Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Sam
October, 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
- ①11:00 Hotel
- ②11:40〜12:15 Shisen-do
- ③12:20〜13:00 Enko-ji
- ④13:10〜15:00 Shugakuin Imperial Villa
- ⑤15:30〜15:45 Kyukyodo
- ⑥16:00〜16:30 Kimono Daiyasu
- ⑦17:00
- ☆Also, meals and breaks were said to be unnecessary.

What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America, planning to stay in Japan for a total of about two and a half weeks, with five days of sightseeing in Kyoto. Of these, I had the pleasure of attending to them for two consecutive days, today and tomorrow. They had heard many recommendations from a friend and had very particular preferences, so I proceeded with the itinerary while consulting with them in the car as we went, also listening to their shopping requests. They did not like crowded places, and were very pleased with the quiet atmosphere of Shisen-do and Enko-ji temples. We were also able to visit Shugakuin Imperial Villa through same-day registration, though unlike midsummer, it had become quite crowded now that October had begun. The driver was also very cooperative this time, which allowed everything to proceed smoothly.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
Jul 23, 2026
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most…
Jul 23, 2026
svendulrikr
Tripadvisor review: Nara Day Trip from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Best of Nara
Amazing trip to Nara with the most friendly, pleasant and experienced guide, Sam.
Sam explained the history and background of the many sight of Nara.
Showed us many small places that we would not have found on our own.
Highly recommended
Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very…
Jul 10, 2026
valerianos862
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo in 1 Day from Yokohama: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
Private tour of Tokyo.
Our guide Sam is very knowledgeable, professional and caring. He gave tour experience of a lifetime.
Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to…
Jun 20, 2026
Sarah B
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We learned how to ride the trains and we went to multiple shrines and temples around Tokyo. Sam was great! We enjoyed it
Sam was great. He gave us a super introduction to Tokyo!
Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable…
Apr 14, 2026
MDMallory
Tripadvisor review: Yokohama and Kamakura 6hr Private Trip Government-Licensed Guide
The Natural Beauty of Kamakura
Our guide, Sam, was very knowledgeable about the are and guided us to several temples using public transportation. We stopped for a traditional Japanese lunch and saw some of the specialty wood carvings from the area. Our guide enjoyed the beauty of nature and his enthusiasm helped us to pay attention to the natural beauty as well.
