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
- 9:30 Hotel Kyoto Meet up
- 10:00~10:50 Nijo Castle
- 11:20~12:10 Sanjusangendo
- 12:40~13:20 Gion Stroll, Lunch Break
- 13:20~14:20 Yasaka Shrine – Shorenin Monzeki
- 14:30~15:30 Chionin – Maruyama Park – Yasaka Pagoda – Disband at Kiyomizu-dera approach
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Sanjusangendo, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were visitors from Europe who came to Kyoto via Tokyo and Hakone. Just before the scheduled meeting time on the day, the guests contacted me to say that the name of the meeting-point hotel was incorrect, so we managed to meet about 15 minutes later than planned. At Nijo Castle, they were absorbed in the Karamon Gate, the architecture of the Ninomaru Palace, the painted sliding doors, the carved transoms, and the atmosphere of the grand halls and the Shiroshoin. They also asked questions about the historical background leading to the shogunate's return of political power to the Emperor. At Sanjusangendo, they were overwhelmed by the 1,001 Buddhist statues, about 750 years old, standing in rows. At Shorenin Monzeki, they sat on the veranda and enjoyed a relaxed time gazing at the Kogosho hall associated with the imperial family and the tranquil garden. Afterward, we went from Chionin to the Yasaka Pagoda and parted ways on the bustling approach to Kiyomizu-dera.
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～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Keihan Sanjo | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Keihan Sanjo～Shichijo | 170JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shichijo～Gion-Shijo | 170JPY |
| Total | 820JPY | ||
Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a…
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided
keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day
Japan.10/10
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent…
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient. He kept our tour
moving, but also make sure we rested when needed and we stayed hydrated.
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion during our time in Osaka. He explained everything clearly and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. He was very accommodating, always attentive to our needs, and incredibly polite and respectful. His subtle and thoughtful approach made us feel comfortable throughout the entire tour. Highly recommended!
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The length of the tour was just right for us—especially on such a hot day—and we still managed to find time to take some great photos.