Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion — Guide Kaz
December, 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.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 Meet @ The Chapter Kyoto, a Hotel
- 8:40-9:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 10:10-10:40 @ Sanjusangendo
- 10:50-12:00 @ Gion
- 12:00 Disband @ In front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ The Chapter Kyoto, a Hotel at 8:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 12:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 8:40, Sanjusangendo at 10:10 and Gion at 10:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo Station to Fushimi Inari Station by train (220JPY); Fushimi Inari Station to Shichijo Station by train (170JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 390JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Gion
The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour began with the group, but one of the guests was not feeling well due to a stomach upset and left the tour before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the group was able to see a ceremonial shrine maiden dance, which they enjoyed very much. One of the guests had a DSLR camera and would occasionally stop to take photos, sometimes falling behind the group. It was relatively uncrowded, which made for excellent photo opportunities.
At Sanjusangendo, the guests observed carefully at first, but partway through their walking pace quickened and they finished relatively quickly. After exploring Sanjusangendo, another guest developed back pain and left the tour, returning to the Hotel by taxi.
The remaining guests then headed to Gion and strolled around. At one point, one of the guests became so absorbed in photography that they tried to photograph inside an okiya, so I had to give a word of caution.
I guided them to the area near the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, and at the guests' request we parted ways there.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Sanjo Station～Fushimi Inari Station | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari Station～Shichijo Station | 170JPY |
| Total | 390JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ The Chapter Kyoto, a Hotel at 8:00, and the tour finished at @ In front of Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater at 12:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 8:00 to 12:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangendo and Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 390JPY per person across 2 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?
Kaz 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.
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.