Kyoto: Kinkakuji & Randen Arashiyama Sta — Guide Kazz

May, 2025

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 Hotel Canata Kyoto
  • 09:30 Kinkakuji (500) by taxi
  • 10:30 Ryoanji (600) by taxi rock garden
  • 11:40 Daikakuji (500) by taxi
  • 12:40 Lunch（Chojiya）by taxi
  • 13:15 Tenryuji (500+300) by walking
  • 14:30 Bamboo forest by walking
  • Arashiyama
  • Togetsukyo
  • 15:00 Randen Arashiyama Sta.
  • End of the tour

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The itinerary covered Hotel Canata Kyoto at 09:00, Kinkakuji (500) by taxi at 09:30, Ryoanji (600) by taxi rock garden at 10:30, Daikakuji (500) by taxi at 11:40, Tenryuji (500+300) by walking at 13:15, Bamboo forest by walking at 14:30 and Randen Arashiyama Sta. at 15:00.

Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Garden and Temple Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. They were both very energetic and mentioned that they would head to the Kumano Kodo after Kyoto. Perhaps because it was just after the Golden Week holidays, nowhere was particularly crowded. They were interested in plants related to gardens as well as architecture, so we talked about many topics. At Ryoan-ji Temple, we could hear forest green tree frogs calling. In the bamboo grove of Sagano, many bamboo shoots were vigorously sprouting, giving a real sense of energy. They hardly stopped at souvenir shops, but at Ryoan-ji they purchased a furoshiki wrapping cloth and a photo book. After the tour ended, they wanted to visit Myoshin-ji Temple, so I showed them how to get there from Randen Arashiyama Station and we parted ways.

Click here for more details: Kyoto Japanese Gardens Private Tour with Licensed Guide

Tour Report by Kazz

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!

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