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
- 10:00 Kyoto Station
- 10:15-11:15 Sanjusangendo
- 11:30-11:55 Gion
- 12:00-13:00 Nishiki Market
- 13:15-14:15 Nijo Castle
- 15:35-15:40 Imperial Palace-Chion-in, Heian Shrine, Gion Shirakawa
- 15:45 Kyoto Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Kyoto Station at 10:00, Sanjusangendo at 10:15, Gion at 11:30, Nishiki Market at 12:00, Nijo Castle at 13:15, Imperial Palace-Chion-in, Heian Shrine, Gion Shirakawa at 15:35 and Kyoto Station at 15:45.
What's a Private Cruise Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Sanjusangendo, Gion, and Nijo Castle
The guests were a group of cruise ship passengers from Oceania. We had arranged to meet at the Hachijo Exit of the Shinkansen at Kyoto Station, but they were waiting at the Hachijo East Exit, so we missed each other for about 10 minutes and started a little late (I should have specified the Hachijo West Exit). At Sanjusangendo we moved at a relatively relaxed pace, so we spent a little extra time there, while at Gion we kept it shorter, walking along Hanamikoji from east to west and having the driver pick us up near Ichiriki. I then took them to Nishiki Market, where they had about an hour to enjoy lunch, and afterward we met up and headed to Nijo Castle. Since we had gradually run a little over on time, I had planned to make an adjustment at the Kyoto Imperial Palace, but I carelessly failed to notice that it was closed on the second Tuesday and we were unable to enter. I apologized for my oversight as the guide, and since the guests were also feeling tired, we instead went for a drive around Heian Shrine, Chion-in, and Gion Shirakawa, arriving at Kyoto Station 20 minutes early. They were going to catch a Shinkansen departing Osaka Station at 16:14, so I was relieved that we made it back in time, and I concluded the tour with an apology for not being able to guide them through the Kyoto Imperial Palace.
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.