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
- 10:30 Due to the guest's schedule, arrival delayed by 30 minutes, meet at the west ticket gate of Hankyu Karasuma Station
- 10:30～10:45 Travel to Nijo Castle (Subway Shijo Station to Nijojo-mae Station)
- 10:45～12:15 Nijo Castle, Ninomaru Palace, gardens
- 12:15～12:45 Travel toward Shijo Karasuma (Subway Nijojo-mae Station to Shijo Station)
- 12:45～13:15 Lunch (Ramen Miryokuya Shijo Karasuma branch)
- 13:15～13:45 Stroll through Nishiki Market, visit Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine
- 13:45～14:30 Pontocho photo stop, Gion, stroll around Kennin-ji Temple grounds
- 14:30～15:00 Travel to Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 15:00～16:00 Stroll around Kiyomizu-dera Temple, disband on-site
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Higashiyama, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and viewed each destination with great interest. The day before, since the weather forecast was not very good, they asked about the possibility of changing the date, but when I replied that this would be difficult, we proceeded as planned. In addition to Nijo Castle, the Higashiyama area, Gion, and Kiyomizu-dera, which they had requested, they mentioned that they had not yet visited a market even in Osaka, so I arranged lunch near Nishiki Market. They seemed to especially enjoy Nishiki Market, and since they had no plans the following day, they were considering revisiting it on their own. At the very end we were caught in a heavy downpour, but they calmly waited for the rain to pass without any complaints. They were such gentle guests, and I was very grateful.
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 | Shijo～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Shijo | 220JPY |
| Total | 440JPY | ||
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
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Kaori was incredible. We had cloudy, rainy weather. She was so accommodating and
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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.
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Kaori was an absolute superstar guide. She corresponded with us…
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Mobile08859304969
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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!