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 The Westin Miyako Kyoto
- 10:30-11:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 11:15-11:45 Nijo Castle
- 12:00-13:00 Lunch (Nomura Nishiki Store)
- 13:30-14:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 14:20-14:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
- 15:10-15:40 Shimogamo Shrine
- 16:00 The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered The Westin Miyako Kyoto at 10:00, Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30, Nijo Castle at 11:15, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 13:30, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 14:20, Shimogamo Shrine at 15:10 and The Westin Miyako Kyoto at 16:00.
Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Guests Who Prefer Fewer Temples and Shrines? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. From the beginning, and repeatedly thereafter, I was asked to leave shrines and temples out of the itinerary. However, since that would mean missing out on much of Kyoto's charm, I suggested keeping shrines and temples to a minimum while presenting them with the least possible emphasis on religious elements, and the group agreed. The itinerary was: Hotel → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Nijo Castle → lunch (at a restaurant) → Kinkaku-ji → the Bamboo Grove Path in Arashiyama → Shimogamo Shrine → Hotel. During the tour, one of the guests, though advanced in years, was very energetic and asked many detailed questions, for example about the materials used in each building and decoration, the manner of imperial succession, and the relationship between the emperor and the shogun. One of the guests marveled at the beauty of the architecture and gardens at each site and enthusiastically took many photographs. The Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama in particular seemed to be the highlight, and they were very satisfied with it. As they did not have much of an appetite at lunch, they ordered a light set, but along with the seasonal side dishes they also enjoyed some plum wine and became pleasantly relaxed.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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 !
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…
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 Kyoto the day after we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, learning both about the culture and the hidden gems. He shared the details of each temple that he took us to, as well as took us through streets that showed the different styles of the Japanese culture the best part was that he was very communicative prior to and after our tour. He was so on top of everything that he made reservations at a specific restaurant during our tour, based on our interests, so that we do not waste time. It was an area that we would not be able to find on our own, obviously. He also changed some of the areas we were going to tour, based on our sons interest. That was actually the best part for our son, as he was able to experience archery.
The best part is that Masaki is so kind and considerate that there was a typhoon coming through Tokyo during our stay. He knew we were going to be traveling there after Kyoto and he made sure to update us with the train schedules and the storm details. We could not have asked for a better guide through Kyoto. I wish we could utilize his expertise in Tokyo…
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 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!
Absolutely perfect for getting the most out of a single day in Kyoto. Masaki-san is an excellent tour guide. He communicated well by WhatsApp to set up our plans so we could see everything we wanted. He kindly adjusted our start time after our travel plans were delayed. He figured out the best way to adjust our tour when we spent too long admiring a few places! And he took us to the most amazing local type place for lunch. Overall it was beyond our expectations and we truly are grateful and thankful to Masaki-San for our truly perfect day!
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…
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 guide for our first visit to Kyoto. He explained the significance of the castle and temples we visited, pointing out parts he felt were most interesting. He also went out of his way to help us figure out our bullet train tickets for our return.
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.…
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. Masaki San helped us plan the itinerary
and customized it for us. We had a good mix of temples and sights and shopping. Kyoto has
amazing history and sights and temples. We will definitely be back to spend more time.