Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Kazu
January, 2025
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
- ① 10:30 The Thousand Kyoto Meet up
- ② 10:35 Itinerary explanation・Brief explanation about the history of Kyoto
- ③ 11:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- ④ 13:00 Stroll and lunch at Nishiki Market
- ⑤ 14:30 Daitoku-ji・Daisen-in
- ⑥ 16:00 Kiyomizu-dera
- ⑦ 17:00 Yasaka Pagoda
- ⑧ 17:30 Return to the hotel and disband
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera at Sunset
The guests were visitors from Europe, and this was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto. They had friends they had met during their university days living in Tokyo, and this was their first trip to Japan to see them. They were very sincere, and we talked about many things such as history, culture, and religion. They always listened while offering comments, saying things like "it's similar to how it is back home" or "it's completely different, which is interesting," and I was impressed by what good listeners they were, which made it very easy to talk with them. One of the guests came from an Asian background, and we enjoyed talking about how there are many similarities in ways of thinking between Japan and Asia, especially when it comes to views on religion. We ran a little over time, but the guests were able to see a wonderful sunset at Kiyomizu-dera, so I think it worked out well. I am also very grateful to the hired car driver, Mr. Shigemori, who skillfully navigated through the traffic and helped us a great deal when we were pressed for time. I would like to take this opportunity to express my thanks.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable. Spoke perfect English and made the day fun and educational. Was able to adjust the tour based on my needs.
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu san in Kyoto. From the moment that the tour was booked, his communication with email about planning the day was exceptional.
Kazu gave detailed explanations about the areas we visited and we appreciated all that he had to offer at each of our stops.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made a new friend.
Kazu helped us arrange the best day with our short time in Kyoto. He brought us to some “hidden gems” and gave us thorough explanations on history and culture.
I would highly recommend this tour.
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide Kazu was very knowledgeable in terms of the history and explaining many of
the wonderful ancient sites around Kyoto. Definitely a must! Otherwise, I think it would be
difficult to tourists to understand on their own.