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
- 09:00 Hotel (Meet at the lobby)
- 09:30 Jojakko-ji Temple
- 10:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:30 Tenryu-ji Temple
- 11:00 Arashiyama shopping street, Togetsukyo Bridge
- 11:30 Arashiyama Monkey Park
- 13:00 Hotel (Tour Ends)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel (Meet at the lobby) at 09:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 13:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Jojakko-ji Temple at 09:30, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 10:00, Tenryu-ji Temple at 10:30, Arashiyama shopping street, Togetsukyo Bridge at 11:00 and Arashiyama Monkey Park at 11:30.
Title: What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Tour of Arashiyama? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group visiting from Oceania. Since they were learning Japanese in class, during the taxi ride between sights some of the guests very charmingly practiced Japanese phrases they had learned, such as "sunny, sometimes cloudy." The day was beautifully clear, and at Jojakko-ji Temple the group was greatly moved by the beauty of the fresh green maple leaves set against the blue sky. After strolling through the bamboo grove, at Tenryu-ji Temple I connected the legend of the "dragon gate" to Pokemon, and the group looked at the stone arrangements with great interest.
Afterward, at Shoryuen I introduced matcha cookies and wasabi peanuts, and the group very much enjoyed the samples and had fun shopping for various items. They also enjoyed taiyaki filled with custard cream, eating it with great delight. Finally we visited the Monkey Park, where I waited behind to look after the belongings, and when the group returned they happily reported that "the baby monkeys were so cute!" Everyone in the group loved Kyoto, and it turned out to be a very enjoyable tour.
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.