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
- 8:55 AM: Meet-up completed at DoubleTree Hilton. Confirmed and discussed the itinerary and meals.
- 9:10 AM: Boarded the bus bound for Kiyomizu at Shichijo Exit. Heading to Kiyomizu-dera via Kiyomizuzaka.
- 9:30 AM: Got off at Kiyomizuzaka-shita. Heading to Kiyomizu-dera.
- 10:30 AM: Departed Kiyomizu-dera, heading to Yasaka Shrine via Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka.
- 11:15 AM: Arrived at Yasaka Shrine. Heading to Gion Shirakawa Tatsumi Bridge.
- 11:40 AM: Started lunch at Gion Nakatani (Kyoto kaiseki).
- 12:45 AM: Finished lunch.
- 12:55 AM: From Keihan Gion-Shijo Station via Keihan Sanjo Station, heading to Nijojo-mae by subway.
- 1:15 PM: Arrived at Nijo Castle
- 2:10 PM: Departed Nijojo-mae Station, heading to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa by subway, then to Arashiyama from Randen Tenjingawa.
- 2:50 PM: Arrived at Randen Arashiyama. Strolled through the bamboo grove, visited Tenryu-ji and Togetsukyo Bridge.
- 3:45 PM: Departed JR Saga-Arashiyama Station
- 4:00 PM: Arrived at Kyoto Station. Since they were heading to Osaka afterward, saw them off at the Shinkansen entrance.
- 4:05 PM: Tour ended.
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Walking Tour and Kaiseki Lunch Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Body:
[Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private walking tour of Kyoto for guests visiting Japan from Europe.
The day before, I suggested some lunch options, and the guests replied that anything typically Kyoto-style would be fine. When I asked again on the morning of the tour, we decided on a kyo-style kaiseki restaurant. The guests enjoyed it very much — the owner's animated, gesture-filled explanations were entertaining, and the food was so delicious that they said they ended up eating too much.
Thanks to the group's love of conversation, we were able to walk around and enjoy the day thoroughly. At JR Saga-Arashiyama Station, they even dashed the final 50 meters to make sure we caught the train.
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 | Kyoto Station～Kiyomizuzaka | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Gion-Shijo～Sanjo-Keihan | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sanjo～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Uzumasa-Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa～Randen Arashiyama | 250JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | JR Saga-Arashiyama～Kyoto Station | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,370JPY | ||
Discover the Heart of Japan: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Flavor.
Hello, I am Taichi, a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter.
Having explored the depth and diversity of Japan’s culture, history, and cuisine-particularly in the vibrant regions of Tokyo and Kansai-I’m excited to share my experiences with you.
With its dynamic seasonal changes and centuries-old traditions, with its ever-changing seasons and profound history, Japan invites you to create moments that stir your imagination and awaken a deeper connection to its beauty.
And Japan is more than just a destination-its travel experience engages your all five senses.
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I look forward to helping your wonderful trip.
Apr 7, 2026
Karistan_S
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Taichi was wonderful. He…
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Apr 7, 2026
Karistan_S
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Taichi was wonderful. He…
Taichi was wonderful. He spoke excellent English and knew a lot of history. We really enjoyed
the tour and are glad we splurged on it. It was really nice to have the taxi and guide on a
cold day. He had excellent suggestions and chose a quick fun restaurant for us for lunch!
May 15, 2025
TJP1967
Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
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Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t…
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TJP1967
Perfect Guide…..Taichi-sun
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hello. Taichi-sun was absolutely amazing. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to make our
day even more perfect. We can’t recommend him enough.
Apr 14, 2025
rgp728
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We used Japan Guide Agency for a private…
Apr 14, 2025
rgp728
Wonderful Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We used Japan Guide Agency for a private tour of Kyoto. They were amazing! Our guide, Taichi, reached out to us ahead of our time and helped us create the perfect itinerary. We are vegetarian so he arranged a vegan lunch where we were able to try many different types of Japanese food. We had a perfect day and would highly recommend Japan Guide Agency and Taichi!
Apr 8, 2025
Sherif_A
Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was our 1 day trip to…
Apr 8, 2025
Sherif_A
Taichi-san is an amazing guide!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was our 1 day trip to Kyoto. We wanted to see as much as possible but also get a good sense of the city. Taichi is a great guide, knowledge and communicates well. He was very caring to make sure we are able to take the best routes and avoid crowds where possible. Definitely recommend!