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.
Tour Itinerary
- 09:00 Dhawa Yura Kyoto,
- 10:00 Ginkakuji (500) Keihan train & bus
- Philosopher’s Path by walking
- 11:30 Nanzenji (600 + 600) by walking
- Sanmon
- Hojo
- Suirokaku
- 13:00 Lunch （Colorado Massan）
- 14:00 Nijojo (1300) by walking
- 15:00 End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Dhawa Yura Kyoto, at 09:00, Ginkakuji (500) Keihan train & bus at 10:00, Nanzenji (600 + 600) by walking at 11:30 and Nijojo (1300) by walking at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo to Demachiyanagi by train (230JPY); Demachiyanagi Station to Ginkakuji-michi by bus (230JPY); Keage to Nijojo-mae by train (260JPY); Nijojo-mae to Karasuma Oike by train (220JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 940JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like When Guests Skip the Usual Highlights? A Licensed Guide's Report
I meant to submit this report earlier but had missed it, so I am submitting it belatedly. Thank you for your understanding.
The guests were visitors from Europe. Photos were taken, but they asked that these not be sent to the agency. They were traveling from Okinawa to Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Since they had joined a tour the previous day and already visited the must-see spots, they asked me to avoid the same places, so we proceeded with an itinerary I put together the night before. Partly due to the heat, none of the sites were particularly crowded. The itinerary included admission fees, but the guests held a pass, so no admission fees were charged anywhere. At Nijo Castle, however, a procedure at the office was required, where they signed and a copy of the pass was made. Initially they had mentioned they wanted to see a little of the Gion Festival, so at the end of the tour I tried to show them the assembly of the floats for the later festival, but as it was too hot they decided to return to the hotel, so we took the subway and parted ways along the way. Unlike the large-group tour of the previous day, this was a more relaxed experience that let them move at their own pace, and they were very pleased.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Sanjo～Demachiyanagi | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Demachiyanagi Station～Ginkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Keage～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Nijojo-mae～Karasuma Oike | 220JPY |
| Total | 940JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Dhawa Yura Kyoto,, Ginkakuji (500) Keihan train & bus, Nanzenji (600 + 600) by walking and Nijojo (1300) by walking.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 940JPY per person across 4 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Kazz is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly tour guide. He took us to many interesting places during the six hours as well as off the tourist path to more interesting places. He thoroughly explained everything from a current and historical perspective. Outstanding tour.
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
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Kazz was an amazing…
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing guide! He was super knowledgeable and gave us really interesting info throughout all the stops. He’s also an amazing photographer!
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a…
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a true pleasure . Exceeded my expectations in knowledge and support of our questions.
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed us around which was great