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. 8:00 Meet @Rhiga Royal Kyoto
  • 2. 8:45 @Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 3. 10:00 @Yasaka Shrine
  • 4. 10:30 @Tofuku-ji Temple
  • 5. 12:30 @Nijo Castle
  • 6. 13:30 Disband @Nishiki Market

Can You Do a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Visiting Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Tofuku-ji? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests included one who had studied Japanese for a year and another who did not understand Japanese but was very interested in Japanese culture. They had gathered a lot of information online and planned to visit the crowded Fushimi Inari Taisha on their own after the tour. Their requests were Kiyomizu-dera, Nishiki Market, and Tofuku-ji. Because of the opening hours, we went from Kiyomizu-dera to Tofuku-ji via Gion-Shijo, and then on to Nijo Castle. Since they had not yet been to the Gion area, I also guided them to Yasaka Shrine and Gion Shirakawa along the way. Unfortunately, at Tofuku-ji the Hojo Garden was closed due to a Buddhist memorial service, but they were fully satisfied with the garden around Tsutenkyo Bridge. Because they had watched The Shogun, we were able to talk about various aspects of Japanese culture and history, which I think was wonderful.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusKyoto~Gojozaka230JPY
Section 2TrainGion-Shijo~Tofukuji170JPY
Section 3TrainTofukuji~Kyoto150JPY
Section 4SubwayKyoto~Nijojo-mae260JPY
Section 5SubwayNijojo-mae~Shijo220JPY
Total1,030JPY

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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