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
- 10:30 Hotel Kyoto
- 11:00 Fushimiinari (0) by Subway and JR train
- 12:00 Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi
- Sannenzaka by walking
- Yasaka-no-to by walking
- Ninenzaka by walking
- Lunch (ichiren Kyoto: Yuzu Ramen)
- 14:30 Kennninji (800)by walking
- Hanamikoji by walking
- 15:40 Kinkakuji(500) by taxi
- 16:20 Ryoanji(600)
- 17:00 Hotel Kyoto
- End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Kyoto at 10:30, Fushimiinari (0) by Subway and JR train at 11:00, Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi at 12:00, Kennninji (800)by walking at 14:30, Kinkakuji(500) by taxi at 15:40, Ryoanji(600) at 16:20 and Hotel Kyoto at 17:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Karasuma Oike to Kyoto by train (220JPY); Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 370JPY per person.
What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Ryoan-ji
The guests were visitors from North America, traveling in Japan during a break. The day before, they had visited the monkey park, the bamboo grove, Tenryu-ji, and Nara Park, where they enjoyed feeding the deer, and they told me they had walked about 30,000 steps. The day of the tour was extremely hot, so we proceeded while sweating a great deal and staying hydrated. On the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, some of the guests had mango shaved ice and others had soft serve ice cream, and they asked me why Japanese soft serve is so delicious. For lunch, since they said they did not want Indian or Chinese food, I suggested ramen and took them to a yuzu ramen shop on Ninenzaka. They were delighted, saying this ramen was more delicious than the ramen they had at a famous chain restaurant in Tokyo. They did not do any souvenir shopping at all, so since we had a little time left at the final planned stop, Kinkaku-ji, I also guided them to Ryoan-ji. After that, we returned to the Hotel and ended the tour.
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 | Karasuma Oike～Kyoto | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Total | 370JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Kyoto, Fushimiinari (0) by Subway and JR train, Kiyomizudera (500) by taxi, Kennninji (800)by walking, Kinkakuji(500) by taxi, Ryoanji(600) and Hotel Kyoto.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 370JPY per person across 2 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?
Kazz 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’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly tour guide. He took us to many interesting places during the six hours as well as off the tourist path to more interesting places. He thoroughly explained everything from a current and historical perspective. Outstanding tour.
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing…
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing guide! He was super knowledgeable and gave us really interesting info throughout all the stops. He’s also an amazing photographer!
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a…
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a true pleasure . Exceeded my expectations in knowledge and support of our questions.
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed us around which was great