Kyoto: Start at Hyatt Regency Kyoto — Guide Harumi
October, 2025
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
- 9:40 Start at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
- 10:00-10:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:00-12:00 Nijo Castle
- 12:30-13:15 Lunch (Kura Sushi Kinkakuji Branch)
- 13:30-14:15 Kinkakuji
- 14:45-15:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
- 15:40 Hyatt Regency Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Start at Hyatt Regency Kyoto at 9:40, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:00, Nijo Castle at 11:00, Kinkakuji at 13:30, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 14:45 and Hyatt Regency Kyoto at 15:40.
What Can You See on a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour started about 20 minutes earlier than planned, and we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. Since one of the guests could not walk very far, we walked slowly to the worship hall, visited the Negiri-no-Matsu pine, and then returned to the car. At Nijo Castle, the guests listened attentively to the explanations, and as they said they liked Japanese gardens, they carefully admired the garden designed by Kobori Enshu. For lunch, I took them to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, and they said it was delicious. It seemed to be a novel experience that they enjoyed. At Kinkaku-ji, we saw the reliquary tower and returned to the entrance, where a special arrangement was made for us, but one of the guests seemed to be getting quite tired in their legs. We went to Arashiyama, but after seeing the slope near the Sagano Scenic Railway station, they decided to skip the bamboo grove path and returned to the Hotel. The guests were very friendly and highly praised Japan, saying it was beautiful and the people were kind.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.