Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu
December, 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 09:00 Meet at ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto
- ② 09:05 Itinerary explanation and about the history of Kyoto
- ③ 09:45 Nijo Castle
- ④ 11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- ⑤ 13:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- ⑥ 14:45 Sanjusangen-do Temple
- ⑦ 15:45 Disband at Gion-Shijo
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Focused on Kinkaku-ji and Sanjusangendo Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting from the Middle East and it was their first time in Kyoto. Their main goal for this visit was Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion). As shown in the photos, one of them had read the English translation of Yukio Mishima's novel "The Temple of the Golden Pavilion" many times. Still carrying the lingering impressions of the novel, which vividly depicts the psychology of a young monk leading up to his setting fire to the pavilion, they seemed to feel a sense of "we have finally arrived at Kinkaku-ji!" They were deeply moved by the Golden Pavilion before their eyes, its reflection on the water's surface, and the serene atmosphere of the pond. I am not very knowledgeable about photography, but one of the guests appeared to be a professional photographer, taking many photos with a single-lens reflex camera at Kinkaku-ji. Watching this, I felt that beyond simply wanting to see the setting of the novel, they truly had a photographer's eye even during sightseeing. At Sanjusangendo as well, both were completely absorbed in the overwhelming statues of the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva, gazing intently and hardly moving from the spot, which left a strong impression on me. We ran a little over on time, but I felt it was truly worth going to Sanjusangendo.
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.