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
- 9:30 Depart Osaka Port
- 10:45-11:45 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 12:00-12:45 (Lunch)
- 13:15-14:15 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 14:45-16:15 Fushimi Inari
- 17:30 Arrive Osaka Port
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 10:45, (Lunch) at 12:00, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 13:15, Fushimi Inari at 14:45 and Osaka Port at 17:30.
What Is a Private One-Day Tour from Osaka Port to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America, whom I met at Osaka Port (Tempozan). We followed a classic route covering Arashiyama (Togetsukyo Bridge and the bamboo grove), Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari.
It had just turned September and was extremely hot. Perhaps thanks to that heat, the crowds were not too heavy, and the roads were generally clear, so the tour went smoothly.
The guests were interested in Japanese culture and asked me many questions.
At Fushimi Inari in particular, I set things up by sharing something I normally don't explain: that you can tell whether a shrine enshrines a male or female deity by the way the chigi (the crossed finials on the roof) are cut — a vertical cut means a male deity, and a horizontal cut means a female deity. Then, along the way, I introduced a rare shrine building where male and female deities are enshrined together under one roof, and the guests were delighted, saying "Ooh!"
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.