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
- 8:30 Hotel meet-up
- 9:30 Fushimi Inari
- 10:55 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 12:00 Lunch (Sushi)
- 12:40 Kinkaku-ji
- 14:00 Nijo Castle
- 15:20 Gion
- 16:28 Arrive at hotel, tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:30 at Hotel meet-up and ended at 16:28. The day ran to 7 hours and 58 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch (Sushi) at 12:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari at 9:30, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 10:55, Kinkaku-ji at 12:40, Nijo Castle at 14:00 and Gion at 15:20.
Public transport for the day came to 0JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Gion, and Arashiyama
The guests visited Japan and had been to the country several times before, while it was a first visit for part of the group. Since the driver was not very familiar with the traffic conditions in Kyoto, I proceeded with the tour while giving some advice along the way. Once again the weather was changeable, and we encountered occasional rain, but fortunately the temperature was high, so it did not feel cold. Kinkaku-ji was not very crowded, so we were able to take photos with ease. For lunch we went to a sushi restaurant, and the guests enjoyed the meal, though they ate lightly and finished in a short time. Thanks to this, we had a little extra time. Using that time, I guided them to Gion before heading back to Osaka. On the way back we did not run into any traffic, and we arrived smoothly at the hotel. The photo was taken at the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Private Car Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Hilton Osaka～Hilton Osaka | 0JPY |
| Total | 0JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel meet-up at 8:30, and the tour finished at Arrive at hotel, at 16:28.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours and 58 minutes in total, from 8:30 to 16:28.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Kinkaku-ji, Nijo Castle and Gion.
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 Osaka 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.