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
- 8:30 Depart from Fauchon
- 8:45 Arrive at Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 9:50 Depart from Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 10:10 Arrive at Kodai-ji Temple
- 10:40 Depart from Kodai-ji Temple
- 11:10 Arrive at Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:00 Depart from Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:20～13:20 Lunch
- 13:40 Arrive at Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 14:20 Depart from Ginkaku-ji Temple
- 14:30 Arrive at Nanzen-ji Temple
- 15:00 Depart from Nanzen-ji Temple
- 15:30 Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 16:10 Depart from Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 16:30 Disband at Fauchon
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 8:30, when the guide met the guests at Fauchon, and finished at 16:30. The day ran to 8 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 12:20.
From there the group visited Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 8:45, Kodai-ji Temple at 10:10, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:10, Ginkaku-ji Temple at 13:40, Nanzen-ji Temple at 14:30 and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 15:30.
What Is a Full-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari
The first stop was Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guests were amazed to learn that the main hall was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633, and that more than 200 people had jumped from the famous Kiyomizu stage, with over 85% of them surviving.
The second stop was Kodai-ji Temple. The guests were moved by the story that it was founded in 1606 by Nene, the principal wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, to pray for the soul of her late husband, and by the beauty of the bamboo grove.
The third stop was Kinkaku-ji Temple. The guests had visited 25 years earlier and seemed nostalgic. They were especially moved by the golden shimmer of Kinkaku-ji.
The fourth stop was Ginkaku-ji Temple. The guests were impressed by the view of the temple buildings and gardens seen from the observation point.
The fifth stop was Nanzen-ji Temple. The guests went up to the main gate and enjoyed the pleasant breeze. At the Suirokaku aqueduct, they only fully understood the story that it was built to carry water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto after climbing the stairs and viewing it from above.
The last stop was Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. At the purification fountain, I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before worship. I then guided them to the front of the main hall and explained the etiquette of bowing twice, clapping twice, making a wish, and bowing once. After that came the famous Senbon Torii. Passing through the Senbon Torii, one reaches the "Okusha." To the back right, 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 guests were intrigued by the story that if the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish will come true, and they took on the challenge enthusiastically.
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.