Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Masa
October, 2024
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
- 1. 10:00 Meeting point: Hotel Granvia Kyoto
- 2. 10:30 Daitoku-ji Main Temple
- 3. 10:50 Obai-in
- 4. 11:20 Ginkaku-ji
- 5. 12:30 Lunch
- 6. 13:50 Heian Shrine
- 7. 15:10 Gion Kobu (from the car window: Ichiriki Chaya, Kaburenjo Theater)
- 8. 15:30 Gion Tatsumi Bridge & Shinbashi
- 9. 16:10 Dismissal: Hotel Granvia
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like for Cruise Ship Guests Arriving at Osaka Port? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group from North America, joined by one member of the group who has lived in Japan for many years and currently resides in Nagoya. The visitors arrived at Osaka Port this morning by cruise ship and traveled directly to Kyoto, where they met up with the other member of the group at the Hotel. Some of the guests had visited Japan before, though this was the first time visiting Japan for leisure, and for one member it was a first visit to Japan altogether. The purpose was to introduce a beloved side of Japan to a first-time visitor and to enjoy a long-awaited reunion in Kyoto after many years apart.
Throughout the tour, the guests kept up a continuous conversation with one another, and frequently requested group photos together. Since most of the guests had prior experience of sightseeing in Kyoto, they expressed a strong wish to stay away as much as possible from the crowds of the current tourist season. For this reason, we began the tour at the tranquil Daitoku-ji, considered a birthplace of tea ceremony culture, and its subtemple Obai-in, both of which were very warmly received.
In the afternoon, we visited Ginkaku-ji, then Heian Shrine and its garden, and finished with a taxi tour past the Gion Kobu and Gion Kita districts, including the Tatsumi Bridge and Shinbashi area, where photos were taken. Taking into account the guiding time and the group's fatigue, we returned to the Hotel a little after 4:00 as scheduled. We parted with smiles and handshakes, and one of the guests commented that "the Kyoto sightseeing turned out exactly as I had quietly hoped, and I am very satisfied."
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 | Kyoto～Kitaoji | 260JPY |
| Total | 260JPY | ||
Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver
Our guide, Masa was very knowledgeable and efficient. He took us to great tourist sites- Fushimi Inari, Bamboo forest and other Kyoto sites. He gave great insights to Gion and local Kyoto hot spots in central Kyoto. Even in the heat, he didnt stop and led the way for us. Having a car at the ready with a/c on was great, and made it an efficient day. Our 3 teenage boys enjoyed our day of culture and touring Kyoto. Highly recommend!!!
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an…
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an awesome tour guide. He was very friendly and kind man who went above and beyond for us, teaching us about history of the sites he took us to, as he is very smart and informed. He guided us through the complicated Kyoto, subway and bus stations. We learned a lot and saw many of Kyotos beautiful sites. I will definitely recommend him 100%!
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge on Kyoto. He catered to our interests and helped us to decide on the best places to see on our tour. He also helped us to be adventurous and try some local traditional foods at the market. He pointed out other stops of interest and helped us to plan the rest of our visit.
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly…
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly and inclusive.
Our Guide Masaaki Tanaka is a Kyoto local and was extremely knowledgable.
He was friendly , engaging and easy to understand . His English language was good.
Very informative and enjoyable outing.