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
- 09:00 Henn na Hotel Kyoto Station Hachijoguchi Ekimae (changed from Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande)
- 10:10 Woody Keihoku (roadside station)
- 10:30 Joshokoji Temple (500 yen)
- 11:50 Kamo Shrine
- 12:30 Hada Sake Brewery
- 13:50 Sagano Bamboo Grove
- 14:30 Togetsukyo Bridge
- 15:00 Yusai (kimono shop)
- 15:30 Dismissal
What Can You See on a Private Car Tour to Rural Kyohoku, North of Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited from North America. They requested a tour with a car to a quiet place away from the crowds, so I decided to include Joshoko-ji Temple and Kamo Shrine in the Kyohoku area, north of Kyoto, and also arranged a sake tasting at a local sake brewery in the area. I had planned to have lunch in Kyohoku, but contrary to the information online, many places were closed, so we decided to return to Kyoto. Along the way, various ideas came up, such as whether we could go to Nara if we skipped lunch, wanting to buy a kimono, and whether we should go for lunch after all. During this discussion, it became clear that there was a discrepancy in the understanding of the tour's end time. The guests checked the end time with their travel agency, and the agency replied that it was a 7-hour tour ending at 4 o'clock, which created a slightly awkward atmosphere. In any case, I explained that we would finish at 3 o'clock. Since they had skipped lunch, they asked whether there were any recommendations other than the shrine and temple with the remaining time, so I took them to the bamboo grove of Sagano and the area around Togetsukyo Bridge. As they had mentioned wanting to buy a kimono, I had initially planned to take them to a department store at the end, but the driver suggested a kimono shop in the Muromachi area, so I took them there and accompanied them shopping before we parted ways just after 15:30. At that point, I felt I had provided an extra 30 minutes, though I believe the guests felt the tour had ended 30 minutes early. I had the taxi leave at 15:00. My impression was that the guests were not particularly interested in Kyoto overall, and simply wanted to visit places that were not crowded. Even so, they captured many videos and photos of the scenic, nature-rich local landscapes of Kyohoku.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .