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
- 9:00 Meet @ Mercure Kyoto Station
- 9:50-10:50 @ Nijo Castle
- 11:20-12:30 @ Gion
- 12:50-1325 @ Sanjusangendo
- 13:50-14:40 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 14:50 Dismissal @ Kyoto Station
What Is a Private Full-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Gion, and Fushimi Inari
The guests were visitors from North America. We were able to meet at 9:00, but they briefly returned to their room, so we actually set off around 9:15. Both were full of enthusiasm to learn about Japanese culture and history, and they actively asked all kinds of questions.
At Nijo Castle, the water had been drained from the Ninomaru Garden for cleaning, which made for a very disappointing scene. Not knowing this, I had recommended it to the guests under the blazing sun, which left me feeling embarrassed. I wished they would inform visitors at the time of ticket purchase, or at least post a notice at the garden entrance stating that cleaning was underway (there was such a notice near the garden exit, though).
For Gion, I guided them starting from the Shirakawa area along a route heading toward the Kaburenjo theater. There was little shade and it was extremely hot. At Sanjusangendo, since photography was not allowed, I handed them binoculars instead so they could enjoy the details. At Fushimi Inari, they seemed to want to take photos of the torii gates as much as possible, so I paid close attention to finding the right timing for that.
After the tour, they said they wanted to head toward Arashiyama rather than return to the hotel, so we went to JR Kyoto Station, and I saw them off as they boarded the train bound for Arashiyama before 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 | Bus | Horikawa Shichijo～Nijojo-mae Station | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae Station～Sanjo Keihan | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Gion-Shijo Station～Shichijo Station | 170JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shichijo Station～Fushimi Inari Station | 170JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Inari Station～Kyoto Station | 150JPY |
| Total | 950JPY | ||
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.