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 The Thousand Kyoto
- 13:30-14:30. Sanjusangendo
- 15:00-16:00. Nijo Castle
- 16:30-17:00. Nishiki Market
- Finish the to
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in The Thousand Kyoto at 13:00, Sanjusangendo at 13:30, Nijo Castle at 15:00 and Nishiki Market at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Sanjusangendo-mae／Queen Line by bus (460JPY); Nijojo-mae to Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) by subway (220JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 680JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. One of the guests had studied Japan extensively and was very familiar with central Kyoto. We had planned to visit Okochi Sanso Villa, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple, but since it was raining, we changed the plan and decided to visit Arashiyama the following day if the weather improved. At Sanjusangen-do, one of the guests had brought a camera, and as the azaleas were in full bloom, they took photos of the irises and birds. They also found the tied-up omikuji fortune slips unusual and took photos of them. At Nijo Castle, the guests listened attentively to my explanations, including the description of the garden. After purchasing an ICOCA card, we took the subway to Shijo, where I introduced the entrance to Nishiki Market, and the tour ended with a coffee they kindly treated me to at a nearby coffee shop. It was a very enjoyable tour.
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 | Kyoto～Sanjusangendo-mae／Queen Line | 460JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 220JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited The Thousand Kyoto, Sanjusangendo, Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 680JPY per person across 2 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.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.