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
- 10：00 Hyatt Regency Kyoto
- 11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
- 12：00 Lunch (Arashiyama food stand)
- 13：30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 15：00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 16：00 Disband in front of Inari Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Hyatt Regency Kyoto at 10:00, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 11:00, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 13:30 and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shichijo to Enmachi by train (590JPY); Nishinokyo-Enmachi to Kinkakuji-michi by bus (230JPY); Osaka-Uehommachi to Sumiyoshi Taisha by train (420JPY); Sumiyoshi Taisha to Tanimachi 4-chome by train (480JPY); Tanimachi 4-chome to Namba by train (240JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,960JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like on a Hot Summer Day? A Guide's Report
We started with a walk through Arashiyama in the intense midday summer heat, though there were moments when some of the guests grew tired and their mood declined. As they requested that we narrow down the sightseeing spots, we had a light meal at a food stand near the Bamboo Grove path and then moved on quickly to Kinkaku-ji. Since reaching Kinkaku-ji requires taking a bus, I asked whether they would prefer to change the itinerary to Nijo Castle, which is near the station, but they said Kinkaku-ji is very famous and they really wanted to see it. So, as an alternative, the guests took a taxi from Enmachi Station while I traveled by bus. We reunited at Kinkaku-ji and were able to continue the tour as usual. As this was sightseeing while not yet accustomed to the Japanese summer, I imagine they were tired, but they shared that they were satisfied with the sightseeing spots.
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 | Train | Shichijo～Enmachi | 590JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Nishinokyo-Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Osaka-Uehommachi～Sumiyoshi Taisha | 420JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Sumiyoshi Taisha～Tanimachi 4-chome | 480JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Tanimachi 4-chome～Namba | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,960JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hyatt Regency Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,960JPY 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?
Tomoko 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 raised in Osaka and now I live in Nara where the history of Japan began, so I am familiar with historic sites such as shrines, temples, castles, traditional wooden townhouses, and so on. I like to guide historic and cultural places such as Kyoto, Nara, Koyasan, Himeji which were designated as world heritage sites. I am a trainee of chado, tea ceremony so I am knowledgeable about Japanese traditional culture related to zen.
I also like to introduce Japanese food culture in Nishiki in Kyoto or Doubonbori in Osaka. I have guided Nishiki and Kuromon market many times and many guests enjoy a food tour with me.
I try to make you feel comfortable and enjoyable during the tour. I hope you’ll have a great time with me and enjoy Japan!