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 09:00 Hanare' Miyagawasuji・Meeting Point
- ② 09:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- ③ 11:15 Nijo Castle
- ④ 12:45 Lunch Break (around Kitano Hakubaicho)
- ⑤ 14:15 Daisen-in Temple
- ⑥ 15:30 Dismissal in front of Daitoku-ji Temple
What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Japan and in Kyoto, and they left the entire plan to me, saying they were mainly interested in temples and castles, so I designed the itinerary. Since some of the guests would find it difficult to climb slopes or mountain paths for long periods in the intense summer heat, I avoided places with long climbs such as Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and the bamboo grove for this itinerary. While I was deep in conversation with some of the guests about the history and culture of the places we visited, others kept talking to me about all sorts of things, which was truly delightful — chatting about a Pikachu, or about a mountain bike, and jumping into the conversation. It felt like talking with my own grandchildren, and it made me very happy, though I also had to keep explaining things to the other guests, so it was a busy but joyful day. Their stories jumped from one topic to the next with no background or context, so it required a lot of imagination and was quite challenging. I am very grateful to the driver, who provided a comfortable drive in the intense heat, including a child seat, and also gave me helpful advice along the way. Thank you again.
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.