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
- 08:30 Meet in the hotel lobby
- 09:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 09:30 Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka
- 10:20 Nanzen-ji Temple
- 11:30 Gion Shirakawa
- 12:00 Tour ends at Hanamikoji Street
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 08:30 at hotel lobby and ended at 12:00. The day ran to 3 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 09:00, Sannenzaka & Ninenzaka at 09:30, Nanzen-ji Temple at 10:20 and Gion Shirakawa at 11:30.
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided the guests visiting from North America. We had planned to take a taxi to Kiyomizu-dera before it got crowded, but since the hotel turned out to be closer to Gojozaka than expected, we walked up Chawanzaka and arrived at Kiyomizu-dera before 9:00. Since there were few people around, we were able to purchase a goshuin without waiting in line, and the guests enjoyed Otowa Falls with almost no queue. After that, we passed through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and took a taxi from Nene-no-Michi to Nanzen-ji. At Nanzen-ji, the guests admired the view from the Sanmon gate and the Suirokaku aqueduct, and afterward relaxed for a while viewing the garden at the Hojo. We then strolled along Shirakawa and Hanamikoji, and I guided the guests to the Kagai Art Museum, where they planned to watch a show after lunch. Since they had just arrived the night before and were a little tired, we changed the show to an earlier time, and as they wished to have lunch before it started, I recommended a restaurant and we finished a little early.
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.