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
- 10:00 Meet @ Hotel
- 10:50 Kinkaku-ji
- 12:00 Ryoan-ji
- (Travel by taxi)
- 13:10 Kyoto Imperial Park
- 14:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 15:40 Tour ends @ Nishiki Market
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Hotel at 10:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:40. The day ran to 5 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Kinkaku-ji at 10:50, Ryoan-ji at 12:00, Kyoto Imperial Park at 13:10 and Kyoto Imperial Palace at 14:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Karasuma Oike to Kitaoji by subway (260JPY); Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus to Kinkaku-ji-michi／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY); Imadegawa to Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) by subway (260JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 750JPY per person.
What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, and Kyoto Imperial Palace
The guests were a group from Europe, and they were very kind and friendly. During our communication beforehand, I noticed that Ryoan-ji Temple and the Kyoto Imperial Palace were among the places they wished to visit, so I made a point of including many anecdotes about Queen Elizabeth. They were very pleased, which made me happy. I was also able to talk about the connection between the British Royal Family and the Japanese Imperial Family. The weather was lovely, if a little hot, and they were delighted to have taken wonderful photos at Kinkaku-ji. At Ryoan-ji, they were able to view the rock garden from the very spot where Queen Elizabeth once sat. We traveled to the Kyoto Imperial Palace Gardens by taxi and had lunch at the Nakadachiuri rest area. It was quite crowded, but we were able to eat on the terrace seats. Both of them ordered the Japanese black wagyu beef curry, and they finished every bite, saying it was delicious. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, because preparations for re-thatching the Shishinden had begun on the 15th, the viewing route had been changed and we were unable to see the Seiryoden, but they toured with great interest. After the tour, they wanted to do some shopping, so I guided them to Nishiki Market and Daimaru, and the tour came to an end.
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 | Karasuma Oike～Kitaoji | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkaku-ji-michi／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Imadegawa～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 260JPY |
| Total | 750JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at Tour ends @ Nishiki Market at 15:40.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 15:40.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Kyoto Imperial Park and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 750JPY per person across 3 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?
Mickey 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.
Hello! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!
May 17, 2026
Barry_L
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
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Mickey was great. We put together an…
May 17, 2026
Barry_L
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
Mickey was great. We put together an itinerary together and was flexible on making changes to accommodate our needs. She speaks English and is very informative. She has a fun personality and we would highly recommend her. We hope to show her around South Florida one day.
Apr 29, 2026
Dream20497216370
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kept the tour at our pace.. We highly recommend her.