Osaka in One Day: Kinkaku-ji Temple — Guide Michi
September, 2024
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
- 9:30 Meet the guests at Osaka Port Terminal (I was informed at the Meet that one of the guests suddenly could not join the tour due to back pain)
- 9:30-10:50 Travel (by reserved car from Osaka Airport → Arashiyama)
- 10:50-11:30 Stroll around Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge, Tenryu-ji Temple, Sogenchi Garden, Bamboo Grove)
- 11:30-11:50 Travel (by reserved car from Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji Temple)
- 11:50-12:20 Visit Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:20-12:30 Travel (by reserved car from Kinkaku-ji Temple → Restaurant Miyabi (Kitaenmachi))
- 12:30-13:00 Lunch (Miyabi, Okonomiyaki)
- 13:00-13:10 Travel (by reserved car from restaurant → Japanese Culture Experience An Kyoto)
- 13:10-14:40 Wagashi making experience & Matcha experience
- 14:40-14:50 Travel (by reserved car from An Kyoto → Samurai Ninja Experience Museum)
- 15:00-16:00 Ninja experience at the Samurai Museum
- 16:10-17:15 Travel (by reserved car from Samurai Ninja Museum → Osaka Port Terminal)
- 17:20 Farewell
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka Port Like for Cruise Ship Guests? A Licensed Guide's Report
At the meeting point at the Osaka Port terminal, I received word that one member of the group could not join due to back pain, so the final participants were the guests visiting from Oceania. The guests had arrived at Osaka Port by cruise ship and had booked a Kyoto tour. In our correspondence beforehand, they had expressed a wish to experience Japanese culture, so in the morning we did general sightseeing at Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji, and in the afternoon we did a wagashi (Japanese sweets) making session and a matcha experience, as well as a ninja experience at a samurai and ninja museum. The matcha experience did not feel very authentic and seemed a little underwhelming. During the ninja experience, the throwing of shuriken was enjoyed, and shuriken were purchased as a souvenir.
Because it was the middle day of a three-day weekend, the roads were more congested than expected, so our arrival at Arashiyama was delayed by about 20 minutes, and I had to shorten the time for walking around Arashiyama and visiting Kinkaku-ji. (I felt a little apologetic for rushing the guests.)
On the way back, the driver raised the matter of requesting payment for the car fare upon arrival, so I confirmed the contract details with the guests and reviewed the details of this case myself. Just to be safe, I contacted the emergency contact line of [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) and confirmed that the arrangement matched the contract. I explained to the guests that this was a matter of communication between agents, but I may have caused them some discomfort. I apologized sincerely, but I believe this is something that should never happen. It was fortunate that this trouble could be resolved before arrival.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Osaka Port Terminal～Arashiyama | 0JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Arashiyama～Kinkaku-ji Temple | 0JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Kinkaku-ji Temple～Restaurant Miyabi (Kitaenmachi) | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Other | Restaurant Miyabi (Kitaenmachi)～An Kyoto (Gojo) | 0JPY |
| Section 5 | Other | An Kyoto～Samurai Ninja Museum | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Other | Samurai Ninja Museum～Osaka Port Terminal | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
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.