and the Golden Temple.
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was…
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was such an amazing tour guide, we had the absolute best day with her. We were able to squeeze in so many sights and with the private car it was such a breeze. Highly recommend this customized private tour (and Mako if she is available, definitely request her)!!
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples was fantastic. Saw more in the half day than what
we would have in 2 days. Mako was fantastic letting us know the history behind all the
areas. This made the experience all the better. 100% recommend
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She is knowledgeable and organized, and I felt like in another life we could have been friends. She made us feel so welcome and had a lot of interesting information to share during our tour. She took great pictures on our behalf! We absolutely recommend a tour with Mako.