Kyoto in One Day: Toji Temple & Heian Shrine — Guide Michi
November, 2025
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
- 8:00 Hotel Meet(@Hyatt Place Kyoto)
- 8:00-9:00 Transfer (Subway; Karasuma Marutamachi → Kyoto Station, Kintetsu Line; Kyoto Station → Toji)
- 9:00-10:00 Visit Toji Temple
- 10:00-11:00 Transfer (Kintetsu; Toji → Kyoto Station, Subway; Kyoto Station → Keage)
- 11:00-12:00 Visit Konchi-in Temple
- 12:00-12:50 Visit Nanzenji Temple
- 12:50-13:20 Transfer (On foot; Nanzenji → Heian Shrine) [Quick Lunch/light meal at a convenience store en route]
- 13:20-14:00 Visit Heian Shrine
- 14:00 Tour ends (After the tour ended at Heian Shrine, we said goodbye to the guests)
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Hidden Spots Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first time in Kyoto, and they requested lesser-known spots away from the crowds, so I took them to To-ji Temple, Konchi-in, Nanzen-ji Temple, and Heian Shrine. Since the schedule was tight, we did not make a restaurant reservation and instead picked up light snacks at a convenience store while on the move. The weather was perfect for sightseeing, and as expected, the places we visited that day were free of crowds, allowing the tour to go smoothly. My explanation of Esoteric Buddhism and mandalas at To-ji may have been a little too difficult, but it was wonderful that we were able to enter the five-story pagoda, which is normally not open to the public. At Konchi-in, we also enjoyed a special viewing, and the guests seemed very pleased. At Heian Shrine, the main hall was unfortunately under renovation, but the guests said they enjoyed the four gardens of the shrine. I believe they particularly enjoyed the stepping-stone bridge, Garyu-kyo. On the way to To-ji, the train connection at Kyoto Station did not go smoothly, so I had the guests walk a little more than expected.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Karasuma Marutamachi (Subway Marutamachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kyoto | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Toji | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Toji～Kyoto | 180JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Kyoto～Keage | 260JPY |
| Total | 880JPY | ||
My name is (Mr.)Michiharu Aioi and I worked at Electronic Manufacturing Company (Panasonic) for more than 40 years in charge of overseas sales.
I learned a lot in these 40 years and now I would like to contribute to the promotion of mutual understanding with foreign countries being involved in tourism busines utilizing my long experience in my previous company. I will do my best to make each trip very fruitful for each foreign visitor.
As for my language ability, in addition to English, I can speak Spanish which I used in my job and I can communicate with Chinese people with intermediate level. Finally It is my great pleasure if my activity could work in the mutual understang with foreign visitors. Thanks a Lot !
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a…
Jul 19, 2026
Wander35832177180
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Kyoto temple tour
Our Kyoto guided tour (Aioi Michiharu) was a great way to see some of the city’s most famous sights. The itinerary was well organized, starting with a convenient hotel pickup before visiting Fushimi Inari Taisha. Walking through the thousands of red torii gates was a memorable experience, and our guide shared interesting background about the shrine that added helpful context.
We then explored the Kiyomizu area, including Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Pagoda, and Yasaka Koshindo Temple. The route offered a nice mix of historic landmarks, traditional streets, and scenic viewpoints. There was enough time at each stop to take photos and enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
What really made this tour special was our guide’s knowledge, friendliness, and enthusiasm. He provided interesting cultural insights, recommended local foods and hidden photo spots, and made sure everyone in the group was comfortable throughout the day.
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent!…
Jul 16, 2026
Abby_M
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent tour. Highly recommend
Michi our guide was excellent! Great communication before the tour and laid out an entire day for us. Was very accommodating and understood when the heat got to us and needed to take a break. He was very knowledgeable and gave us great pieces of information about the beautiful city of Kyoto. Would highly recommend the tour and Michi!!
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative.…
Jul 13, 2026
Javier P
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kyoto gems
Michi was incredibly courteous and informative. He had a great plan for our tour and everything went smoothly. He talked about the history of the city, industry, and culture and kept our daughters engaged. Highly recommended!
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He…
Jul 13, 2026
Beth_D
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Excellent Tour and Guide
Michi was an excellent tour guide! He was very knowledgeable about the history of all the sites we visited, was able to answer all of core questions, and knew where to find cold water when we were all thirsty! We really enjoyed our whole 4 hour tour.