Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Harry
October, 2024
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
- 0930 Hotel Mimaru
- 1010- Fushimi Inari Shrine
- 1100- Kiyomizudera Temple
- 1300 Lunch at Ramen Muraji
- 1345- Nishki Market
- 1440- Kinkakuji Temple
- 1600- Hotel Mimaru
What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania.
For the day's plan, they requested an authentic course, which I selected as the guide, but they also mentioned they wanted to see food shops such as fish and bakery stores, so I added Nishiki Market. All of the guests were very enthusiastic about the sightseeing and enjoyed it thoroughly, and they had many conversations with the guide. One of the guests even spoke in Japanese to our driver, Mr. Imanaka.
I had planned Kiyomizu-dera as the first destination, but around 9:40, Gojo-dori was already heavily congested with buses and taxis, so we went to Fushimi Inari first. Afterward, for Kiyomizu-dera, we got out of the car near a parking area close to the Yasaka Pagoda and walked there via Sannenzaka.
For lunch at Mendokoro Muraji, they had the chicken black ramen and fried chicken, which they seemed to love very much, and everyone finished their meals completely.
Since Kiyomizu-dera took some time, I considered ending the tour at Kinkaku-ji, but our driver, Mr. Imanaka, kindly accommodated us, and we were able to return to the Hotel with about 30 minutes over the scheduled time.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello there,
I’m Harry. This nickname comes from Harry Bosch, a character in American detective novels. I like watching films, listening to music and reading books, especially detective stories. I love meeting people from different countries and would like to help them understand Japanese culture and history. I believe that tourism can connect people all over the world and change the world into something truly peaceful. I was born in Osaka and have lived in Tokyo for more than 35 years. I am very happy to welcome tourists from all over the world. I will do my best to make your days fantastic. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Oct 8, 2025
Denise_M
Great tour of Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned…
Oct 8, 2025
Denise_M
Great tour of Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our guide Harry was very knowledgeable. We learned a great deal and we saw a lot. We
traveled all over the city
Jun 30, 2025
Iguana74
Customized Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent.…
Jun 30, 2025
Iguana74
Customized Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our four-hour private tour of Kyoto was excellent. Harry, our tour guide, customized our
experience based on what we told him we wanted to do and see in such a short period of
time. He was insightful, communicative, and made the afternoon unforgettable.
May 12, 2025
Tonya_G
Would do it again.
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Our guide, Harry, did an excellent…
May 12, 2025
Tonya_G
Would do it again.
Viator review: Tokyo 8hr Private Tour with Licensed Guide from Yokohama
Our guide, Harry, did an excellent job of showing us around Tokyo. He helped us navigate the train and subway systems. Had an excellent Japanese lunch and stopped at good local shopping venues. Harry also arranged which order we should do things in since I didn’t know how far apart the attractions we wanted to see were from each other. No way we could have navigated on our own, very pleased, highly recommend.
Mar 22, 2025
Lauren_P
We had a great time on…
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great time…
Mar 22, 2025
Lauren_P
We had a great time on…
Viator review: Hakone 6 hour Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a great time on this tour. Our guide was excellent. The itinerary he picked out was
perfect. He also help us navigate the area expertly. We had a great time!