Kyoto in Half a Day: @ Gion & @ Pontocho — Guide Kaz
February, 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
- 15:30 Meet @ Ninja Experience Cafe Kyoto
- 15:40-16:50 @ Gion
- 16:55-17:20 @ Higashiyama Area
- 17:20-17:45 @ Yasaka Shrine
- 17:50-18:20 @ Pontocho
- 18:25-19:40 @ Yakiniku "Hiro" Pontocho Branch
- 19:45 Disband @ In front of "Sanjo Kawaramachi" Bus Stop
What's a Private Kyoto Gion and Pontocho Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a family group visiting from Oceania. They had mentioned in advance that one member had a particular consideration, but this was hardly noticeable and everything went smoothly. Before coming to Kyoto they had been skiing in Hakuba, but due to heavy snowfall three days earlier the train they had planned to take was affected, and they mentioned having some difficulty reaching Kyoto.
Since it was cold outside and light rain had begun to fall, I borrowed a corner of the meeting point, a café, to give a brief explanation about the geisha districts before we set off to explore Gion. Everyone was interested in the history and culture of the geisha districts and asked various questions along the way.
We headed toward the Higashiyama area from the Gion Kaburenjo, passing through Kenninji Temple. After that we walked to Yasaka Shrine, and used a city bus to travel from Gion to Pontocho.
Pontocho was the final place they had wished to explore. We finished the stroll around 18:20, and since there was still some time left, I asked what they would like to do next. They asked me to take them somewhere recommended for dinner. As they said they wanted to eat meat, I guided them to a yakiniku restaurant in Pontocho. They invited me to join them, so I decided to dine together. We shared dinner for about an hour, after which I guided the guests to a nearby bus stop and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
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.