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 Glanz Kei Kyoto Station Departure
- 9:10 Tenryuji Temple Arrival
- Sagano Bamboo Grove Arashiyama Park Stroll
- 10:20 Tenryuji Temple Departure
- 10:50 Nijo Castle Arrival
- 11:50 Nijo Castle Departure
- 12:00～13:00 Lunch
- 13:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Arrival
- 13:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Departure
- 14;10 Toji Temple Tour
- 14:30 Glanz Kei Kyoto Station Arrival
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Glanz Kei Kyoto Station Departure at 8:30, Tenryuji Temple Arrival at 9:10, Tenryuji Temple Departure at 10:20, Nijo Castle Arrival at 10:50, Nijo Castle Departure at 11:50, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Arrival at 13:10, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Departure at 13:50 and Glanz Kei Kyoto Station Arrival at 14:30.
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari
The first stop of this private day tour of Kyoto was Tenryu-ji Temple. From the north gate of Tenryu-ji, the guests were moved by the beautiful views of the Arashiyama bamboo grove, the observation deck at the park, and the scenery along the Katsura River. Next, we visited Nijo Castle. When I explained that the Ninomaru Palace consists of five buildings — the first and second for imperial envoys, the third for the outer feudal lords, the fourth for the hereditary feudal lords, and the fifth for the shogun, with 33 rooms and 800 tatami mats in total — the guests seemed very surprised. They were also interested in and asked questions about the nightingale floors, the Kano school wall paintings, and the large nail covers. In the Ninomaru Garden, they seemed interested in the large pond and the story of the stones shaped like a turtle and a crane, which symbolize longevity. For lunch, we went to eat udon, and they were amused by the robot serving the food. After that, we went to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Passing through the Senbon Torii, there is a stone called the "Omokaru Ishi" in the back right of the "Okunoin." 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 interested in the story that if the stone feels lighter than expected, your wish will come true, and they tried very hard at it. It was a hot day, but the guests told me it had been a wonderful 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.