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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 10:00 to 10:45 Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • 11:10 to 11:55 Tofuku-ji
  • 12:15 to 13:00 To-ji
  • 13:40 to 14:20 Kinkaku-ji
  • 14:40 to 15:10 Kyoto Imperial Palace
  • 15:30 Dismissal at Nishiki Market

Tour Itinerary in Detail

From there the group visited Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:00, Tofuku-ji at 11:10, To-ji at 12:15, Kinkaku-ji at 13:40 and Kyoto Imperial Palace at 14:40.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Fushimi Inari to Tofuku-ji by train (170JPY); Tofuku-ji to To-ji Higashimon-mae by bus (230JPY); To-ji Higashimon-mae by bus (230JPY); Shijo Horikawa by bus (230JPY); Kinkaku-ji-michi by bus (230JPY); Imadegawa to Shijo (Kyoto City) by subway (260JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,500JPY per person.

What's a 6-Hour Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Today's guest was a solo traveler from North America. The guest seemed used to hot weather and was energetic, walking at a fast pace. The guest had come to Kyoto on a day trip from Tokyo and wished to visit as many places as possible within 6 hours, so we ran a fast-paced tour without a lunch break. When a guest walks quickly, guiding becomes much easier. At the end, the guest said they wanted to relax at Nishiki Market until it was time to head back to Tokyo, so that became our parting point.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainKyoto~Inari150JPY
Section 2TrainFushimi Inari~Tofuku-ji170JPY
Section 3BusTofuku-ji~To-ji Higashimon-mae / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Section 4BusTo-ji Higashimon-mae / Kyoto City Bus~Shijo Horikawa / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Section 5BusShijo Horikawa / Kyoto City Bus~Kinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Section 6BusKinkaku-ji-michi / Kyoto City Bus~Karasuma Imadegawa (Imadegawa Subway Station) / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Section 7SubwayImadegawa~Shijo (Kyoto City)260JPY
Total1,500JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tofuku-ji, To-ji, Kinkaku-ji and Kyoto Imperial Palace.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,500JPY per person across 7 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?

Haru 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.

Personal data
Born in : May 1st, 1957
Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
historic spots, Japanese
gardens and old townscape
Former career : Worked for electric
company and engaged in
international sales for
about 40 years.
Travel history in the former career :
Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

Career as guide interpreter
Acquisition of guide license : 2016
Career of guide : 8 years
Genre of my specialty :
Japanese historic structures such as
temple, shrine, castle and garden.
Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
Himeji

Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

Dec 30, 2024
shannono1010
Haru is a Rock Star
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was a fantastic guide. He explained…

Dec 29, 2024
Ali O
Amazing!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was amazing on our tour of Nara. He was…

Dec 4, 2024
D5658ZEjohnr
Trip to some of the Kyoto sites on our visit to Japan.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with…

Dec 3, 2024
Charlie_Jane00
Kyoto Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Haru was a well organised and very informative guide. He…