Kyoto: Nijo Castle & Arashiyama — Guide Kuni

October, 2026

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

  • 8:30 Meet at GOOD NATURE
  • 8:50 Nijo Castle
  • 10:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 11:05 Ryoan-ji Temple
  • 12:00 Arashiyama
  • 14:00 End at GOOD NATURE

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Kyoto began at 8:30, when the guide met the guests at GOOD NATURE, and finished at 14:00. The day ran to 5 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.

From there the group visited Nijo Castle at 8:50, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 10:10, Ryoan-ji Temple at 11:05 and Arashiyama at 12:00.

Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Chartered Car Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from Asia. On this occasion they were staying only in Kyoto, and I guided their sightseeing on the first day.

The original request was for an area where a car could not be used very effectively, so on the day I suggested a more distant area where the chartered car could be put to good use, and they changed their plans accordingly.

One of the guests seemed to find walking over steps a little difficult, so I guided them at a relaxed pace.

As they used the private chartered car comfortably and the itinerary proceeded smoothly, the tour finished 30 minutes earlier than scheduled.

Partway through, as a coffee break was requested, I guided them to a popular cafe.

For lunch, they enjoyed nishin soba, a Kyoto specialty.

A notable stop on the tour was Kyoto itself, one of Japan's most historic cities and its former imperial capital for over a thousand years. Kyoto is renowned for its numerous temples, shrines, traditional wooden townhouses, and beautifully preserved gardens, offering visitors a deep sense of Japan's cultural heritage. The city is also famous for its seasonal scenery and traditional cuisine, making it a rewarding destination for a private guided tour.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kuni

Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
Please call me first name Kuni.
My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
and also lived in London and Paris for work.
Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
I also like history and gourmet food.
I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Looking forward to meeting you !

Kuni

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Aug 18, 2026
janetaF288XA
Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
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