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 Hotel
- 13;20-13:40 Chawanzaka
- 13:50-14:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 14:30-16:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Hokan-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine
- 16:00-16:30 Gion
- 16:50-17:15 Nishiki Market
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 13:50, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Hokan-ji Temple, Yasaka Shrine at 14:30, Gion at 16:00 and Nishiki Market at 16:50.
What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu, Gion, and Nishiki Market
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. Taking their interests into account, we started the tour from Chawanzaka, the slope known for its pottery shops. After visiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple and providing explanations, we focused our sightseeing on Kiyomizu-yaki ceramic shops. Along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the guests purchased a honey drink at a honey shop, and I introduced Zuiko-gama and other stores. We continued browsing pottery shops there, then went to Yasaka Shrine and Gion, where the guests bought a tenugui hand towel as a souvenir. Since they preferred not to remove their shoes, we skipped entering the museum and decided to head to Nishiki Market instead. I briefly introduced Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine, and at Nishiki Market I mainly introduced shops selling bonsai and ceramics. At Nishiki Market, the guests purchased a bunch of Kyoho grapes for 2,900 yen, and I briefly introduced some Japanese games before ending the tour at the taxi stand.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
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.