Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kaori
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
- 9:15 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto (guest arriving late) → 10:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace → 11:25 Break at Kyoto Imperial Palace Cafe SASAYAIORI → 13:00 Nanzenji Temple → 14:30 Heian Shrine Garden → 15:15 Farewell at Heian Shrine
Title: What Is a Private History and Garden Tour in Japan Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests love Japan and were visiting for the third time since the pandemic, and they seemed very knowledgeable about Japanese culture and history. However, they mentioned that although they had been to many places on previous visits, they could not grasp the overall picture of the country's history, and wished to understand the connections better, so I made an effort to explain things in a way that linked events together. While part of the group was fond of history, another was more drawn to the beautiful gardens and took many photographs. The autumn foliage had just begun to appear a little, and they shared that there is no such season in their home region of North America, saying they found it very beautiful and moving.
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 | Shichijo～Imadegawa | 430JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Marutamachi～Keage | 260JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
Hi! Thank you for choosing us. I am very glad to be assigned as your guide, and to help you have a good time in Japan. While you are in Japan, I would like you to try some sweets (if you are allowed by the doctor, of course). There are so many kinds, but among them, I would like to recommend Ice cream, even in autumn or winter (enjoyable in a warm room). Have you ever tried a kind of ice cream, which is called Soft Cream in Japan? It’s much softer and creamier than usual ice cream, and sold in many varieties of flavor. Matcha flavour ones are easily found, or chocolate ones, but also they sell local flavors to boost the sales of their local products. To name some, delicious fruit flavours such as yuzu (citrus) or grapes, or strange ones with wasabi (a bit spicy and fragrant) or miso (usually used for salty soups, but tastes like caramel when it is sweetened). Shaved ice is good, too. I have an ice shaving machine in my house, but I wouldn’t bring it to a tour. I look forward to seeing you and helping you enjoy your day in Japan!
Oct 17, 2025
maggiesL3053CQ
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Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori Matsumura was very knowledgeable and easy to…
Oct 17, 2025
maggiesL3053CQ
A day in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori Matsumura was very knowledgeable and easy to converse with. We gained a good
understanding of Japanese culture and history. Thoroughly recommend a tour with Koari.
Oct 5, 2025
Brian_B
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Kaori was incredible. We had…
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Brian_B
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Kaori was incredible. We had cloudy, rainy weather. She was so accommodating and
communicated so much about the local history.
Aug 28, 2025
jmnTravel
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Tripadvisor review: Ise Jingu(Ise Grand Shrine) Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very good tour to the shrine complexes in Ise. The larger complex is set in a beautiful forest adjacent to an old traditional shopping street. Our guide (Kaori) taught us about Shinto history and rituals including minor shrines that i may have not seen without her knowledge. She also knew the key places to take pictures (where allowed), helped us use the optimal mix of train/bus/taxi to get between locations, and took us to the best shaved ice matcha in the town.
Jun 9, 2025
Mobile08859304969
Superstar Guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori was an absolute superstar guide. She corresponded with us…
Jun 9, 2025
Mobile08859304969
Superstar Guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaori was an absolute superstar guide. She corresponded with us beforehand to understand what we wanted to do and given we were short of time, made sure we were well looked after and saw what we wanted to see. She met us at the platform and answered all our questions. I would highly recommend her as a guide and without a doubt, will look her up in our next visit! Thank you so much Kaori!