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

  • 1. 10:00 Meet up @ROKU Kyoto
  • 2. 10:45 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 3. 12:00 @Yasaka Shrine
  • 4. 13:00 @Ippodo
  • 5. 14:00 Lunch @Katsukura Main Store
  • 6. 15:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • 7. 17:00 Disband @Gion-Shijo

What Can You See on a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari? A Licensed Guide's Report

Since the guests were staying near Kinkaku-ji, I guided them around the Kiyomizu-dera area. As a lot of walking was expected, we took a taxi from the Hotel to Kiyomizu-dera, but I had them walk up as much of the slope as possible from Chawanzaka. They were moved by the beauty of Kiyomizu-dera. We walked down Kiyomizuzaka, then Sannenzaka, then Ninenzaka. Along the way, the guests enjoyed taking photos near the Yasaka Pagoda, and also enjoyed a Starbucks housed in a traditional Japanese house. After guiding them through Yasaka Shrine, I showed them around the Gion Shirakawa area and took them to Ippodo, a long-established tea shop. This was because they mentioned they wanted to purchase matcha at a reliable store. After that, we had lunch, visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, and parted ways in Gion-Shijo, where they had a dinner reservation. They were very pleased and said they had spent a truly meaningful day.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainSanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Gion-Shijo220JPY
Total440JPY

Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

Sep 29, 2026
duncans746
Yuka was great
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