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
- AM 09:00 Tour starts from Hotel Granvia Kyoto Station
- Travel by foot from Honkoji Temple to Nishi Honganji
- AM 09:20-10:00 Nishi Honganji visit (Karamon Gate, Goeido Hall, Amidado Hall)
- Travel by foot to the Shimabara area
- AM 10:15- 10:45 Introduction to Sumiya and Wachigaiya
- Travel by foot via Senbon-dori to Mibudera Temple
- AM 11:00 – PM12:30 Mibudera Temple Amidado Hall visit, participate in Yagi House tour (with matcha and sweets)
- Travel by foot to Sanjo-dori shopping street
- PM 12:45-13:40 Lunch at eel restaurant
- Travel by foot to Nijo Castle
- PM 13:50- 14:30 Nijo Castle visit
- Travel by subway to Kyoto Station
- PM 15:00 Tour ends at Kyoto Station
What Is a Private Kyoto Samurai-History Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe who had arrived in Japan by cruise ship. Since they wished to visit places that ordinary tourists do not go to, and also wanted somewhere they could feel samurai culture, we decided to visit sites associated with the Shinsengumi. I was a little unsure how interested they would be, but they enjoyed exploring the historic locations. At the Yagi Residence, they purchased a Shinsengumi haori jacket. As they also wished to experience a local atmosphere, we walked through the Sanjo-dori shopping street, and on the way to Nijo Castle we stopped for lunch at a local eel restaurant, which was also very well received. The guests mentioned that they had been to Nijo Castle before but wished to see it again, so although we did not have much time, we visited only the interior of the palace. Since they had booked a ryokan in Kameoka, the tour concluded at Kyoto Station in time for the 15:08 train departing from Kyoto.
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～Kyoto | 260JPY |
| Total | 260JPY | ||
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!
Jul 25, 2026
Ann W
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…
Jul 25, 2026
Ann W
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my trip!
Booking a private tour with Hideharu (Yoshi) Yoshino was easily one of the absolute highlights of my trip.
Yoshi-san customized the day perfectly to my interests, accommodating a last-minute hotel change and timing our morning perfectly so we could see the spectacular Gion Matsuri parade without the heavy crowds.
We explored Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and the traditional streets of Gion at a wonderful, relaxed pace.
The tour was fascinating and packed with interesting details that allowed me to truly understand Kyoto’s rich history.
Highly recommended!
Jul 18, 2026
Geert73
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
We, a…
Jul 18, 2026
Geert73
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
We, a family of 5, had a very enjoyable 6-hour private tour of Kanazawa with Hideharu Yoshino from Japan Guide Agency.
Communication before the tour was excellent and made it very easy to plan the day. Yoshi’s English was excellent, which made communication throughout the tour very smooth. He provided very clear and interesting explanations, giving us a better understanding of the history and culture of the places we visited.
During the tour we explored Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, and the Geisha and Samurai districts.
It was a well-organized and informative tour. Highly recommended.
Jul 15, 2026
G5010ZVmelodys
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
Our…
Jul 15, 2026
G5010ZVmelodys
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
Our tea and culture day in Kanazawa with our guide Hideharu Yoshino was amazing! Yoshi is very fluent in English and a great companion to walk around with as he knows so much about the history and culture of Kanazawa and Japan. He also knew the best place to grab lunch and helped us pick what was good local fish, curry or tea to try. Plus he made sure we felt comfortable and never out of place wherever we went. I would recommend him for anyone who likes to know more about what they are seeing or what they can do in the area. Yoshi is great!
Jul 11, 2026
rikkes490
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Rigtig god guidet tur
Rigtig god oplevelse og gode forklaringer
とても良いガイドツアーでした。
とても良い体験でした。説明も分かりやすく、とても良かったです。