Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Arrival — Guide Kaji
April, 2025
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
- 10:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier Meet up
- 10:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Arrival
- 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Departure
- 12:20 Tenryu-ji Temple Arrival
- 12:50 Sagano Bamboo Grove
- 13:20 Tenryu-ji Temple Departure
- 13:30～14:20 Lunch
- 14:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple Arrival
- 15:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple Departure
- 16:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Fushimi Inari Taisha Arrival at 10:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha Departure at 11:30, Tenryu-ji Temple Arrival at 12:20, Sagano Bamboo Grove at 12:50, Tenryu-ji Temple Departure at 13:20, Kinkaku-ji Temple Arrival at 14:40, Kinkaku-ji Temple Departure at 15:40 and Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier Dismissal at 16:00.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji
The weather forecast a few days earlier had predicted rain, but fortunately it stayed dry. The first stop was Fushimi Inari Taisha. I explained how to purify the hands and mouth at the water basin before praying. Then I guided the group to the front of the main hall and shared the proper etiquette of bowing twice, clapping twice, offering a wish, and bowing once. After that came the famous Senbon Torii. The guests seemed interested in the story that individuals and companies had donated these gates as a way of giving thanks. After passing through the famous Senbon Torii, we reached the "Oku-no-in." To the far right there is a stone called the "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. The guests were intrigued by the idea that if the stone feels lighter than expected, your wish will come true, and they tried it several times. Next we visited Tenryu-ji, the Sagano bamboo grove, a park observation deck, and were moved by the beautiful views along the Katsura River. After lunch, we went to Kinkaku-ji. The guests were interested to learn that the entrance ticket is designed like a paper talisman, which can be placed at the entrance of a home to ward off misfortune. They were also moved by the beauty of Kinkaku-ji across the pond, and were interested in the story that it has been depicted in many novels, such as those by Yukio Mishima. As a final little incident, one of the guests left a hat behind at the restaurant. I called the restaurant right away, and they had kept it safe. The driver kindly stopped by to pick it up, which delighted the guests. Blessed with fine weather, I believe it turned out to be a very enjoyable trip.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent…
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent tour today in Kyoto at a number of different stops. We went to monkey park, bamboo Grove, tenryuji temple, Arashayama park and the Golden Temple. It was a packed schedule but our guide made sure we got everywhere and transited smoothly. He was also very helpful with our young kids and a food allergy. This was our third tour with JGA and we highly recommend them for Kyoto.
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had a wonderful day with Kaji and our driver seeing many sights during our first time in Kyoto!
To start, Japan Guide Agency (operator) went above and beyond to help us even have the tour on our requested day. Despite all of their regular rental vehicles being unavailable, they were able to secure a driver and minivan for the 5 of us and Kaji, our guide. Excellent communication and responsiveness by email as we worked through to resolve the challenge and confirmed the planned itinerary.
Kaji arrived at our hotel ahead of schedule to be ready for our pickup. From there, he led us with interesting facts and helpful tips to Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Park, Nijo Castle, and a delicious casual udon lunch as requested at Tokutoku Fushimi Takeda. Lastly, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha and for a bonus, quickly saw To-ji Temple before getting dropped back off at our hotel.
Overall, time and money well spent. We covered so much ground on this tour and it was a worthwhile experience with help from Kaji and our driver. Definitely recommend!
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great…
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great experience. The team is extremely professional and knowledgeable of the Kyoto area. Having a driver was great in the heat and on getting around to the various stopping points efficiently. Our guide was also very helpful and knowledgeable of each place we visited and knew of appropriate spots for pictures, info etc.
Great experience overall.