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
- 9:00 Meet at Nazuna Kyoto Nishi Honganji
- (Departure at 9:20 due to guest's convenience)
- 9:30 Sanjusangendo
- 10:45 Ryoanji Temple
- 11:.30 Kinkakuji Temple
- 12:20 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkakuji Branch
- 13:30 Ginkakuji Temple
- 15:00 Disband at Nazuna Kyoto Nishi Honganji
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Nazuna Kyoto Nishi Honganji at 9:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at Gontaro Kinkakuji Branch at 12:20.
The itinerary covered Sanjusangendo at 9:30, Ryoanji Temple at 10:45 and Ginkakuji Temple at 13:30.
Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour During Gion Matsuri? A Licensed Guide's Report
Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. Some of the guests had previously lived in Matsumoto City, and on this trip they visited Tokyo, Matsumoto, and Kanazawa. Because it was during the Yoiyama period before the main Gion Matsuri procession, the other sightseeing spots were actually less crowded, which worked out well. The guests seemed very interested in the Buddhist statues at Sanjusangendo and in a memorial service that happened to be taking place there. At Ryoanji, they took their time to fully enjoy the dry landscape garden. Kinkakuji was also uncrowded, making it a great spot for photos, and the guests were delighted to be able to take as many pictures as they liked. The garden at Ginkakuji was also relatively quiet, allowing everyone to enjoy it at a leisurely pace. The temperature in Kyoto today rose to 38 degrees, and the guests understandably seemed quite tired by the end.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day…
Jul 25, 2026
135ulrikh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Half-day with private guide in Kyoto
We spent half a day with Kaeko Tanigawa taking us to Daitoku-ji and Kinkaku-ji temples and Nijo castle in Kyoto. She is very nice, customer-oriented and knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history.
To be highly recommended!
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create…
Jul 24, 2026
J6711TVnancyb
Tripadvisor review: Japan Guide Agency
Family Fun Day in Kyoto with young children
Kaeko Tanigawa was fantastic at helping us create a tour that worked for our family with two young children. It was a very hot day, but the air conditioned van was perfect. We loved making ramen together, feeding monkeys, and seeing a few top sites of Kyoto.
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start…
Jul 13, 2026
elizabethtW414DU
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Private Tour
Kaeko was absolutely amazing from start to finish, and my husband and I had the best time with her during our honeymoon in Kyoto in April! She reached out well before our trip to get to know our interests and carefully planned an itinerary that was perfectly tailored to us—even helping us choose the perfect lunch spot.
Throughout the tour, Kaeko was incredibly knowledgeable, warm, and personable. She shared so much history and local insight while making the day feel relaxed and fun. What really stood out was that her expertise extended far beyond our 6-hour tour. She provided countless recommendations for restaurants, attractions, and hidden gems that made the rest of our time in Kyoto even more memorable.
If you’re looking for a personalized, thoughtful, and unforgettable experience in Kyoto, I can’t recommend Kaeko highly enough. She was one of the highlights of our entire trip!
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto…
Jul 12, 2026
johnkE8649IH
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Kyoto Day Tour
We had a wonderful experience touring Kyoto with Kaeko Tanigawa. She was so knowledgeable and we never felt rushed. She made some excellent recommendations for restaurants and other things to do around town. Highly recommend if you have a chance to book with her!