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
- 7:00 Meet @ Gion Kawasemi
- 7:40-8:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 9:35-10:25 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 11:15-13:00 @ Gion
- 13:05 Dismissal @ Gion Genryokaku
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They used Uber taxis for all transportation throughout the day.
While waiting for an Uber taxi in front of the meeting Hotel, I passed the time by explaining topics such as the difference between shrines and temples.
Because it was an early morning visit, Fushimi Inari Taisha was not very crowded, and the guests enjoyed taking photos among the vermilion torii gates as they pleased. They also tried the omokaru-ishi (lifting stone), which was a great highlight. After exploring Fushimi Inari, they had a light snack at a roadside coffee shop.
At Kiyomizu-dera, there were many groups of school-trip students, and it was already crowded. There was also a line at the Otowa Waterfall, but two of the guests waited and had a go at it.
Afterward, we walked from Sannenzaka past the Yasaka Pagoda, intending to head toward Gion, but the guests stopped at shops along the way to buy food, drinks, and souvenirs, so it took some time to reach Gion.
In Gion, the guests were able to pass by about three maiko, which delighted them. While strolling through Gion, it began to drizzle, so we moved out to the covered Shijo Street, where I introduced various shops along the way. Among them, I introduced "Gion Hararyokaku," known for its black shichimi, and the guests showed interest and purchased various items such as shichimi, ponzu, and shirodashi. Just as we left the shop, our time was up, and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
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.