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
- 10:30 Dhawa Yura Kyoto Meet up
- 11:00~12:00 Nijo Castle
- 12:30~13:30 Shoren-in Monzeki
- 13:40~14:10 Chion-in Temple
- 14:20~14:30 Yasaka Shrine, stroll around Gion Hanamikoji then disband
What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Shorenin, and Chionin
The guests were visitors from North America, and one of them had visited Japan once before, about eight years earlier. This time they came purely for sightseeing and leisure, arriving in Kyoto after traveling through Tokyo, Kanazawa, Takayama, Koyasan, Nara, and Osaka. First, we visited Nijo Castle, and while I explained the historical transitions of the Tokugawa shogunate up to the return of political power to the emperor, they were deeply impressed by the Karamon Gate, the wall paintings and carvings of the Ninomaru Palace, and the gardens, taking many photographs. At Shorenin, there were few tourists, and they sat on the veranda of the Kachoden, gazing at the garden and enjoying a moment of tranquility. There were also buildings connected to the imperial family, which they toured with great interest, ringing the bell of the belfry to offer a prayer. Finally, we visited Chionin, where they received a goshuin seal and offered prayers at the Amida Hall.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojomae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojomae～Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture) | 220JPY |
| Total | 440JPY | ||
Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a…
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided
keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day
Japan.10/10
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent…
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient. He kept our tour
moving, but also make sure we rested when needed and we stayed hydrated.
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion during our time in Osaka. He explained everything clearly and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. He was very accommodating, always attentive to our needs, and incredibly polite and respectful. His subtle and thoughtful approach made us feel comfortable throughout the entire tour. Highly recommended!
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The length of the tour was just right for us—especially on such a hot day—and we still managed to find time to take some great photos.