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
- 9:00 Meet @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
- 9:20-10:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:15-12:00 @ Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:30-13:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 14:20-15:00 @ Sanjusangendo
- 15:30 Disband @ Gyoza no Taisho Sanjo Branch
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama and ended at 15:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 9:20, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:15, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 12:30 and Sanjusangendo at 14:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station to Fushimi-Inari Station by train (220JPY); Inari Station to Enmachi Station by train (200JPY); Nishinokyo-Enmachi to Kinkakuji-michi by bus (230JPY); Arashiyama Station to Shijo-Omiya Station by train (250JPY); Shijo-Omiya to Shijo-Keihan by bus (230JPY); Gion-Shijo Station to Shichijo Station by train (170JPY); Shichijo Station to Sanjo Station by train (170JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,470JPY per person.
What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in Hot Weather? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America, on their fourth day in Japan after arriving via Osaka. Since they were undecided about whether to visit Sanjusangendo or Kiyomizu-dera, I recommended Sanjusangendo, which is mainly indoors, considering how high the temperature was that day.
They mentioned that they would like to return to Fushimi Inari Taisha another time to climb all the way to the summit. When they asked which time of day would be best for that, I recommended early morning.
They shared that they collect decorative license plates from the places they travel to, and they purchased two Japanese-style design license plates at a souvenir shop near Kinkaku-ji.
To save time and cope with the heat, I recommended taking a taxi from Kinkaku-ji to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
While walking through the bamboo grove, one of the guests confided a secret. After exploring the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, they bought shaved ice on the main street, Nagatsuji-dori, and enjoyed it as they walked.
Since the temperature was very high from the morning, I made sure to stop by convenience stores and similar places so they could stay hydrated regularly.
After the tour, they said they wanted to eat gyoza for lunch, so I guided them inside a gyoza restaurant on Sanjo and we parted ways there.
It was a hot day, but the guests were in great spirits.
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 | Kiyomizu-Gojo Station～Fushimi-Inari Station | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari Station～Enmachi Station | 200JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Nishinokyo-Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Arashiyama Station～Shijo-Omiya Station | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Shijo-Omiya～Shijo-Keihan | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Gion-Shijo Station～Shichijo Station | 170JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Shichijo Station～Sanjo Station | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,470JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama at 9:00, and the tour finished at @ Gyoza no Taisho Sanjo Branch at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Sanjusangendo.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,470JPY 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?
Kaz 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.
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.