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 Meet @ Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central
- 9:40-10:25 @ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 10:40-11:30 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 11:40-12:30 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
- 12:40-13:30 Lunch @ Saganoya
- 14:00-14:40 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 15:00 Dismissal @ Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central
What Is a Private Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji Day Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first visit to Japan, and after touring Tokyo and Hakone, they arrived in Kyoto the previous day. They mentioned that the day before they had joined a tour around the Gion district.
This tour focused mainly on strolling around the Arashiyama area. At Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, the guests each took photos in front of the many rakan statues and enjoyed themselves. In the bamboo grove, we also stopped at Nonomiya Shrine, where I explained its connection to the Imperial family and the blessings associated with it. At Tenryu-ji, I had planned to first walk through the buildings and then guide them around the garden, but because of the heat they said they had seen enough, so we skipped the garden.
For lunch, they said they wanted to eat katsudon, so I took them to "Saganoya" near JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.
After lunch, we briefly stopped at the Togetsukyo Bridge for photos and then headed to Kinkaku-ji. Since we were running slightly behind schedule and to avoid the outdoor heat, I gave most of my explanations inside the car and made an effort to keep our time at each site as short as possible.
Afterward, I took the guests back to their Hotel, and the tour ended.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.