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
- 8:30Hotel The Mitsui Meet
- 9:20 Tenryu-ji Temple ~ North Gate ~ Bamboo Grove ~ Arashiyama Park ~ Katsura River ~ Togetsukyo Bridge
- 10:20 Arashiyama Main Street
- 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple ~ 12:40
- 13:30 Shijo Station
- 13:40 Lunch Nishiki Market
- 14:20 End at Nishiki Market
What Is a Private Family-Friendly Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They asked many questions along the way to each destination, including about Japan's economy and school system. They enjoyed the garden at Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove. As it was a hot day, we took a break on the main street with some matcha ice cream and baumkuchen before moving on to Kinkaku-ji Temple. We had also planned to visit Ryoan-ji Temple, but with the outside temperature exceeding 35 degrees, we changed our plans. After Kinkaku-ji Temple, we moved to the Shijo area for lunch. Since the guests had made an afternoon reservation at the "Samurai Museum," we said goodbye inside Nishiki Market.
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 | Nijojo-mae～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Kitano-Hakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Kitano-Hakubaicho／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Kitaoji Bus Terminal／Kyoto Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,480JPY | ||
Hello, I am Atsuko Hori. My nickname is “Anne” because I’m a big fan of ” Anne of Green Gables”. I am cheerful, talkative and punctual. I’ve been doing guiding more than ten years mainly in Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. I am especially familiar with ” Geisha Districts”, where traditional Japanese dancers live. I graduated from the university of Education in Nara. I love kids. Actually I have three grandchildren. I like history, architecture and local foods. My motto is giving the best hospitality to my guests. I think we will have a good time during the tour. Would you like to join my tour?
Sep 13, 2024
connormA415PD
Memorable Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide Anne was lovely & very…
Sep 13, 2024
connormA415PD
Memorable Tour of Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide Anne was lovely & very informative. She was very knowledgeable about each place we stopped and made each stop efficient but never felt rushed. The driver was great and the van was always nice and cool. We would definitely recommend Anne & the Japan Guide Agency for a tour of Kyoto.
Jul 3, 2024
Cosmopolitan691874
Private Kyoto Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our family had an amazing time with Anne in…
Jul 3, 2024
Cosmopolitan691874
Private Kyoto Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our family had an amazing time with Anne in Kyoto. Anne is prompt, flexible, and accommodating. As soon as our tour was booked Anne reached out to me and we began communicating via email. Anne provided us an agenda months before our trip. When we arrived in Kyoto I was able to text Anne and we adjusted our schedule to meet our needs. Anne met us at our hotel and off we went on our tour. Anne was very knowledgeable about the sites and the history of Kyoto. During the day she found out we wanted to visit a place not on our agenda and she was able to squeeze it in to our very packed day.
May 31, 2024
Clare_A
Once in a lifetime experience
Viator review: Kyoto Gion Tour Maiko or Geisha Dinner Included
Great tour with Ann who was…
May 31, 2024
Clare_A
Once in a lifetime experience
Viator review: Kyoto Gion Tour Maiko or Geisha Dinner Included
Great tour with Ann who was friendly and really knowledgeable. Loved the experience with
Maya the Maliki we met she was lovely, and sooo friendly and we learned so much about
the geisha culture. Meal was great too