Kyoto: @ Fushimi Inari Taisha & @ Kinkaku-ji — Guide Kaz
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
- 6:30 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto
- 6:45-7:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 7:45-8:05 Higashiyama area
- 8:05-8:45 @ Kiyomizu-dera
- 9:00-10:10 @ Nijo Castle
- 10:35-11:20 @ Ginkaku-ji
- 11:45-12:15 @ Kinkaku-ji
- 12:35 Dismiss @ around Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge
Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Higashiyama, and Arashiyama
The guests were visitors from North America. When I asked if this was a special trip, one of the guests answered shyly that they had not yet formally reached that milestone, which left a memorable impression. They had brought a DSLR digital camera, and there were many moments when they handed it to me to take photos of the two of them together. Since I wanted to see Fushimi Inari Taisha before the crowds increased, I gave a general explanation of the shrine in the car. As expected, at around 6 in the morning the crowds were sparse, and the guests were pleased to be able to walk around at a relaxed pace. Conversely, the Higashiyama area was more crowded than I had anticipated, and I was struck by the fact that there was already a line at the machiya-style Starbucks on Ninenzaka. At Kiyomizu-dera, several groups of school trip students were coming and going, so I gave my explanations while trying to avoid the crowds as much as possible. The line at the Otowa Waterfall was short, and both guests drank the water there. Nijo Castle was uncrowded, so I was able to guide them comfortably. On the other hand, the autumn foliage at Ginkaku-ji was beautiful, and perhaps because of that it felt more crowded than usual. Since we were running a little behind schedule, I made adjustments such as explaining Kinkaku-ji while walking. At the guests' request, we parted ways near the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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.