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
- 10:00 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.
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.