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
- 8:45 Meet the arriving Nozomi train on the platform at Kyoto Station
- 9:20 Lake Biwa Canal
- 9:45 Philosopher's Path
- 10:15 Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 11:25 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 12:10 Lunch near Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 12:45 Stroll from Sannenzaka to Ninenzaka, etc.
- 13:30 Yasaka Shrine
- 14:20 Stroll around Gion
- 14:50 Purchase a kitchen knife at a knife shop in Nishiki Market
- 15:20 Guide ends at Kyoto Station
Title: What's a 6-Hour Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Higashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests came from Europe. Although the regional accent can be strong, I had no trouble understanding, as I had visited the area many times during my time based in London. We walked from the Philosopher's Path to Ginkaku-ji Temple. Visitors from Europe, much like Japanese people, tend to appreciate the aesthetics of wabi-sabi. We had planned to stroll from Sannenzaka through the Higashiyama district, but since the guests had previously come to Kiyomizu-dera Temple only to find it closed after hours, I guided them there this time. They enjoyed the view from the veranda and the Otowa Waterfall.
During the walk from Sannenzaka, the guests bought souvenirs as gifts. At Yasaka Shrine, they were delighted by the deities of beauty, of kitchen knives, and of matchmaking. From Gion, we walked through Pontocho, and finally at Nishiki Market they purchased a top-quality Japanese kitchen knife, as cooking is one of their hobbies. It was an enjoyable six hours together.
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 | Subway | Kyoto～Keage | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Demachiyanagi～Kiyomizu-Gojo | 280JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kyoto-Kawaramachi～Kyoto | 390JPY |
| Total | 930JPY | ||
My name is Shuji, meaning “Excellent Manager” in English. I was born in Hiroshima 1952. I have 2 children and 3 grandchildren.
After graduating Kyoto Univ. I joined Mitsubishi-UFJ Bank, Osaka Branch where I met my wife who was a master of Englsih, so I started studying English.
The bank allowed me to go to Columbia Graduate business school in New York and got MBA Degree there. I worked in London and Manchester Branch.
During staying in U.K., I was introduced by BBC and Financial Times News Paper about my achievement there. I was selected as a personal assistant and interpreter for the President of the Bank.
I made many business trips with him to overseas countries. I experienced as an interpreter for meeting late Henry Kissinger and the President of Citi. Corp.
I changed the job to ORIX corporation, there I was promoted to a Board Member. When the company had acquired Dutch company, I was a member as an accountant to check the Dutch company’s statements of accounts.
My hobbies are cooking, singing a song, playing tennis & golf, enjoy seeing arts especially opera & musical, travel. I am also busy with taking care of grandchildren. I passed Government Licensed Guide Exam. in 2016. After I retired in 2017, I started guide job as a part timer. So far, I accomplished guide job more than 500 times.
My area coverage is from Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Mt. Fuji to Kyoto, Nara, Oaka, Hiroshima. I am also able to guide Tea Ceremony, Maiko/Geisha, Sushi Making, Calligraphy, Sumo, Samurai, etc. I can speak excellent English. My knowledge is very wide and deep about not only sightseeing places but Japanese History, Culture, Religion, Daily Life. I know many foreign countries and people. I love talking with all kinds of people including babies with interesting humor.
By the way, I look young for my age of 74.
Jul 16, 2026
salomons666
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto fun
Amazing with our guide Shuji very kind and acknowledge
Jul 15, 2026
P9099TXkennethr
Tripadvisor review: Hiroshima & Miyajima in 1 Day: Private Tour, Licensed Guide
A great day
A great day in the Company of mr. Shuji.
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached…
Jun 28, 2026
A
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
AmyfromPlano
Shuji is the best! Once we booked this tour, he reached out immediately to make sure that we had a customized tour of what we wanted to see and do in Nara. The level of details in his emails was incredible! Not only did Shuji plan a great tour but he also went above and beyond by explaining the Japan rail system, the public transportation cards (Suica, Pasmo, etc.) and even told us exactly what trains, times and gates to exit so that our meetup was seamless. Been on a lot of tours around the world and have never had this level of communication. Once we started our tour, Shuji was articulate, knowledgeable and so much fun! Nara is amazing and Shuji made it so much better – please request him!
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
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Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was…
Jun 22, 2026
yeseniag981
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Osaka Tour
Our tour guide Shuji was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and made sure we were able to see everything that we wanted while in Osaka. He even took my 5 year old into consideration and took us to the Pokémon store since he is a Pokémon fan. I would definitely recommend him as a tour guide.