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
- 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
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Dhawa Yura Kyoto Meet up at 10:30, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 14:20. The day ran to 3 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Nijo Castle at 11:00, Shoren-in Monzeki at 12:30 and Chion-in Temple at 13:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) to Nijojomae by subway (220JPY); Nijojomae to Higashiyama (Kyoto Prefecture) by subway (220JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 440JPY per person.
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 | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Dhawa Yura Kyoto Meet up at 10:30, and the tour finished at Yasaka Shrine, stroll around Gion Hanamikoji then at 14:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 3 hours and 50 minutes in total, from 10:30 to 14:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nijo Castle, Shoren-in Monzeki and Chion-in Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 440JPY 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?
shige 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, 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.