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
- 8:30 Meet @ Hotel Gran Ms Kyoto
- 8:40 Hotel by taxi
- 9:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 9:40 Depart Kinkaku-ji Temple by taxi
- 10:00 Arrive at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 10:40 Depart Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple on foot
- Around 11:00 Arrive at Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- Around 11:30 Depart Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple on foot
- Around 12:10 To Togetsukyo Bridge via Arashiyama Park
- 12:20 Arrive at Randen Arashiyama Station
- Guide to Kimono Forest
- 12:30 Say farewell in front of Randen Arashiyama Station, then disband
What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama and Its Temples Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Because some of the guests disliked crowds, they had requested Otagi Nenbutsu-ji and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, which tend to be less crowded.
At Kinkaku-ji, the guests enjoyed taking photos, drawing omikuji fortunes, and purchasing omamori charms.
At Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, the guests viewed the interiors of the main hall and the Jizo hall. They also enjoyed finding their favorite rakan statues and taking photos of them.
At Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, I let the guests know that photography was prohibited in certain areas. They took photos along a small bamboo path and experienced the custom of pouring water over the Mizukake Jizo statue. After that, at the guests' request, we walked from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji to Arashiyama Park. We took photos with Togetsukyo Bridge in the background, and I guided them through the shops lining the way to Arashiyama Station on the Randen line, as well as the Kimono Forest.
One of the guests had experienced motion sickness the previous day due to a trip involving a lot of travel, but today they had a good appetite and planned to enjoy lunch in Arashiyama after the tour.
We said our goodbyes in front of the Randen station and parted ways.
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.