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

  • 10:30 Meet up @ Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei
  • 10:55 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 11:40 Daitoku-ji Temple
  • 13:35 Lunch
  • 14:40 Sanjusangen-do Temple
  • 15:30 Nijo Castle
  • 16:30 Disband @ Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Kyoto began at 10:30, when the guide met the guests at @ Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, and finished at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:35.

From there the group visited Kinkaku-ji Temple at 10:55, Daitoku-ji Temple at 11:40, Sanjusangen-do Temple at 14:40 and Nijo Castle at 15:30.

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for a First-Time Visiting Group? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Many of them had visited Japan before, but this was their first time in Kyoto. It was a very cold day, but the guests were in good spirits and enjoyed themselves. When we said goodbye after dropping them off at their hotel, they kindly gave me a souvenir they had brought with them. I believe they were satisfied with the tour.

Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

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