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. 7:00 Meet up @Alza Kyoto
  • 2. 7:30 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • 3. 9:00 @Kinkaku-ji
  • 4. 10:30 @Ginkaku-ji
  • 5. 12:50 @Kiyomizu-Gojo
  • 6. 13:15 Disband @Gojozaka

What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Before the tour, I had proposed several possible itineraries based on the guest's wishes. Since the guest's interests were quite wide-ranging, we agreed to decide on the itinerary on the day depending on the weather and how the guest was feeling. Because it was a hot and humid day, the guest said walking the Philosopher's Path would be too much, and since they also expressed a wish to buy a vase, I guided them to several small pottery shops near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guest was very pleased and told me that hiring a guide had truly been worthwhile. I explained how to get back to the accommodation, and we parted ways at the pottery hall.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainGion-Shijo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
Section 2TrainInari~Enmachi200JPY
Section 3BusNishinokyo-Enmachi~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
Section 4BusKinkakuji-michi~Ginkakuji-michi230JPY
Section 5BusGinkakuji-michi~Sanjo-Keihan230JPY
Section 6TrainSanjo~Kiyomizu-Gojo170JPY
Total1,280JPY

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
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Yuka was a fantastic guide, knowledgeable,…

Sep 23, 2026
navinderp2024
Great day in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had a great tour…

Aug 9, 2026
piperl686
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Honeymoon Tour in Kyoto
We were so impressed by…

Aug 5, 2026
Anita_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great day of sightseeing in Kyoto
Yuka was a…