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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle
- 9:10-10:10 @ Nijo Castle
- 10:40-11:45 @ Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 12:25-13:15 @ Gion
- 13:20-13:50 Lunch @ "Ramen Kyo" Gion Main Store
- 13:50-14:50 @ Higashiyama Area
- 15:00 Disband @ In front of Kennin-ji Temple Reception Entrance
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 9:00, when the guide met the guests at @ Hotel Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch @ "Ramen Kyo" Gion Main Store at 13:20.
From there the group visited Nijo Castle at 9:10, Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:40, Gion at 12:25 and Higashiyama Area at 13:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Nijojo-mae to Imadegawa by subway (220JPY); Karasuma Imadegawa (Subway Imadegawa Station) by bus (230JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 450JPY per person.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like With a Licensed Guide? A JGA Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They were traveling during a summer break and mentioned that they were about a week into a longer stay in Japan. One of the guests was knowledgeable about architecture and was familiar with Japanese architect Tadao Ando.
We decided to start our walk from Nijo Castle, as it was the closest to the meeting-point hotel. Nijo Castle was not very crowded, making it easy to visit. At the Ninomaru Palace, I handed out my own binoculars, and the guests took turns enjoying views of the fusuma paintings and other details through them.
At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the guests showed interest in the calendar of annual imperial ceremonies. In Gion, it was memorable how one of the guests asked many questions about the geisha districts.
After exploring Gion, we had lunch at the main Gion branch of a ramen restaurant. In the Higashiyama area, I guided them from Yasaka Shrine through Ishibei-koji and Ninenzaka to the Yasaka Pagoda. Finally, I guided them to Kenninji Temple, and we parted ways in front of the reception entrance.
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 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Imadegawa | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Karasuma Imadegawa (Subway Imadegawa Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Shijo Keihan-mae / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 450JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Residence Kyoto Nijo Castle at 9:00, and the tour finished at @ In front of Kennin-ji Temple Reception Entrance at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 9:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nijo Castle, Kyoto Imperial Palace, Gion and Higashiyama Area.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 450JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaz is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.