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
- 9:10 Meet up @ Hilton Kyoto
- 9:45-10:30 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:00-11:40 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 12:55-12:10 Short break @ Ito Kyuemon Kiyomizu Sannenzaka Store
- 12:35-13:25 @ Nijo Castle
- 13:50-14:15 Lunch @ Daiichi Asahi Kumano Store
- 14:20-14:45 @ Kyoto Handicraft Center
- 14:45 Dismissal @ Kyoto Handicraft Center
What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like from a Kyoto Hotel? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. It was their first visit to Japan, and they had spent about a few days in Tokyo before coming to Kyoto.
The guests came down to the lobby a little late, so we were able to meet around 9:10. They mentioned that they had walked a great deal in Tokyo and their legs were quite tired, and that some jet lag still lingered. Partly for this reason, they used taxis for the entire day except for the walk from the hotel to Fushimi Inari Taisha.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha there was a fair amount of crowding, but they were pleased to be able to take a photo together at the Senbon Torii (Thousand Torii Gates).
At Kiyomizu-dera, the area near the entrance was crowded, but the inside was more open than expected, which was a pleasant surprise. On the way from Kiyomizu-dera toward Higashioji-dori, they said they wanted to have matcha, so we stopped for a short break at a matcha shop on Sannenzaka near Kiyomizu.
The guests had previously watched the TV series "Shogun," so they were excited to explore Nijo Castle. After finishing at Nijo Castle, they were a little hungry and said they wanted to eat ramen or something, so we had lunch at a ramen restaurant near the Kyoto Handicraft Center, our next destination. At the Handicraft Center they purchased several items such as small plates. Afterward, at the guests' request, we parted ways inside the Kyoto Handicraft Center.
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 | Sanjo Station～Fushimi Inari Station | 220JPY |
| Total | 220JPY | ||
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.