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
- 8:00 Depart Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central
- 8:40 Arrive Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 9:50 Depart Fushimi Inari
- 10:40 Arrive Arashiyama
- 1100 Arrive Arashiyama Monkey Park
- 11:50 Depart Arashiyama Monkey Park
- ～12:30 Lunch
- 12:40 Arrive Tenryu-ji
- 13:30 Arrive Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama
- 14:10 Disband at Karasuma Oike
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 8:00 at Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central and ended at 14:10. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari Taisha at 8:40, Fushimi Inari at 9:50, Arashiyama at 10:40, Arashiyama Monkey Park at 11:50, Tenryu-ji at 12:40 and Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama at 13:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Karasuma Oike to Sanjo Keihan by subway (220JPY); Sanjo to Fushimi Inari by train (220JPY); Fushimi Inari Taisha to Gion-Shijo by train (220JPY); Kyoto Kawaramachi to Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Arashiyama to Randen Tenjingawa by train (250JPY); Uzumasa Tenjingawa to Karasuma Oike by subway (260JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,410JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Tenryu-ji
As forecast, the weather was cloudy in the morning with a little rain in the afternoon. The first stop on the itinerary was Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. At the purification fountain, I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before praying. I then guided them to the front of the main hall and shared the etiquette of two bows, two claps, stating a wish, and a final bow. After that, we finally reached the Senbon Torii. The guests seemed interested in the story that individuals and companies had donated the gates as an expression of gratitude. To the right rear of the "Okusha" there is a stone called "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 Omokaru-ishi seemed too heavy for some of the guests, so for safety reasons I had an accompanying guest lift it instead. Next, we went to Arashiyama Monkey Park. We worked our way up the mountain path, and at the summit we fed the monkeys, which seemed to be a truly enjoyable activity for the guests. After lunch, they were moved by the beautiful views of Tenryu-ji and the Sagano Bamboo Grove.
There was a small incident. The booking originally listed an 8:30 start, but the guests requested a start at 8:00. I initially declined, but at the final confirmation we set the start at 8:00, and the guests had replied that this was fine. However, on the day, when 8:00 approached without any contact, I had the hotel staff go to the room, and it turned out the change had not been clearly communicated. Thanks to the hotel staff acting quickly, we were only slightly delayed. I think I learned how difficult it can be to change something that has already been decided.
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 | Subway | Karasuma Oike～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sanjo～Fushimi Inari | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari Taisha～Gion-Shijo | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kyoto Kawaramachi～Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Arashiyama～Randen Tenjingawa | 250JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Karasuma Oike | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,410JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Mimaru Suites Kyoto Central at 8:00, and the tour finished at Karasuma Oike at 14:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 8:00 to 14:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, Arashiyama Monkey Park, Tenryu-ji and Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,410JPY per person across 6 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?
Kaji 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.
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.