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
- 10:15 Hotel Meet 11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 12:20 Ryoanji Temple 13:25 Lunch (Sushi) 14:10 Kinkakuji Temple 15:15 Kyoto Imperial Palace 16:15 Drop off at hotel, tour ends
What Is a Private Cherry Blossom Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Both were very quiet and reserved. Before the tour started, they visited a nearby shrine and it took some time to order a goshuin stamp, so they returned to the Hotel later than planned, which delayed the start of the tour. Cherry blossoms were in bloom at every place we visited, and the arrival of spring could really be felt. In the afternoon it became warm enough to feel slightly hot. Every sightseeing spot was crowded, and when we tried to take a bus from Kinkaku-ji to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, there was an unusually long line. After discussing it with the guests, we decided to take a taxi to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. At the Imperial Palace, we were able to see a special exhibition, which was wonderful. The cherry blossoms inside the palace grounds were blooming beautifully, and one of the guests took many photos with a single-lens reflex camera. The photo was taken at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
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 | Other | Sanjo Keihan～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Randen Tenjingawa～Randen Arashiyama | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Randen Arashiyama～Ryoanji Temple | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Ryoanji-mae／Kyoto City Bus～Waratenjin-mae／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Other | Imadegawa～Sanjo Keihan | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,250JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.