Kyoto in Half a Day: @ Nijo Castle & @ Gion — Guide Kaz
January, 2025
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
- 10:00 Meet @ Sakura Terrace The Gallery
- 10:45-11:35 @ Nijo Castle
- 11:55-13:15 @ Gion
- 13:20-13:50 @ Yasaka Pagoda and Higashiyama Area
- 14:00 Dismissal @ Near Ichinen-zaka
Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Higashiyama and Nijo Castle Walking Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time on a trip of about ten days. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures.
The original itinerary had included a walk through the Arashiyama bamboo grove, but since the guests had already strolled there the day before, we quickly rearranged the plan to visit the Yasaka Pagoda and the Higashiyama area instead. The guests had a mobile SUICA, so getting around by public transport was smooth.
Nijo Castle was less crowded than expected, which made it easy to guide. After the walk, the guests told me that seeing a place on your own is completely different from seeing it with a guide who explains the historical background.
When I was explaining the class schedule board of the kabuki practice hall in Gion, I was momentarily surprised to find that it still listed the December schedule. On the way from Gion toward the Yasaka Pagoda, we walked through the grounds of Kenninji Temple, and I explained topics such as the relationship between Zen and tea.
Near the Yasaka Pagoda, the guests said they wanted some coffee, so we stopped by a cafe called Nitto-do KYOTO COFFEE, where they got coffee to take out and kindly treated me to a coffee as well. After that, at the guests' request, we parted ways near Ichinen-zaka.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kyoto Station～Nijojo-mae Station | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae Station～Sanjo Keihan-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 480JPY | ||
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…
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 a pleasure to be with.
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…
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 Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
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…
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 of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
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…
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 guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.