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
- 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
- 9:15-10:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:00-10:45 Tenryu-ji Temple
- 11:00-12:00 Monkey Park
- 12:15-13:15 Lunch
- 14:00-15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 15:30-16:30 Nijo Castle
- 17:00 Disband at Kyoto Station
- Hotel: Sowaka (3-minute walk south of the south gate of Yasaka Shrine)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 9:00, when the guide met the guests at Kyoto Station, and finished at 17:00. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:15.
From there the group visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 9:15, Tenryu-ji Temple at 10:00, Monkey Park at 11:00, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 14:00 and Nijo Castle at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: JR Kyoto Station to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station by train (240JPY); JR Saga-Arashiyama Station to JR Enmachi Station by train (190JPY); City Bus Enmachi Station to City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station by bus (230JPY); City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station to City Bus Enmachi Station by bus (230JPY); JR Enmachi Station to JR Nijo Station by train (150JPY); Subway Nijo Station to Subway Nijojo-mae Station by subway (220JPY); Subway Nijojo-mae Station to Subway Kyoto Station by subway (260JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,520JPY per person.
What Can You See on an 8-Hour Private Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Their accommodation was located near Yasaka Shrine in the Higashiyama area, and since guiding them through the western part of Kyoto would leave limited touring time if I picked them up at the accommodation, we decided to meet and part ways at Kyoto Station instead.
For the first half of the itinerary, we visited the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, then Tenryu-ji Temple, and then the Monkey Park. For lunch, I chose Seishuan (next to the Togetsukyo Bridge), because it was a place where a group of eight could almost certainly be seated together and where the food comes out quickly. The taste was decent, and fortunately the guests were pleased with it.
For the second half, we visited Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Nijo Castle. It was a bit tight on time and the pace ended up being somewhat rushed, but the 8-hour course really does have great substance and is well worth it.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | JR Kyoto Station～JR Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | JR Saga-Arashiyama Station～JR Enmachi Station | 190JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | City Bus Enmachi Station～City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | City Bus Kinkaku-ji-michi Station～City Bus Enmachi Station | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | JR Enmachi Station～JR Nijo Station | 150JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Subway Nijo Station～Subway Nijojo-mae Station | 220JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Subway Nijojo-mae Station～Subway Kyoto Station | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,520JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Kyoto Station at 9:00, and the tour finished at Kyoto Station at 17:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 8 hours in total, from 9:00 to 17:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Tenryu-ji Temple, Monkey Park, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nijo Castle.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,520JPY per person across 7 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?
Ichiro 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.
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.