Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Kazu
December, 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
- 9:35 Meet at hotel 10:05 Fushimi Inari 12:15 Lunch (Arashiyama Japanese cuisine) 13:30 Togetsukyo Bridge & Bamboo Grove 14:30 Shopping 15:45 Kinkakuji 17:15 Arrive at hotel and tour ends
**Title:** What Is a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like for a Family Group? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. At departure we had confirmed a one-hour extension of the tour, but in reality it ran nearly two hours over, so an additional fee was paid. One member of the group organized and managed everything for the party, and moving the stroller was handled by others in the group. It seemed the roles had been arranged in advance. However, in places with many stairs, one member of the group carried the stroller alone. Since one of the young members of the group spoke only English, everyone spoke to that person in English, while the rest of the conversation continued in a mix of Chinese and English. When excited, they seemed to switch to Chinese. Because there were small children in the group, and because some members walked slowly while others moved about fairly freely, everything took time everywhere we went. I believe they wanted to enjoy the trip at a relaxed pace. The photo was taken at Arashiyama's Togetsukyo Bridge.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Shijo Kawaramachi Good Nature Hotel～Shijo Kawaramachi Good Nature Hotel | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.