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
- 8:00 Meet @ Hotel Okura Kyoto
- 9:00-9:50 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:25-11:25 @ Nijo Castle
- 11:55-12:20 @ Kinkaku-ji
- 12:35-13:00 Lunch @ Gyoza no Osho Kinkaku-ji Branch
- 13:35-14:05 @ Kiyomizu-dera
- 14:45-15:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 15:40 Dismissal @ Hotel Okura Kyoto
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Communication in English was extremely difficult, and even basic conversation required the use of a translation app.
At the pre-tour stage, the destinations had not been decided, so we agreed to determine where to go after meeting on the day. The guests showed me photos of places they wanted to visit one after another, and I built the day's itinerary based on those. I considered how to travel efficiently using public transportation, but in the end all transportation was done by taxi.
The taxi driver we used to travel from the Hotel to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove did not know how to get to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which was both surprising and challenging. Since the driver was looking at a smartphone with one hand while driving, I signaled each time the light turned green and directed the route partway through, and we finally reached the bamboo grove.
During our walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, one of the guests wanted to use the restroom, so I guided them to a restroom at a nearby park, but it appeared there was no toilet paper available, which caused some difficulty.
Before heading to Kinkaku-ji, as a measure against the heat I recommended purchasing frozen bottled drinks, and we walked while each of the guests carried one.
One of the guests was a smoker, so I pointed out smoking areas at various locations.
The finishing time was a little early, but after walking around Fushimi Inari Taisha, I took the guests back to the Hotel by taxi and we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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.