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
- 9:00 Hotel Meet (@Hotel Kyoto)
- 9:00-9:40 Transfer (client's contracted vehicle; Hotel→Arashiyama・Togetsukyo Bridge)
- 9:40-10:50 Arashiyama Stroll & Sightseeing (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple [Dharma Hall, Sogenchi Garden, Hyakka-en Garden], Nonomiya Shrine, Bamboo Grove)
- 10:50-11:20 Transfer (client's contracted vehicle; Tenryu-ji Temple parking lot→Kinkaku-ji Temple)
- 11:20-12:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple Sightseeing
- 12:10-12:20 Transfer (client's contracted vehicle; Kinkaku-ji Temple→Restaurant・Washoku Joy Kinkaku-ji Branch)
- 12:20-13:10 Lunch (@Washoku Joy)
- 13:10-13:40 Transfer (client's contracted vehicle; Restaurant→Kyoto Imperial Palace)
- 13:40-14:30 Kyoto Imperial Palace Sightseeing
- 14:30-15:00 Transfer (client's contracted vehicle; Kyoto Imperial Palace→Hotel・Hotel Kyoto)
- 15:00 Farewell in front of the Hotel
**Title:** What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like When Guests Change the Itinerary? A Licensed Guide's Report
**Body:**
The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour content (destinations) had been properly agreed upon in advance, but on the morning of the tour day a request came in to change the destinations. The originally agreed plan was Arashiyama → Ryoanji → (Lunch) → Kinkakuji, but as the group had already visited Ryoanji the previous day, a request to change the destinations came in just before the tour. Since I had already made a restaurant reservation, I proposed a tour that could proceed without changing the restaurant, and ultimately the plan was changed to Arashiyama → Kinkakuji → (Lunch) → Kyoto Imperial Palace, with the guests' renewed agreement, and we proceeded with the tour. I was very relieved that we were able to proceed without changing the restaurant (cancellation or time change). I want to avoid, as much as possible, losing the trust of the restaurant and the driver due to a change of plans.
Regarding the tour, some of the guests were very fond of the Imperial Palace (after hearing about its historical significance), some preferred Kinkakuji, and others said they enjoyed Tenryuji and the bamboo grove. I also gave a proper explanation about Ryoanji and its rock garden, which we did not visit on the tour, during the drive in the car.
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 | hotel(Fauchon Hotel Kyoto)～Arashiyama・Togetsukyo Bridge | 0JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Tenryu-ji Temple parking lot～Kinkaku-ji Temple | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Kinkaku-ji Temple～Restaurant・Washoku Joy Kinkaku-ji Branch | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Other | Washoku Joy Kinkaku-ji Branch～Kyoto Imperial Palace | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Other | Kyoto Imperial Palace～Hotel（Fauchon Hotel Kyoto) | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. The itinerary was well organized, starting with a convenient hotel pickup before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through the thousands of red torii gates was a memorable experience, and our guide shared interesting background about the shrine that added helpful context.
We then explored the Kiyomizu area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Koshindo Temple. The route offered a nice mix of historic landmarks, traditional streets, and scenic viewpoints. There was enough time at each stop to take photos and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
What really made this tour special was our guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. He provided interesting cultural insights, recommended local foods and hidden photo spots, and made sure everyone in the group was comfortable throughout the day.
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent!…
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent! Great communication before the tour and laid out an entire day for us. Was very accommodating and understood when the heat got to us and needed to take a break. He was very knowledgeable and gave us great pieces of information about the beautiful city of Kyoto. Would highly recommend the tour and Michi!!
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative. He had a great plan for our tour and everything went smoothly. He talked about the history of the city, industry, and culture and kept our daughters engaged. Highly recommended!
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of all the sites we visited, was able to answer all of core questions, and knew where to find cold water when we were all thirsty! We really enjoyed our whole 4 hour tour.