Kyoto: Kinkaku-ji Temple & Hotel drop-off — Guide Makiko
September, 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
- 9:00 Hotel pick-up
- 9:30-10:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 10:40-11:20 Nijo Castle
- 11:35-12:50 Nanzen-ji Temple (Okunoin, Tenju-an)
- 13:15-13:45 Lunch (Kawamichiya Kosho-an Branch)
- 14:15-14:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 15:00 Hotel drop-off
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kinkaku-ji Temple at 9:30, Nijo Castle at 10:40, Nanzen-ji Temple (Okunoin, Tenju-an) at 11:35, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 14:15 and Hotel drop-off at 15:00.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like in Summer? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were friends visiting from North America. They had come to Japan and signed up for a single day of sightseeing in Kyoto. It was an extremely hot day, but since we traveled by taxi, the guests stayed cool during transit. I had prepared a fan, and the driver kindly provided cooling wipes as well. Among the sightseeing spots, Tenju-an could be explored at a relaxed pace even as it grew crowded, and I believe the guests enjoyed it. They did not seem particularly interested in history, but they were drawn to the nightingale floors at Nijo Castle and to the animals there. (I felt they listened with interest to my explanation about the carp.) It reminded me that a guide needs to tailor the conversation to the guests' interests.
It would be helpful if a list of lunch spots in Kyoto could be shared. Thank you very much.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hi, I’m Makiko originally from Kobe.
I have graduated from high school and University in the U.S., and working as an English Tour Guide in Japan since in my 20s.
I want my guests to experience the beauty of Japan in Kansai region.
Also, I’m a Sado, tea ceremony instructor , so ask me anything about tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese culture.
Especially, I would like to take you where you can find peace in your mind through my tour, my recommended places in Kyoto are Fushimi Inari and Nanzenji Temple.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting you!
Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We only had a few…
Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We only had a few hours to see Kyoto so we needed a local expert to maximize our visit.
Makiko did a fabulous job. She arranged a wheelchair at the station and then took us to Toji
Temple and Niko Castle
Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught…
Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught us a lot about Kyoto and Japanese culture.
Our driver was wonderful as well and having the driver made it possible for us to maximize
our time with Makiko. I would highly recommend this!!
Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding…
Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding us to notable example of each- Fushimi Inari shrine and the Sanjusangen-do Hall. We had a love walk through the Gion district too.
After a simple and perfectly delicious ramen lunch, we arrived at Yuuhisai Koudoukan, a very old school converted to a cultural center near the Imperial Palace. We enjoyed a limited and juried exhibit of Japanese confections prepared by competing chefs. That was followed by a casual tea ceremony. This final experience was something we’d have never found on our own.
Overall, Makiko is a very able guide, sensitive to our comfort and needs in the moment, effortlessly helping us to navigate the subways as well. We also discovered we had a mutual connection to Olympia WA and the college there. Beautiful introduction to Kyoto.
Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind,…
Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful.
It was a wonderful experience which was tailored to our interests and requests. I would very
much recommend. Thank you