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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto
- 9:45-10:30 Okochi Sanso Villa
- 10:30-11:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Temple
- 12:10-12:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 13:10-15:00 Lunch
- 15:10-15:45 Nijo Castle
- 16:00 Nishiki Market
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Hotel Nikko Princess Kyoto at 9:00, Okochi Sanso Villa at 9:45, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Temple at 10:30, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 12:10, Nijo Castle at 15:10 and Nishiki Market at 16:00.
**Title:** What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle
**Body:**
The group met at the hotel lobby at 9:00. They were guests visiting from North America. Everyone was cheerful and delighted with the comfortable car. At Okochi Sanso Villa, the weather was fine, so they enjoyed the scenery and had some tea. At the bamboo grove, they were surprised by the large crowds but took plenty of photos. At Tenryu-ji Temple, the rhododendrons and azaleas were in full bloom, which pleased them greatly, and they took many pictures. As we had a little extra time, thanks to the driver's kindness we drove around Togetsukyo Bridge, and we decided to visit Ryoan-ji Temple, which was not on the schedule, to see the dry landscape garden. I explained the meaning of the karesansui garden and the significance of the fifteen stones. At Kinkaku-ji Temple, they were amazed by its beauty and bought some charms and peanut sweets. We then went to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant near Nijo Castle. I was careful because some of the guests had allergies, but everyone enjoyed the meal very much. Finally, at Nijo Castle, they were struck by its beauty and listened attentively to my explanations. At the end, I dropped them off at Nishiki Market, concluding the tour.
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.
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi…
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi in Kyoto. From the moment she was paired as our guide, she contacted us to personalize the daytrip. She shared great suggestions and ideas for the tour.
During the tour, she shared so much information about Japan, the history, culture, and meanings. So informative and thoughtful.
We had an amazing time with her and would highly highly recommend.
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our…
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our guide Harumi was excellent! Leading up to our excursion she involved us in selecting options of things to do. She communicated clearly about meeting point and tips to bring so we would be prepared for the possibility of rain. Harumi was very knowledgeable on the places we visited and we learned a great deal about Japanese customs and traditions. The beginning of our tour we spent time exploring Kitano – cho foreign district. At the Shrine, Harumi shared key information about the gods and demonstrated how make a wish. We had the opportunity to eat lunch at a sushi bar where you order a selection of Japanese foods and experience eating with chopsticks! Motomachi Shopping district was a great place to spend the afternoon after our tour. What a wonderful experience!
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I…
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I booked a private tour and car to visit places on the outskirts of Kyoto. Our tour guide, Harumi Sagayama, not only provided a wealth of knowledge about our stops but also about the culture, history and politics of Kyoto. She was also critical on helping us narrow down the choices available to us. Our driver, Suzuki san, provided an impeccably clean, safe and comfortable ride as well. Absolutely delightful all around.
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kouzo San were very nice and constantly checked how we were doing.
Our party had one member using a mobility scooter and they made sure she was taken care of and was comfortable all the time. She even played a traditional Japanese game with us in the car before we got dropped off and this completed a most memorable and enjoyable time with them.