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
- 10:00 Hotel Pickup
- Board the bus
- 10:30 From Gojozaka to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Walk to Gion
- 12:20 Board the bus from Shijo Keihan-mae
- To Nijo Castle
- 12:50 Nijo Castle tour
- 13:45 Tour ends

Title: What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests came to Kyoto and had visited Arashiyama since the day before. At first they seemed a little tense and reserved, but in the latter half they appeared very relaxed. It was unusually warm for October, and they looked a bit hot at times. They reacted happily to everything I talked about or showed them, which made guiding them very rewarding. They did not have any particular requests, and they mentioned that they usually travel and explore various places on their own while looking things up, but said that having a guide was interesting because they could learn things they would not have known otherwise.
A notable stop on the tour was Arashiyama. Located in the western part of Kyoto, Arashiyama is one of the city's most scenic districts, famous for its bamboo grove, the Togetsukyo Bridge spanning the Katsura River, and the surrounding hills that are especially beautiful in autumn. The area is also home to historic temples and traditional gardens, making it a popular destination for visitors who want to experience Kyoto's natural landscapes alongside its cultural heritage.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Shijo Keihan-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Gojozaka/Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Shijo Keihan-mae/Kyoto City Bus~Nijojo-mae/Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 460JPY | ||
Nice to e-meet you here! I’m very excited to show you around.
Since I’ve become a tour guide, I’ve been surprised to see the depth of Japanese culture and philosophy. Just visiting sightseeing spots is fun enough, but I am keen to add stories to remember the special moment in your life while you are in Japan.
I’m a younger guide but have 10 years of experience of been certified by the government, which enables me to tell you both traditional or historical background of Japanese culture and the modern Japan.
I’m sure your time with me is fruitful and fun.
May 16, 2026
Jason_T
Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Knowledgeable Yuri knows All!
Yuri took us to Uji and Gion. She…
May 16, 2026
Jason_T
Viator review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Knowledgeable Yuri knows All!
Yuri took us to Uji and Gion. She taught us about the geiko and mako culture. Yuri educated us about the differences hryeeen the Buddhist and Shinto religions. She went into detail about green tea – how it’s made, when it’s made and the different types of tea. Yuri is pleasant, explains clearly and was a joy to be with. We are so happy to have had her guide us around Gion and Uji! Thank you Yuri!
