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
- 10:00 Meet @ androoms Kyoto Shichijo
- 10:35-11:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:00-12:30 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 14:00-14:40 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 15:10-16:00 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
- 16:00-16:20 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 16:55 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station
Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Look Like? A Guide's Report
The guests were a family group visiting from Europe. English was occasionally a little difficult to catch. Since all of their requested destinations were among the most popular sites in Kyoto, I began the tour after letting them know that every location would likely be crowded.
One of the guests had left an IC card in the Hotel room, so for that person I had to purchase a ticket and fare, or pay in cash, each time we used public transportation.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, there was a long line for the Omokaru Ishi, so we skipped it and instead had the guests pass through the Neagari-no-Matsu, which they enjoyed. At Kiyomizu-dera, some of the guests took on the challenge of lifting Benkei's iron staff, which was a lot of fun. Near Sannenzaka, they sampled yatsuhashi at a local shop and purchased two packs. At Kinkaku-ji and Tenryu-ji, I shared historical stories about the turmoil of the Nanboku-cho period and the rise and flourishing of the Ashikaga shogunate, and they listened with great interest. They were not the type to take many photos, but at the Arashiyama bamboo grove they took many pictures.
At the guests' request, we parted ways at Kyoto Station.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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.