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

  • ① 09:30 Meet at HOTEL THE MITSUI KYOTO
  • ② 09:35 Itinerary explanation and overview of Kyoto
  • ③ 10:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • ④ 11:30 Stroll and explanation around Gion and Tatsumi Bridge
  • ⑤ 12:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
  • ⑥ 13:15 Tenryu-ji Temple Garden
  • ⑦ 14:15 Lunch break
  • ⑧ 15:30 Disband at the hotel

What Is a Private Kyoto Autumn Tour Like During Fall Foliage Season? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America, visiting Japan for the first time and traveling to only two places, Tokyo and Kyoto, before returning home, though they said they would love to come back to Japan again very soon. Both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Arashiyama were extremely crowded due to the autumn foliage season, with lines everywhere and the bamboo grove so packed that it was hard to move forward. Today the guests were somewhat quiet at first, but as time went on they warmed up, and in the latter half we were able to talk about many things, which was wonderful.

Hello, this is Kazu Akiyama, your tour guide. Nice to meet you and welcome to Japan. Thank you for joining me on the tour. Now I am a retired salaried worker, living in Osaka. I have been very much interested in not only learning Japanese history, culture, religion myself, but also talking about them (sometimes going off topics) in English with tourists from all over the world as well. I am so excited being with you as your guide on coming day! I am very much looking forward to you enjoying with me visiting the must-see places and some of the hidden gems. See you soon. Thank you – Kazu Akiyama

Jul 29, 2026
James_G
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Great guide and very…
Great guide and very knowledgeable.…

Jul 13, 2026
peterhR6472GA
Kyoto highlights with Kazu.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A wonderful day with Kazu…

Jul 12, 2026
cgalvez73
Fantastic tour guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Our guide in Kyoto was Kazu.…

Jun 23, 2026
Winni_H
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Highly recommended when in Kyoto
Our tour guide…