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
- 13:00 Meet at the hotel lobby
- 13:30 Nanzen-ji Temple
- 15:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 16:00 Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka – Gion stroll
- 17:00 Tour ends in Gion
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at hotel lobby at 13:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 17:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Nanzen-ji Temple at 13:30, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 15:00 and Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka – Gion stroll at 16:00.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour to Nanzen-ji and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided guests visiting from North America. They had also come to Japan two years earlier, but on that occasion some of the guests were unable to visit Nanzen-ji, and only part of the group visited. Since it had been a wonderful experience, they wished to return together this time. At Nanzen-ji, there were few people, and the guests were able to take their time exploring in a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. We then moved on to Kiyomizu-dera, where they were very surprised by the large number of tourists. On Sannen-zaka and Ninen-zaka, they enjoyed the "Otabe" sweets, and since they had not known about the Ghibli-related shops, they had fun taking photographs. Finally, I guided them to a ramen restaurant in Gion, and the tour came to an end. They seemed satisfied throughout, and it was a very enjoyable tour for me as well.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.
I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.
Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very…
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very friendly, personable and was very insightful! We had a wonderful morning exploring Kyoto and seeing some of the great historical castles, palaces, shrines and temples. Umi also showed us around the famous Nishiki markets, and shared with us some great hidden local restaurants! Would definitely recommend booking this tour, and would definitely recommend Umi as a tour guide!
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi. We appreciated her thoughtful help in planning the tour and she was extremely flexible and responsible to our questions and interests. She was a pleasure to work with and be with and we were grateful that she introduced us to Kyoto most graciously.
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide…
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide for a half day private tour around Kyoto. She worked with us in
advance on the itinerary to match our interests and was very informative and gracious
during the tour itself. I highly recommend her!
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She worked with us on a customized plan that included adapting for a member of our family that uses a wheelchair. The sites she recommended were perfect and gave us a nice touch of Kyoto. We particularly loved the final temple and the experience we had there. The lunch spot we ended up choosing was an excellent Japanese meal. She was extremely knowledgable about the sites, Kyoto in general, Japan’s history, and more. You could tell she loves what she does.