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
- 7:30 Hotel Meet (Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto)
- 7:30-7:45 Travel (on foot; Hotel → Kiyomizu-dera Temple)
- 7:45-9:00 Visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 9:00-9:15 Travel (City Bus; Gojozaka → Higashiyama-Shichijo)
- 9:15-10:00 Visit Sanjusangen-do Temple
- 10:00-10:25 Travel (Keihan Train; Keihan-Shichijo → Keihan-Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo-Keihan → Nijo Castle)
- 10:25-11:30 Visit Nijo Castle Tour ends
- After visiting Nijo Castle, we parted ways with the guests
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour of Kiyomizu-dera, Sanjusangendo, and Nijo Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto. I took them to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangendo, and Nijo Castle. Since heavy crowds were expected during the Golden Week holiday, we started the tour early at 7:30 in the morning and finished visiting Kiyomizu-dera while it was still relatively uncrowded. Instead of going through Ninen-zaka, Sannen-zaka, and Yasaka Pagoda, we took Chawan-zaka to avoid the crowds. Also, since a long line was expected for ticket purchases at Nijo Castle, I purchased the tickets online in advance with the guests' consent, and they reimbursed me afterward. Even though it was the middle of Golden Week, we were able to avoid the crowds relatively well. Some of the guests said they enjoyed Kiyomizu-dera the most, while others preferred Sanjusangendo.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Gojozaka／Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama-Shichijo／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Keihan-Shichijo／Queen Line～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 630JPY | ||
My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. The itinerary was well organized, starting with a convenient hotel pickup before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through the thousands of red torii gates was a memorable experience, and our guide shared interesting background about the shrine that added helpful context.
We then explored the Kiyomizu area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Koshindo Temple. The route offered a nice mix of historic landmarks, traditional streets, and scenic viewpoints. There was enough time at each stop to take photos and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
What really made this tour special was our guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. He provided interesting cultural insights, recommended local foods and hidden photo spots, and made sure everyone in the group was comfortable throughout the day.
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent!…
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent! Great communication before the tour and laid out an entire day for us. Was very accommodating and understood when the heat got to us and needed to take a break. He was very knowledgeable and gave us great pieces of information about the beautiful city of Kyoto. Would highly recommend the tour and Michi!!
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative. He had a great plan for our tour and everything went smoothly. He talked about the history of the city, industry, and culture and kept our daughters engaged. Highly recommended!
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of all the sites we visited, was able to answer all of core questions, and knew where to find cold water when we were all thirsty! We really enjoyed our whole 4 hour tour.