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
- ①9:00 Meet at the hotel
- ②9:30 Stroll around the Gion Festival Yamahoko district
- ③10:45 Nanzen-ji Temple & Suirokaku Aqueduct
- ④11:45 Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts
- ⑤13:15 Kawaramachi Shijo (Lunch – Sushi on the 8th floor of Edion)
- ⑥14:30-15:00 Stroll through Pontocho and Gion, arrive at Yasaka Shrine and disband
What's a Private Kyoto Tour During the Gion Matsuri Festival Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was visiting Japan for the first time and staying in Kyoto during a holiday. When I asked about their interests in advance, they mentioned an interest in traditional crafts, so I built the itinerary around exploring the Yamaboko Junko float districts of the Gion Matsuri Festival, which can only be experienced at this time of year, along with a visit to Miyako Messe. At every location, the guest asked many enthusiastic questions and listened to my explanations with great interest. They also enjoyed photography and happily took pictures of various crafts, the festival floats, and the scenery with a high-quality camera. As the guest would be staying a few more days, I shared some recommended sightseeing spots. It was a hot day, but the guest seemed thoroughly satisfied.
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 | Gojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Karasuma Oike～Keage | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Okazaki Park Museum & Heian Shrine-mae / Kyoto Municipal Bus～Shijo Kawaramachi / Kyoto Municipal Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 670JPY | ||
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
Jul 23, 2026
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