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

  • 10:00 Meet up @ Candeo Hotels Osaka Shinsaibashi
  • 11:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 12:40 Sagano Romantic Train ~ Bamboo Grove ~ Tenryu-ji Temple North Gate
  • 13:00 Tenryu-ji Temple
  • 14:05 Lunch
  • 16:25 Kiyomizu-dera Temple ~ Sannenzaka ~ Yasaka Pagoda ~ Kodai-ji Temple Parking
  • 16:55 Transfer: Taxi
  • 17:00 Disband @ Hotel Kyoto
  • At the guest's request, we disbanded in Kyoto one hour early.

What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were a group visiting from North America. Most of the group were visiting Japan for the first time. It was a very cold day, but we were able to visit all the places they had requested, so I believe they were fully satisfied. One member of the group had difficulty walking and preferred to avoid long distances and slopes, so they waited in the vehicle except at Kinkaku-ji Temple. The plan was a round trip from Osaka, but since the group was moving to a hotel in Kyoto that day, at their request we ended the tour in Kyoto and finished one hour earlier than planned.

Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!

Jul 13, 2025
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Excellent tour
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