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
- 9:00 Meet @ Hotel Kiyomizu Kyoto
- 10:20-10:05 @ Sanjusangendo
- 10:30-11:15 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:30-12:50 @ Gion
- 13:00 Disband @ Kiyomizu-michi Bus Stop
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Sanjusangendo
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. It was the first visit to Japan for part of the group, while another had visited Japan many times before for work. One of the guests already had a SUICA card, but the other did not, so their transportation fares were paid each time.
The requested destinations were Fushimi Inari Taisha, Gion, and Sanjusangendo. Since the rain had been falling persistently since morning, we decided to start with the mostly indoor Sanjusangendo. One of the guests had visited before but chose it again out of a wish to see it once more. Both took their time carefully admiring the Buddhist statues. As the rain had eased a little, we next headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The area near the large torii gate at the entrance was quite crowded, but the entrance to the Senbon Torii was not so busy, so I was able to take a photo of the guests together at the torii. Only one of the guests tried the Omokaru Ishi (the "lifting stone").
By the time we arrived in Gion the rain had almost stopped, but during our stroll through Gion the weather went back and forth between rain and clear spells. The plum blossoms blooming along the Shirakawa were beautiful.
After walking through Gion, the plan had been to take a bus and see the guests off to their Hotel, but they said they knew the way back and that there was no need to accompany them all the way to the Hotel, so we parted ways there.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Gojozaka～Museum・Sanjusangendo-mae | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shichijo Station～Fushimi Inari Station | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari Station～Gion-Shijo Station | 220JPY |
| Total | 620JPY | ||
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.