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 Hotel Kyoto
- 9:30 Arrive at Fushimi Inari
- 9:40～10:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:10 Arrive at Tofuku-ji
- 11:10～12:00 Tofuku-ji
- 12:10 Arrive at Gion-Shijo
- 12:25 Hanamikoji Street
- 13:00 Disband at Yasaka Pagoda
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Hotel Kyoto at 9:00, Fushimi Inari at 9:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 9:40, Tofuku-ji at 11:10, Gion-Shijo at 12:10 and Hanamikoji Street at 12:25.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo (Kyoto) to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Fushimi Inari to Tofuku-ji by train (180JPY); Tofuku-ji to Gion-Shijo by train (180JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 600JPY per person.
Can You Do a Private Day Trip in Kyoto Visiting Fushimi Inari, Tofuku-ji, and Gion? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. As one of the guests had difficulty walking, we found places to rest and take breaks along the way.
We first went to 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 main hall and shared the proper etiquette of two bows, two claps, stating a wish, and one final bow. After passing through the Senbon Torii, we reached the "Okunoin." To the right and beyond it is a stone called the "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. If the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish is said to come true. The guests were very interested in this and enthusiastically gave it a try.
Next, we went to Tofuku-ji, one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto. The "Sanmon" gate stands at the southernmost part of the grounds. The current gate was rebuilt around 1405 and is the oldest and largest Sanmon of any Zen temple in Japan. The guests were impressed by its grandeur, and at the end were moved by the view overlooking the Tsutenkyo Bridge.
Finally, we went to Gion. We passed by the Minamiza Theater and Hanamikoji Street, and finished at the Yasaka Pagoda. Luckily, we came across a maiko and had our photo taken.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Sanjo (Kyoto)～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Tofuku-ji | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Tofuku-ji～Gion-Shijo | 180JPY |
| Total | 600JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Kyoto, Fushimi Inari, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tofuku-ji, Gion-Shijo and Hanamikoji Street .
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 600JPY per person across 3 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.