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.
Tour Itinerary
- 13:00 Start from Matsui Annex Hanakanzashi
- 13:30-14:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 14:30-15:45 Ryoan-ji Temple
- 15:30-16:30 Ninna-ji Temple
- 17:30 End at Shijo Karasuma
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Start from Matsui Annex Hanakanzashi at 13:00, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 13:30, Ryoan-ji Temple at 14:30 and Ninna-ji Temple at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Omuro Ninnaji by bus (230JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 230JPY per person.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Ninna-ji
The guests were a family visiting from Europe. They listened attentively to the explanations and were a very pleasant group to guide. We used taxis for most of the transportation, but at Ninna-ji we could not find a taxi, so we ended up taking a bus, which caused us to run about 30 minutes over. Since they had a dinner reservation at 6:00 pm near Kyoto Station, we got off at Shijo-Karasuma to catch a taxi, and the tour ended there.
At Kinkaku-ji, the guests enjoyed taking photos, tossing coins for good luck, and eating ice cream. At Ryoan-ji, I explained the dry landscape garden and the tsukubai water basin, and we walked around the pond. We then took a taxi to Ninna-ji, where the Omuro cherry blossoms were not yet in bloom, but I introduced some traditional Japanese games. Overall, it was a very enjoyable day, and I believe the guests had a wonderful time exploring these temples of Kyoto.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Omuro Ninnaji / Kyoto City Bus～Shijo Karasuma (Subway Shijo Station) / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 230JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Start from Matsui Annex Hanakanzashi, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple and Ninna-ji Temple.
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?
Harumi 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.
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi…
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi in Kyoto. From the moment she was paired as our guide, she contacted us to personalize the daytrip. She shared great suggestions and ideas for the tour.
During the tour, she shared so much information about Japan, the history, culture, and meanings. So informative and thoughtful.
We had an amazing time with her and would highly highly recommend.
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our…
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our guide Harumi was excellent! Leading up to our excursion she involved us in selecting options of things to do. She communicated clearly about meeting point and tips to bring so we would be prepared for the possibility of rain. Harumi was very knowledgeable on the places we visited and we learned a great deal about Japanese customs and traditions. The beginning of our tour we spent time exploring Kitano – cho foreign district. At the Shrine, Harumi shared key information about the gods and demonstrated how make a wish. We had the opportunity to eat lunch at a sushi bar where you order a selection of Japanese foods and experience eating with chopsticks! Motomachi Shopping district was a great place to spend the afternoon after our tour. What a wonderful experience!
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I…
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I booked a private tour and car to visit places on the outskirts of Kyoto. Our tour guide, Harumi Sagayama, not only provided a wealth of knowledge about our stops but also about the culture, history and politics of Kyoto. She was also critical on helping us narrow down the choices available to us. Our driver, Suzuki san, provided an impeccably clean, safe and comfortable ride as well. Absolutely delightful all around.
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kouzo San were very nice and constantly checked how we were doing.
Our party had one member using a mobility scooter and they made sure she was taken care of and was comfortable all the time. She even played a traditional Japanese game with us in the car before we got dropped off and this completed a most memorable and enjoyable time with them.