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
- 8:00…Meet at the guest's hotel
- 9:00…Taizo-in Temple
- 10:20…Heian-kyo Sosei-kan
- ※Heian costume dressing experience
- 11:20…Purchase foot supporters at a pharmacy
- 11:50…Lunch at the restaurant "Higaki Saryo" at Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 12:20…Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 13:20…Taxi stand
- 13:40…End the guide at the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at guest's hotel at 8:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 13:40. The day ran to 5 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at the restaurant "Higaki Saryo" at Kyoto Imperial Palace at 11:50.
The itinerary covered Taizo-in Temple at 9:00, Heian-kyo Sosei-kan at 10:20, Purchase foot supporters at a pharmacy at 11:20, Kyoto Imperial Palace at 12:20 and Taxi stand at 13:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shijo Nishinotoin to Myoshinji-mae by bus (230JPY); Myoshinji-mae to Marutamachi Shichihonmatsu by bus (230JPY); Marutamachi Shichihonmatsu to Saibansho-mae (Courthouse) by bus (230JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 690JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with Weeping Cherry Blossoms and Heian Costumes Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
We first headed by bus to Taizoin Temple. Taizoin Temple is famous for its weeping cherry blossoms, and when we arrived a little before 9:00, a line had already formed. The guests enjoyed viewing the famous ink painting "Hyonenzu" and the "Motonobu Garden." The weeping cherry blossoms were truly magnificent, and I took many photos for the group. In the Yokoen Garden, one of the guests found the red carp and moved closer to gaze at them with curiosity.
At the Heiankyo Sozokan, the group viewed a miniature of Heiankyo and then put on the costumes of Heian-era nobility. They were very delighted.
Since one of the guests had foot pain, we stopped by a pharmacy and purchased a support brace. We had lunch at a restaurant near the Imperial Palace and then headed to the Imperial Palace. The guests listened attentively to my explanations and took photos at key points along the way.
As some of the guests seemed tired, we had planned to take a taxi to Heian Shrine, but since one of the guests had fallen asleep, we headed straight to the Hotel instead and ended the tour there. I believe it turned out to be a wonderful tour, with the guests enjoying the beautiful cherry blossoms and the Heian-era noble costumes.
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 | Shijo Nishinotoin～Myoshinji-mae | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Myoshinji-mae～Marutamachi Shichihonmatsu | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Marutamachi Shichihonmatsu～Saibansho-mae (Courthouse) | 230JPY |
| Total | 690JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at guest's hotel at 8:00, and the tour finished at guide at the hotel at 13:40.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 8:00 to 13:40.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Taizo-in Temple, Heian-kyo Sosei-kan, Purchase foot supporters at a pharmacy, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Taxi stand.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 690JPY per person across 3 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?
Lily 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, everyone! I’m Yuriko Suematsu, a government licensed tour guide. Please call me Lily, because Yuri means Lily in English.
I like Japanese history, culture, and Japanese castles. Especially, I like tea ceremony in kimono.(I’m also a licensed kimono dresser.)
So, I sometimes guide around Takayama, Shirakawa-go, Kyoto, Kanazawa, Osaka, Nara and Nagoya in kimono.
There are lots of beautiful places to visit in Japan.
Especially, I recommend you to visit Kyoto and Nara if you are interested in Japanese ancient history. Nara and Kyoto are both ancient capital cities over 1000 years ago.
I also recommend you to visit Gifu(Shirakawa-go and Takayama), my hometown if you want to enjoy rural nostalgic atmosphere.
If you’re interested in Japanese castles, I recommend you to visit Himeji, Osaka, Kanazawa and Nagoya. I’m sure you will have a wonderful time to see beautiful castles.
Let’s enjoy Japanese culture and history together!
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