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
- ① 09:00 Meet at Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
- ② 09:05 Itinerary explanation and explanation about the history of Kyoto
- ③ 09:45 Nijo Castle
- ④ 11:20 Saga Daikakuji Temple
- ⑤ 12:45 Jojakko-ji Temple
- ⑥ 13:45 Arashiyama Kameyama Park
- ⑦ 14:10 Bamboo Grove ～ Nonomiya Shrine
- ⑧ 14:45 Tenryu-ji Temple・Garden
- ⑨ 15:20 Disband in front of Nishiki Market
What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle and Nishiki Market
The guests were visitors from Europe. They listened patiently and attentively to my explanations. At Nijo Castle, I am often asked lately why the shogun needed to return political power to the emperor, and today was no exception. Many guests are also quite familiar with the term "Meiji Restoration," so I often explain that as well. Since most guests start their trip to Japan in Tokyo, they tend to be well informed about many things, but perhaps the Meiji Restoration doesn't come up because Edo Castle no longer exists. We had a great time talking about the Beatles. In the taxi, the conversation started with how I am a big Beatles fan and how I have never been to Liverpool or Abbey Road but would love to go someday, and while humming "Hey Jude," we ended up singing "Let It Be" and "Yesterday" together, which was really enjoyable. They had a big breakfast in the morning and walked around without lunch, so they were a bit tired in the latter half. We said goodbye in front of Nishiki Market with an "ookini," hoping they would return again in autumn for the fall foliage. They must have been quite hungry by then.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…
Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable. Spoke perfect English and made the day fun and educational. Was able to adjust the tour based on my needs.
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…
Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu san in Kyoto. From the moment that the tour was booked, his communication with email about planning the day was exceptional.
Kazu gave detailed explanations about the areas we visited and we appreciated all that he had to offer at each of our stops.
We thoroughly enjoyed our day with him.
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…
Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu. By the end of the day, we felt like we had made a new friend.
Kazu helped us arrange the best day with our short time in Kyoto. He brought us to some “hidden gems” and gave us thorough explanations on history and culture.
I would highly recommend this tour.
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…
Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide Kazu was very knowledgeable in terms of the history and explaining many of
the wonderful ancient sites around Kyoto. Definitely a must! Otherwise, I think it would be
difficult to tourists to understand on their own.