Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo & Pontocho — Guide Kazu
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
- 13:00 Meet at Hotel Six Senses Kyoto
- 13:10 Itinerary explanation and a brief introduction about Kyoto
- 13:30 Sanjusangendo
- 14:45 Nijo Castle
- 16:00 Daitoku-ji Temple, Hoshun-in (bonsai viewing)
- 17:15 Shopping on Sanjo Street
- 17:45 Pontocho
- 18:00 Disband at Pontocho
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe and North America who had met while traveling abroad years earlier and had since traveled the world together. This was their first visit to Kyoto, Japan. Rather than simply listening to the topics I had prepared, they were the type to ask questions one after another, and their love of bonsai was remarkable. One question they asked was whether I was a Buddhist or a follower of Shinto. They did not seem very interested in the dry landscape (karesansui) gardens, but they were deeply impressed by the concept of wabi-sabi. What I found amusing was when they asked whether Japanese people, or I personally, liked the Emperor. When I said that the Emperor is highly respected by the people, but that I personally much prefer tempura to an emperor, they burst out laughing. They asked many questions out of genuine interest in Japan, including why Shinzo Abe had been struck down by an assassin's bullet, and the background behind the divided Diet following the recent House of Representatives election. By 6:00 there was still some time remaining, but since they were hungry and wanted to eat sushi, they asked me to take them there. I politely declined, and we parted ways in Pontocho.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable. Spoke perfect English and made the day fun and educational. Was able to adjust the tour based on my needs.
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu san in Kyoto. From the moment that the tour was booked, his communication with email about planning the day was exceptional.
Kazu gave detailed explanations about the areas we visited and we appreciated all that he had to offer at each of our stops.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made a new friend.
Kazu helped us arrange the best day with our short time in Kyoto. He brought us to some “hidden gems” and gave us thorough explanations on history and culture.
I would highly recommend this tour.
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide Kazu was very knowledgeable in terms of the history and explaining many of
the wonderful ancient sites around Kyoto. Definitely a must! Otherwise, I think it would be
difficult to tourists to understand on their own.