Kyoto: ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto & Fushimi Inari — Guide Masaki
November, 2024
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
- 8:30 ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto
- 9:10-9:35 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path
- 10:00-10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 10:45-11:15 Ryoan-ji Temple
- 11:45-12:10 Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 12:20-13:20 Lunch (Yoshikura)
- 13:50-14:20 Fushimi Inari
- 14:50-15:00 Guide to Shinkyogoku and disband
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto at 8:30, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path at 9:10, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 10:00, Ryoan-ji Temple at 10:45, Ginkaku-ji Temple at 11:45, Fushimi Inari at 13:50 and Guide to Shinkyogoku and disband at 14:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Fushimi Inari to Gion-Shijo by train (220JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 220JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report Covering Arashiyama, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari
The guests were visitors from North America. The original itinerary was Hotel → the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → Ginkaku-ji → lunch → Shimogamo Shrine → Hotel. However, on the morning of the tour, the guests requested that we add Fushimi Inari, mentioned they needed to buy a new suitcase, and expressed a wish to see many Kyoto-style souvenirs. As a result, the itinerary was changed to Hotel → the Bamboo Grove in Arashiyama → Kinkaku-ji → Ryoan-ji → Ginkaku-ji → lunch (Yoshikura) → Fushimi Inari (end of vehicle use) → (moving by Keihan train) a guided visit to Shinkyogoku, where we concluded. At the sightseeing spots, they took many photos framing the temples together with the autumn leaves that had begun to turn color.
For lunch, there was a request for "something Kyoto locals eat on a daily basis," so, taking the route into account, I guided them to a Japanese restaurant. There, they savored the simmered vegetable assortment served as an appetizer, and the main dishes of miso-marinated grilled black cod and pike conger tempura.
Along the way, I received a variety of questions. They asked about the political system such as the parliamentary cabinet system and direct election of the prime minister, the current state of electric vehicle adoption, Japanese views on religion, the school education system, the current state of foreign language education, natural disasters such as earthquakes and typhoons, and the effects of climate change.
At the end, since there were shopping needs, we extended the tour time a little, moved by Keihan train, and I guided them to Iwai-Iwai and a bag shop in Shinkyogoku, as well as to nearby Tako-Yakushi. During the train ride, some cheerful young schoolchildren who were on their way home were riding happily, and one of the guests watched the scene with a gentle smile, while another of the guests seemed somewhat surprised that young children were able to commute to and from school on their own without adult supervision.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo | 220JPY |
| Total | 220JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited ANA Crowne Plaza Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Ryoan-ji Temple, Ginkaku-ji Temple, Fushimi Inari and Guide to Shinkyogoku and disband.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 220JPY per person across 1 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Masaki is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through…
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through Kyoto the day after we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, learning both about the culture and the hidden gems. He shared the details of each temple that he took us to, as well as took us through streets that showed the different styles of the Japanese culture the best part was that he was very communicative prior to and after our tour. He was so on top of everything that he made reservations at a specific restaurant during our tour, based on our interests, so that we do not waste time. It was an area that we would not be able to find on our own, obviously. He also changed some of the areas we were going to tour, based on our sons interest. That was actually the best part for our son, as he was able to experience archery.
The best part is that Masaki is so kind and considerate that there was a typhoon coming through Tokyo during our stay. He knew we were going to be traveling there after Kyoto and he made sure to update us with the train schedules and the storm details. We could not have asked for a better guide through Kyoto. I wish we could utilize his expertise in Tokyo…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!
Absolutely perfect for getting the most out of a single day in Kyoto. Masaki-san is an excellent tour guide. He communicated well by WhatsApp to set up our plans so we could see everything we wanted. He kindly adjusted our start time after our travel plans were delayed. He figured out the best way to adjust our tour when we spent too long admiring a few places! And he took us to the most amazing local type place for lunch. Overall it was beyond our expectations and we truly are grateful and thankful to Masaki-San for our truly perfect day!
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient…
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient guide for our first visit to Kyoto. He explained the significance of the castle and temples we visited, pointing out parts he felt were most interesting. He also went out of his way to help us figure out our bullet train tickets for our return.
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San. Masaki San helped us plan the itinerary
and customized it for us. We had a good mix of temples and sights and shopping. Kyoto has
amazing history and sights and temples. We will definitely be back to spend more time.