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

  • 8:30 The Thousand Kyoto Meet-up
  • 9:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • 10:35 Mikami Shrine〜Arashiyama Bamboo Grove〜Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
  • 12:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 13:20 Gion Hanamikoji Street〜Tatsumi Bridge
  • 14:10 The Thousand Kyoto Dismissal

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji

The guests were a group visiting from North America. We first went to Fushimi Inari Taisha, and since we arrived early, it was not too crowded, which was ideal. When I mentioned that the Nintendo headquarters was nearby, they said they would love to take a photo in front of the building, so we stopped the car and took pictures. After that we headed to Arashiyama, where the lotus flowers in the pond in front of Mikami Shrine, near the Sagano Romantic Train, were astonishingly beautiful, and the guests were delighted. They then enjoyed the bamboo grove and the garden of Tenryu-ji Temple. They were also impressed by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji, our next stop. We strolled a little through the Gion district, but as it was extremely hot, the guests said they would like to return to their cool hotel for lunch, so we wrapped up a little early. I believe they had an enjoyable time.

Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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