I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
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
- 9:20 Late start due to guest being late and using the ATM
- 10:10. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:40. Togetsukyo Bridge
- 11:25! Ryoanji Temple
- 12:45 Lunch
- 13:30 Kinkakuji Temple
- 14:25 Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kamishichiken
- 15:20. Drop off at hotel and end tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Late start due to guest being late and using the ATM at 9:20, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 10:10, Togetsukyo Bridge at 10:40, ! Ryoanji Temple at 11:25, Kinkakuji Temple at 13:30, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kamishichiken at 14:25 and Drop off at hotel and end tour at 15:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto City Hall Front to Uzumasa Tenjingawa by subway (260JPY); Randen Tenjingawa to Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) by train (250JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Ryoanji Temple by train (250JPY); Kinkakuji-michi to Kitano Hakubaicho by Kyoto City Bus (230JPY); Kamishichiken by bus (230JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,220JPY per person.
What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. One of them found English a little difficult, but the other helped with communication. The effects of a typhoon continued, so it was not too hot, and there were fewer tourists, which made it possible to take many good photos. As the Obon period had passed, there were not many domestic tourists either. Arashiyama in particular was easy to photograph even after 10:00. After Kinkaku-ji, we had a little extra time, so I guided them from Kitano Tenmangu to Kamishichiken and then saw them off at the Hotel, ending the tour. We used a taxi from Ryoan-ji to the lunch spot. The photo was taken at Ryoan-ji.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kyoto City Hall Front～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Ryoanji Temple | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Other | Kinkakuji-michi～Kitano Hakubaicho / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kamishichiken / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto City Hall Front / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 1,220JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Late start due to guest being late and using the ATM, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Togetsukyo Bridge, ! Ryoanji Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and Kamishichiken and Drop off at hotel and end tour.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,220JPY per person across 5 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?
Kazu 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 was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.