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
- 12:30 Meet at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
- 12:35 Brief explanation of today's itinerary and the history of Kyoto
- 13:30 Zuiho-in (sub-temple of Daitoku-ji)
- 14:15 Obai-in (sub-temple of Daitoku-ji)
- 15:30 Pontocho ~ Gion Shirakawa ~ Yasui Konpira Shrine
- 16:00 Yasaka Pagoda ~ Sannenzaka
- 16:45 Disband in front of Kiyomizu-dera Temple
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like in Summer Heat? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. There had been little email correspondence beforehand, so the destinations were decided on the day at the Hotel. I brought a document I had prepared, which grouped Kyoto's most popular spots and hidden gems by area along with notes on their highlights, and we cheerfully decided where to go based on that. Throughout the day the guests kept referring to this document as we walked, even reading it carefully in the taxi, and those small gestures made me quietly happy.
The temperature was around 36–37°C, and the humidity was extremely heavy. Since we started late, we agreed to skip lunch and began the tour. After walking through Daitoku-ji Temple, Pontocho, Gion Shirakawa, and Yasui Konpira Shrine, we took an ice cream break. Then, after climbing Sannenzaka, the fatigue peaked and one of the guests could no longer continue right in front of the ticket office at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. They asked to stroll a little around Sannenzaka and then cool down at the Hotel, so although there was still time remaining, we parted ways.
Even I, who should be used to this muggy heat, found my energy considerably drained. It was a demanding tour, but for that very reason I hope it becomes a fond, warm memory. I hope the guests will remember the concept of "ichigo ichie" (once-in-a-lifetime encounter) that I explained at the Zen temple.
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.