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
- 9:00 Depart The Dusit Thani Kyoto
- 9:40 Arrive at Sagano Bamboo Forest
- 10:10 Depart Sagano Bamboo Forest
- 10:30 Arrive at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 11:00 Depart Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 11:30 Arrive at Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:20 Depart Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:20～13:20 Lunch
- 13;20 Depart lunch location
- 14:00 Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 14:40 Depart Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 15:00 Arrive at The Dusit Thani Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Sagano Bamboo Forest at 9:40, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 10:30, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 14:00 and The Dusit Thani Kyoto at 15:00.
What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Car Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report
The first stop on the itinerary was Tenryuji Temple and the Sagano Bamboo Grove. The guests seemed moved by the beautiful view created by the roughly 400-meter stretch of bamboo. Next, we visited Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. Although it is not very well known among Japanese people, it attracts many visitors from overseas. It is said to be "Japan's most famous hidden temple," located in a quiet mountain area near Mount Atago. The guests were interested in the explanation that the "A" and "O" at the beginning of the name mean "to meet," and that "tago" and "tagi" describe "a mountain path that is narrow, winding, and uneven." They looked intently at the 1,200 stone rakan statues carved by past visitors, fascinated that each one was different. Next, we went to Kinkakuji Temple. They were moved by the beauty of the golden pavilion seen across the pond. The whole group drew English-version omikuji fortunes and laughed loudly and cheerfully. After lunch, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. I explained how to purify the hands and mouth at the water basin before worshipping. Then I guided them to the front of the main hall and showed them the customs of two bows, two claps, making a wish, and a final bow. After that, we went to the Okuno-in. There was a long line of school trip students at the "Omokaru Ishi" stone, so we were unable to try it, but since I had explained about school trips, the guests seemed to understand. As this was a tour by car, thanks to the driver's thoughtful care, the guests were able to fully enjoy a pleasant 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.