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
- 9:50 @ Meet @ Kyoto Station Central Gate
- 10:10-11:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:20-13:20 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 14:00-14:40 Lunch @ "Washoku Now Joy" Kinkakuji Branch
- 14:50-15:25 @ Kinkakuji
- 15:30 Disband @ In front of Kinkakuji Main Gate
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Kyoto Station Central Gate at 9:50, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:30. The day ran to 5 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ "Washoku Now Joy" Kinkakuji Branch at 14:00.
The itinerary covered Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:10, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 12:20 and Kinkakuji at 14:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto Station to Inari Station by train (150JPY); Inari Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station by train (240JPY); Saga-Arashiyama Station to Enmachi Station by train (190JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 580JPY per person.
What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like with a Family? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from the Middle East. The meeting point was Kyoto Station, but I received a message through a messaging app that their departure from the hotel was delayed, so we actually gathered around 9:50.
The morning was cold, so when one of the guests seemed to feel the chill, I offered a disposable hand warmer, which was appreciated. At Higashimaru Shrine, an auxiliary shrine of Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests offered an ema votive plaque. One of the guests had strong mood swings, at one point crying about wanting ice cream on the Fushimi Inari approach and saying they wanted to go back to the hotel, so after Fushimi Inari Taisha, some of the guests returned to the hotel by taxi, and I continued to the remaining sites with the rest of the group.
After strolling through the Arashiyama bamboo grove, we climbed to the top of Kameyama Park to enjoy the view of the Hozugawa Gorge, and the guests were delighted that the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
They wanted ramen for lunch, so I tried two or three shops, but there were long lines at each. Since one of the guests needed to eat something soon or would feel lightheaded, we held off on ramen and had lunch at a Japanese restaurant instead.
After lunch, we walked to Kinkaku-ji. After exploring Kinkaku-ji, the guests said they would shop at a supermarket and then return to the hotel by taxi, so we parted ways near the main gate of Kinkaku-ji.
One of the guests remarked that they wanted to breathe in the fresh green air deeply, and it was memorable to see them taking deep breaths from time to time.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto Station～Inari Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama Station～Enmachi Station | 190JPY |
| Total | 580JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Kyoto Station Central Gate at 9:50, and the tour finished at @ In front of Kinkakuji Main Gate at 15:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 40 minutes in total, from 9:50 to 15:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Kinkakuji.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 580JPY per person across 3 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.