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
- Hotel 9:30 → Sanjusangendo 10:00 → Kinkakuji 13:30 → Hotel 15:30
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like With a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America on their first trip to Japan. The original plan included Sanjusangendo, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari, but we ended up visiting only Sanjusangendo and Kinkaku-ji, as time ran short after searching for supplies at a pharmacy and taking shelter from a thunderstorm at Kinkaku-ji. At Sanjusangendo, the guests were deeply moved and enjoyed it very much. Just as we entered Kinkaku-ji, a thunderstorm broke out, and we took shelter for about 45 minutes. Even during that time, there was no shortage of topics to discuss, such as the writing of the Japanese language, and the guests thoroughly enjoyed themselves. At the end, they told me they had a wonderful time.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Museum Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Museum Sanjusangendo-mae / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto Station / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kyoto～Enmachi | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Enmachi～Kyoto | 180JPY |
| Section 7 | Bus | Kyoto Station / Kyoto City Bus～Kiyomizu-michi / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 1,510JPY | ||
Hello, my name is Taka Sakai.
I was born and brought up in Osaka until I graduated college.
I worked for a chemical company for more than 30 years and was in charge of overseas marketing.
There was also an opportunity to be assigned to the subsidiary in the US.
I experienced a lot, traveled a lot both on business and my own during that time.
I have been conducting tours as the certified guide mainly in the Kansai Area since 2017.
Thank you very much for your interest in Japan.
It is a great honor for me that I can accompany and support your new experiences here.
I look forward to seeing you then.
Thank you
Taka Sakai
May 13, 2026
Alice_o
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
We had a perfect day in Kyoto.…
May 13, 2026
Alice_o
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A Perfect Day in Kyoto.
We had a perfect day in Kyoto. Taka, our guide, was knowledgeable and full of information to share about the city and the various sites we visited. He had spent some time working with a Japanese corporation in Houston, Texas, so he could meet us in a Texas A&M T-shirt. It was a sweet gesture and greatly appreciated. We particularly enjoyed his help on the public transportation in the city, and although we have had drivers in other cities, the buses and trains added to the Kyoto experience. I cannot think of a thing that I would have changed. We even enjoyed a short rain storm, which on any other trip would have seemed an inconvenience. Here, the rain seemed to be an added benefit to a wonderful day.
May 1, 2026
Don_W
Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome to explore new countries
We toured the gardens, temples and the…
May 1, 2026
Don_W
Viator review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Awesome to explore new countries
We toured the gardens, temples and the sake brewery when ending up being a great stop
enjoyed the sake.
Apr 12, 2026
Abha_N
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing guide
We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour…
Apr 12, 2026
Abha_N
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing guide
We had an exceptional experience with our private guided tour in Japan, thanks to Taka. He was incredibly considerate and patient throughout the day, and never made us feel rushed?in fact, he generously spent more time with us than originally scheduled to ensure we had the best possible experience.
Taka went above and beyond by helping us navigate logistics seamlessly and even made sure we got to our next destination without any stress. One of the highlights was the authentic Japanese restaurant he took us to for lunch ?something we would never have discovered on our own.
Communication was excellent from the very beginning. We had several emails back and forth to organize the day; Taka was able to provide recommendations and was very accommodating of my request for sites off the beaten path.
We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommend!
Mar 30, 2026
reneferraris2001
Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
Nara experience
We had a great experience on…
Mar 30, 2026
reneferraris2001
Tripadvisor review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Osaka Departure)
Nara experience
We had a great experience on our Osaka to Nara tour. Taka was patient, knowledgeable, and explained everything clearly, making the trip very enjoyable. He was also friendly, respectful, and created a comfortable atmosphere throughout. Highly recommended for families or groups of friends?an excellent guide!