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 Nazuna Kyoto Nijo Castle
  • 9:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 11:00 Maruyama Park
  • 11:30 Yasaka Shrine
  • 12:00 Hanamikoji Gion
  • 13:00 Disband in front of Nishiki Market

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Nazuna Kyoto Nijo Castle at 9:00, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 9:30, Maruyama Park at 11:00, Yasaka Shrine at 11:30 and Hanamikoji Gion at 12:00.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Gion/Kyoto City Bus to Shijo Takakura/Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 230JPY per person.

What's a Private Cherry Blossom Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Today, the guests were a group visiting for a private tour. The weather was very nice and the flowers were at their peak, which made for a wonderful day. Some of the guests collected goshuin (temple and shrine seal stamps), while others enjoyed shopping. The weeping cherry blossoms at Maruyama Park were already just past their peak, but they were still in a state that could be appreciated. The temperature rose today, and the guests dressed lightly toward the end of the day. At the vending machines near Yasaka Shrine, the water had sold out.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusGion/Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Takakura/Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Total230JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Nazuna Kyoto Nijo Castle, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Maruyama Park, Yasaka Shrine and Hanamikoji Gion.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 230JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.

Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?

Mimmy is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?

Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.

Bye bye smart phone!! Let’s enjoy Japan without bothering to check up your phone all the time with not AI but a local guide like me. Hi, my name is Mimmy. You may think this sounds like a kitten’s name.
I use this nickname because it sounds cute and easy to remember. However,
I actually look rounded, a middle aged woman more like a yellow character of M&Mchocolate, which reminds you of my name easily when you see me.
I was born in Osaka, went to school in Kobe, went to work in Kyoto and married but still live in Osaka. I am a local, native Osakan. My 3 children are all grown up and live separately except one son. Now I live with one son and a husband in suburbs of the Osaka city.
I like travelling, walking around the town and anything new.
I got my guide license in 2017 and started guiding after that. I wasn’t able to work during Covid period but start guiding in 2022 again. I guide Osaka, Kyoto, Nara and Kobe and have experienced more than100 tours including bus tours.
I would like to tell you about the itineraries I usually have in each area.
In Osaka, we usually go to Osaka castle, Shinsekai and Dotonbori Namba area.
I think most important part you should see is Dotonbori Namba in Osaka.
This place is vibrant , energetic, full of 3D signs and different from any other place in Japan.
In Kyoto, we cannot see all famous sightseeing spots in one day.
It will be better to visit each area respectively. I recommend guests who come to Kyoto first time to visit East area, Kiyomizu Temple>Sannenzaka>Ninenzaka>Ishibeikouji>Yasaka shrine> Gion area. This area has an atmosphere of traditional old Kyoto. The most Kyoto like places which suit Kimono. You can rent Kimono in a lot of places around here.
The second place I recommend you is West area: Golden temple and Arashiyama area where Bamboo forest , Tenryuji temple, mountains and a river. There are several nice gardens in this area. If you want to enjoy the nature quietly, you
should come here when it is not crowded (Winter is the most quiet)
In Nara which used to be a capital even older than Kyoto, we visit Todaiji Temple where a huge Buddha is sitting inside of one of the largest wooden hall and you can play with deer everywhere in Nara. Naramachi: a small town in this area is a local place where small interesting shops are.
In Kobe, a port city, you can visit Japanese Sake breweries, Herb garden and the top of Mt.Rokko for viewing Kobe city. A small China town is there, too.

Now I bet you want to leave home to explore somewhere else you do not know.
Not only going to somewhere else, we can help you to do several experiences: making tea, making Japanese sweet, making Takoyaki(food), wearing Kimono, making food samples, attending a tea ceremony, throwing Shriken like Ninja, Using bow and arrow like Samurai, , , ,
I am very happy indeed if I can help you find things impressive enough and have once in a life time experience during our tour.
I am looking forward to sharing a good time with you.

Mar 24, 2025
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