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
- 09:00 Westin Miyako Kyoto
- 09:40 Fushimiinari (0) by subway & Keihan train
- 11:10 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
- Sannenzaka by walking
- Yasaka-no-to by walking
- Lunch (Namaste Dhaulagiri)
- 14:00 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
- 14:40 Ryoanji (600)
- 15:30 Westin Miyako Kyoto
- End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Westin Miyako Kyoto at 09:00, Fushimiinari (0) by subway & Keihan train at 09:40, Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi at 11:10, Kinkakuji (500) by taxi at 14:00, Ryoanji (600) at 14:40 and Westin Miyako Kyoto at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Keage to Sanjo Keihan by train (220JPY); Sanjo to Fushimiinari by train (220JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 440JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour in Summer Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. Both were very kind and pleasant. Since it was during the Obon holiday period, everywhere was crowded, and for Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Kiyomizu-zaka slope was packed, so we approached from the back, which took extra time. From August 14 to 16 it is the Sennichi Mairi observance, so we were lucky to be able to view the back of the main hall, which is normally not open to visitors. However, because of the intense heat, one of the guests wanted to rest a little, so we sat down in the main hall for a short break. Since they had visited Gion the previous day, after lunch we went to Kinkaku-ji Temple. One of the guests seemed a little tired, but by walking slowly we managed to visit the final destination, Ryoan-ji Temple, safely, which was a relief. The outside temperature gauge in the taxi read 41°C. It was an extremely hot day, and many people were resting in the shade. One of the guests had been traveling between North America and Tokyo for work, while the other was visiting Japan for the first time and said they would love to come again.
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 | Train | Keage～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sanjo～Fushimiinari | 220JPY |
| Total | 440JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Westin Miyako Kyoto, Fushimiinari (0) by subway & Keihan train, Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi, Kinkakuji (500) by taxi, Ryoanji (600) and Westin Miyako Kyoto.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 440JPY 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?
Kazz 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.
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .