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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:45 @ Meeting @ Genji Kyoto
- 10:15-11:00 @ Tenryu-ji Temple
- 11:00-11:45 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Maruyama Park
- 12:15-13:15 @ Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 13:45-14:45 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 15:35 Dismissal @ Rokkenbashi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 8:45, when the guide met the guests at @ Genji Kyoto, and finished at 15:35. The day ran to 6 hours and 50 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Tenryu-ji Temple at 10:15, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Maruyama Park at 11:00, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 12:15 and Kinkaku-ji Temple at 13:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kawaramachi Shomen to Kyoto Station by bus (230JPY); Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station by train (240JPY); Tenryu-ji Temple Front to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple Front by bus (230JPY); Kinkaku-ji Temple Front to Kyoto Station by bus (230JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 930JPY per person.
What Is a Two-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. Yesterday they had a Kyoto tour with a different guide, and today was their second consecutive day of touring Kyoto. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had traveled through Tokyo and Hakone before coming to Kyoto. They mentioned that afterward they would be heading to Hokkaido for about a week of skiing. When I arrived at the Hotel about 15 minutes before the meeting time, they were already in the lobby, so we were able to meet without any waiting. I gave a brief overview of today's itinerary, and we set off.
One of the guests was very tall, over two meters in height, and seemed to have some trouble with their knee, walking with a slight limp, so I made an effort to choose routes that would put as little strain on their legs as possible. Both of them appeared to be very interested in Japan, and throughout the day they found things that caught their attention and asked many questions. What was especially memorable was their great interest in roof tiles, as well as their interest in religion in Japan. Wherever we went, they listened very attentively to stories about Buddhism and the worship of the gods.
The weather was fine throughout the day, and the guests seemed very pleased. They both said the highlight was the unique rakan statues at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. Before exploring Kinkaku-ji, they said they were a little hungry, so at a stand near the temple they enjoyed roasted sweet potato, mitarashi dango, meat buns, karaage, and matcha soft-serve ice cream.
After exploring Kinkaku-ji, we took the bus to Kyoto Station, and from there we took a taxi to Rokkenbashi near the guests' Hotel, where we parted ways.
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 | Bus | Kawaramachi Shomen～Kyoto Station | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Tenryu-ji Temple Front～Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple Front | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Kinkaku-ji Temple Front～Kyoto Station | 230JPY |
| Total | 930JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Genji Kyoto at 8:45, and the tour finished at @ Rokkenbashi at 15:35.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 50 minutes in total, from 8:45 to 15:35.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Maruyama Park, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Kinkaku-ji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 930JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kaz is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.