Kyoto: Kyoto Station & Nishiki Market — Guide Masaki

August, 2024

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
  • 10:30-11:15 Fushimi Inari
  • 11:30-12:00 Sanjusangendo
  • 12:30-13:30 Lunch (Kodaiji Hashiba)
  • 13:45-15:00 Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera
  • 15:15-15:45 Nijo Castle
  • 16:15-16:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
  • 17:15-17:45 Nishiki Market
  • 18:00 Kyoto Station

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Kyoto Station at 10:00, Fushimi Inari at 10:30, Sanjusangendo at 11:30, Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera at 13:45, Nijo Castle at 15:15, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 16:15, Nishiki Market at 17:15 and Kyoto Station at 18:00.

Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like With a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. The itinerary was: Kyoto Station → Fushimi Inari → Sanjusangendo → lunch → Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera → Nijo Castle → Arashiyama Bamboo Grove → Nishiki Market → Kyoto Station. Throughout the tour, sightseeing was carried out mostly with wheelchair support at each location. In the intense summer heat, the route from Ninenzaka to Kiyomizu-dera was steep, and pushing and pulling the wheelchair was quite demanding, but it was impressive to see the whole group cooperate to manage it together. The guests asked about Japanese views on religion, real estate conditions in Japan, and the declining birthrate and aging population, and they were also impressed by the vending machines found throughout the streets. For lunch, the guests wanted authentic Kyoto-style cuisine at a place frequented by locals, so they enjoyed a yuba course meal and were very satisfied.

This private one-day Kyoto tour was arranged through [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/), one of Japan's largest networks of government-licensed, English-speaking private tour guides, serving all 47 prefectures. [Japan Guide Agency](https://www.j-g-a.org/) is a winner of the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Best of the Best. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.

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

Tour Report by Masaki

My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !

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Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through…

May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…

May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient…

Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…