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
- AM 08:00 Tour start
- Travel by train to Arashiyama
- AM 09:00 – AM 10:00 To the bamboo grove via Tenryu-ji Garden
- Travel by train & bus to Kinkaku-ji
- AM 10:45-PM11:30 Visit Kinkaku-ji
- Travel by bus to Kitaoji Terminal
- AM 11:50-PM12:15 Lunch at AEON Food Court
- Travel by train to Nijo Castle
- PM 12:40-PM13:50 Tour of Nijo Castle Ninomaru and Garden
- Travel by train, tour ends at Sanjo PM 14:00
What Is a Private Tour of Tokyo Like for First-Time Visitors to Japan? A Licensed Guide's Report
I was worried about a sudden rain, but fortunately it managed to hold off.
It was the group's first trip to Japan, with guests visiting from North America.
Out of curiosity, I asked about their home region, and they told me that besides fried chicken, horse racing is a famous local attraction there.
While I was explaining things at each sightseeing spot, there wasn't much reaction, and I began to wonder if they were finding it boring.
However, the reason turned out to be that they did not have much prior knowledge about Japan and were not familiar with some basic points.
They said that this visit had sparked their interest in Japanese culture, so they planned to take a closer look at the shogun era.
When I asked why they had decided to visit Japan, they said it was on the recommendation of a friend.
I had also heard that they wanted to try takoyaki, so I made sure they got to enjoy it.
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 | Train | Kiyomizu-Gojo～Sanjo | 170JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Sanjo-Keihan～Nijo | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nijo～Saga-Arashiyama | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Randen Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkaku-ji-mae | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Kinkaku-ji-mae～Kitaoji Bus Terminal | 220JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Kitaoji～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Section 8 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo-Keihan | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,770JPY | ||
Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!
Sep 29, 2026
matthewsY2654UC
Highly recommended!
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us…
Sep 29, 2026
matthewsY2654UC
Highly recommended!
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Yoshi is an exceptional guide where he took us to the best market stalls at the fish market where every food we indulged in (including the sea snails and eel liver) were superb. The walking tour of the tea houses (Geisha district) and knowledge of the history of both the precinct and greater Japan was first class. Yoshi is also a kind and caring person and made conversation very easy, including when we wanted to dig into the country’s cultural values and lifestyle
Sep 28, 2026
751juergend
Perfect day in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Yoshi was the perfect guide, very…
Sep 28, 2026
751juergend
Perfect day in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Yoshi was the perfect guide, very knowledgable and very friendly. He is an excellent role model tour guide. We can only recommend him. Thank you so much Yoshi!
Sep 27, 2026
karen_f
YOSHI san was incredible!
Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
YOSHI met us at our…
Sep 27, 2026
karen_f
YOSHI san was incredible!
Viator review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
YOSHI met us at our hotel and was very friendly and helpful. We walked around the city and he took us to view several different spots including samurai living quarters, geisha houses, the beautiful garden built by Maeda san. Yoshi was knowledgeable about the entire city and it’s treasured history. He inspired me to do some reading on Maeda san, a leader who played a huge part in the development of the city. Yoshi was an excellent guide, and even provided a LOT of recommendations and useful information for after our tour. We would definitely recommend YOSHI san! Note: you will need a IC card to board some of the city buses.
Sep 19, 2026
Plumb72
A morning in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We had a fab tour with Yoshi…
Sep 19, 2026
Plumb72
A morning in Kanazawa
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
We had a fab tour with Yoshi our guide, we visited the tea district then the gardens and castle which were my favourite. Yoshi was very informative , explaining the history and mechanisms of the castle was built and the water system. He was also very helpful with explaining the bus service.