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
- 8:40 Meet at Kobe Port Terminal
- 10:00 Fushimi Inari
- 11:40 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 12:30 Lunch (sushi)
- 13:30 Kinkaku-ji
- 14:50 Gion
- 15:50 Higashiyama area
- 16:40 Depart from Yasaka Shrine to Kobe
- 18:15. Arrive at Kobe Port Terminal
- Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari at 10:00, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 11:40, Kinkaku-ji at 13:30, Gion at 14:50, Higashiyama area at 15:50, Yasaka Shrine to Kobe at 16:40 and Kobe Port Terminal at 18:15.
Public transport for the day came to 0JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like for Cruise Passengers Arriving at Kobe? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests arrived in Japan on a cruise from North America, reaching Kobe after stops in Asia and other regions before Kyoto. After meeting, the guests proposed extending the tour by one hour. I confirmed with the driver, and we agreed to the extension. Thanks to this, we were able to explore Gion at a relaxed pace. We were also able to visit the Gion Hanamachi Art Museum. In addition, I guided them through the Higashiyama area, including the Yasaka Pagoda. I was mindful throughout the tour to keep restroom access in mind so the guests could go whenever needed. We departed Kyoto with plenty of time to avoid traffic on the way back, and I was able to see them off at the cruise ship within the scheduled time. The photo was taken at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Kobe Port Terminal～Kobe Port Terminal | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Gion, Higashiyama area, Yasaka Shrine to Kobe and Kobe Port Terminal.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 0JPY 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?
Kazu 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 Hyogo itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.