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
- 08:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
- 09:10 Nijo Castle
- 11:30 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)
- 12:40 7-Eleven Kinkaku-ji (ATM)
- 12:50 Lunch at Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch
- 13:50 Ryoan-ji
- 15:40 Disband at Daishodo Antique Books & Prints Shop (near the east entrance of Nishiki Market)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier at 08:30, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:40. The day ran to 7 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Gontaro Kinkaku-ji Branch at 12:50.
The itinerary covered Nijo Castle at 09:10, Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) at 11:30, 7-Eleven Kinkaku-ji (ATM) at 12:40 and Ryoan-ji at 13:50.
Title: What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Gardens and World Heritage Sites Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from Africa, all longtime fans of Japan, Japanese culture, and Japanese cuisine. Since the members of the group each live in different, far-apart locations, they gathered in Japan for their first-ever visit. During the initial planning at the start of the tour, they expressed particular interest in Japanese gardens, so we visited three World Heritage sites known for their representative Japanese gardens: Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji. At the same time, they were very pleased with the guidance I provided on efficient travel via Kyoto Station for the next day's sightseeing at Fushimi Inari, the Arashiyama bamboo grove, and Tenryu-ji. As one of the guests had a strong interest in printmaking, I introduced them to a small gallery-style shop specializing in ukiyo-e and other woodblock prints, conveniently located near Nishiki Market. We exchanged smiles and handshakes inside the shop before parting ways.
Please note that I did not keep the receipt for the transportation pass, and as the original has been discarded, I will not be claiming it this time.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Born, raised and married in Kyoto, I am Masaaki Tanaka started English-speaking licensed guide since 2008, guiding mostly those English-speaking inbound tourists in Kyoto, which is my home base, and in Osaka (where I woked so long time until my retirment) and Nara and in other Kansai areas incl. Kobe, Koyasan, etc. If allowed, I can say I am somewhat experinced in Japanese history (especially in its culture). When young, I lived and worked for some 11 years in the Middle East, which areas, accordingly, I am still quite familiar to . My hobby includes : seeing Noh Play and Kabuki, hearing Musics in general (Beethoven, Beatles, Jazz & Rock’n Rolls as well as Japanese classicals), seeing the paintings/artworks in general, playing the piano (all time at beginner’s level, though), playing the guitar and, when younger, I enjoyed skiing and business golf. Also, I am, since my childhoo, a great fan of Tigers in Japan’s pro-base ball. I love cats (keeping now an old female ‘Chee’ chan) , and certainly my wife Tokuko as well.
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver…
Jul 30, 2026
amydJ3030YT
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Kyoto tour with a licensed guide and separate driver
Our guide, Masa was very knowledgeable and efficient. He took us to great tourist sites- Fushimi Inari, Bamboo forest and other Kyoto sites. He gave great insights to Gion and local Kyoto hot spots in central Kyoto. Even in the heat, he didnt stop and led the way for us. Having a car at the ready with a/c on was great, and made it an efficient day. Our 3 teenage boys enjoyed our day of culture and touring Kyoto. Highly recommend!!!
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an…
Mar 20, 2026
moisessG5827VE
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki Tanaka was the best tour guide ever!
Masaaki Tanaka was an awesome tour guide. He was very friendly and kind man who went above and beyond for us, teaching us about history of the sites he took us to, as he is very smart and informed. He guided us through the complicated Kyoto, subway and bus stations. We learned a lot and saw many of Kyotos beautiful sites. I will definitely recommend him 100%!
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge…
Jun 16, 2025
896nataliex
Amazing Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaaki, was an excellent tour guide and wealth of knowledge on Kyoto. He catered to our interests and helped us to decide on the best places to see on our tour. He also helped us to be adventurous and try some local traditional foods at the market. He pointed out other stops of interest and helped us to plan the rest of our visit.
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly…
Apr 23, 2025
Simon S
Enjoyable and informative
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full Day Tour from Osaka with Licensed Guide and Vehicle
The service was friendly and inclusive.
Our Guide Masaaki Tanaka is a Kyoto local and was extremely knowledgable.
He was friendly , engaging and easy to understand . His English language was good.
Very informative and enjoyable outing.