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
- 10:50 Hotel
- 10:20.-12:30 Toei Kyoto Studio Park
- 13:00-14:00 Samurai Ninja Museum with experience.
- 14:30-15:45. Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 16:00 Hyatt regency Hotel
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Toei Kyoto Studio Park, Ninja Experiences, and Kiyomizu-dera
We started a little early to make it in time for the 10:30 samurai sword show at Toei Kyoto Studio Park. During the show, one of the guests was invited to take part and was very delighted. Unfortunately, we were told that this show would end at the close of this year. We then had an early lunch, enjoying dishes such as ninja curry, and watched the ninja show that began at 11:30. I could not translate everything, so I conveyed only the main points. Since a hands-on experience had been booked at the Samurai Ninja Museum starting at 1:00 pm, I took the guests there, but we were told it was the wrong location and I was a little flustered. There was a ninja experience venue at the intersection of Nishiki Market and Teramachi Street, and we were able to join just in time. Because the samurai experience was scheduled for 2:45 on Rokkaku Street, we would have had to return there, and I explained that doing that experience would mean we could not visit Kiyomizu-dera. In the end, since the guests wanted to learn about history, we decided to go to Kiyomizu-dera, walked down Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and returned to the Hotel. In the case of samurai and ninja experiences, it is important to pay attention to the venue where they take place. The guests were generous and kindly accepted the mistake as no problem, which was a relief.
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.