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
- 9:30 Meet @ Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
- 10:10-10:45 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:30-12:00 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 12:05-12:35 Lunch @ RAMEN Arashiyama Chikurin-tei
- 13:30-14:00 @ Nijo Castle
- 14:45-15:15 @ Sanjusangendo
- 15:35 Dismissal @ Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:30 at @ Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto and ended at 15:35. The day ran to 6 hours and 5 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ RAMEN Arashiyama Chikurin-tei at 12:05.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:10, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 11:30, Nijo Castle at 13:30 and Sanjusangendo at 14:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kiyomizu-Gojo Station to Fushimi-Inari Station by train (220JPY); Inari Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station by train (240JPY); Arashiyama Station to Randen-Tenjingawa Station by train (250JPY); Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae Station to Sanjo-Keihan Station by subway (220JPY); Sanjo Station to Shichijo Station by train (170JPY); Shichijo to Kiyomizu-Gojo Station by train (170JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,490JPY per person.
What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Family Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. Since the local agent had informed us that the guests wished to decide the destinations on the day of the tour, we finalized the itinerary after meeting them. Everyone had their own IC card, so entering and exiting the stations went smoothly. One of the guests mentioned that the fox was their favorite animal, so they were delighted when I explained that the fox is the divine messenger at Fushimi Inari. The guests said they did not eat pork or shellfish. After strolling through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, we were drawn in by a "Vegan Ramen" sign and had lunch at a ramen restaurant near the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Between the curt attitude of the staff, a forgotten spoon, and the food being underwhelming, the guests left quite a lot uneaten. Because it was a Tuesday, the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle was closed, so we were only able to walk through the Ninomaru Garden and the former keep site. After exploring Sanjusangendo, I saw the guests back to their Hotel, and we parted ways.
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～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama Station～Randen-Tenjingawa Station | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Nijojo-mae Station～Sanjo-Keihan Station | 220JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Sanjo Station～Shichijo Station | 170JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Shichijo～Kiyomizu-Gojo Station | 170JPY |
| Total | 1,490JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto at 9:30, and the tour finished at @ Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto at 15:35.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 5 minutes in total, from 9:30 to 15:35.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nijo Castle and Sanjusangendo.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,490JPY 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.