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 Meet @ Hotel The Celestine Kyoto Gion
- Hotel, head to Keihan train
- 8:45 Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 9:40 OBBLi TACOS @ near Fushimi Inari Station
- Light meal for guests
- 10:05 Depart Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Head to Arashiyama by taxi
- 11:00 approx. Arrive at Arashiyama
- 11:15 Guide to Randen Arashiyama Station,
- Kimono Forest
- 11:30 Arrive at Tenryu-ji Garden
- 12:00 Guide to bamboo grove
- Via Arashiyama Park, to Togetsukyo Bridge
- 12:30 Disband near Togetsukyo Bridge
What's a Private Kyoto Tour of Fushimi Inari and Arashiyama Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited Japan from Oceania. Since it was a special day for one of the guests, I planned a tour that avoided crowds so they could relax and take their time.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests enjoyed taking photographs. They had a light meal at a taco shop located just before Fushimi Inari Station on the Keihan Line. Both of the guests said they loved tacos and mentioned that they had visited taco shops in Osaka and Tokyo during their earlier travels. After that, we took a taxi to Arashiyama. As the area near Togetsukyo Bridge was busy and slightly congested, we got out of the taxi partway and continued on foot. The guests also enjoyed taking photos at the Kimono Forest at Arashiyama Station on the Randen line.
Next, we visited Tenryu-ji Temple. The autumn leaves were at their peak, and the guests were delighted to have come at such a wonderful time. We passed through the Tenryu-ji garden and headed from the garden exit to the bamboo grove. The guests enjoyed taking photographs in the bamboo grove as well. After that, we went via Arashiyama Park to Togetsukyo Bridge. The guests were surprised to learn that Japanese macaques live in Arashiyama and about the monkey park. We walked along the Katsura River, said our goodbyes in front of Togetsukyo Bridge, and parted ways.
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 | Gion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Total | 240JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.
I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.
I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako,…
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako, was so fantastic. We had told her what we were interested in doing and she planned a perfect day. Her knowledge of the historical sites is extensive and interesting.
She is very friendly and fun. She was also considerate to go at our pace.
Would highly recommend seeing the Castle and the Golden Temple.
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was…
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was such an amazing tour guide, we had the absolute best day with her. We were able to squeeze in so many sights and with the private car it was such a breeze. Highly recommend this customized private tour (and Mako if she is available, definitely request her)!!
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples was fantastic. Saw more in the half day than what
we would have in 2 days. Mako was fantastic letting us know the history behind all the
areas. This made the experience all the better. 100% recommend
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She is knowledgeable and organized, and I felt like in another life we could have been friends. She made us feel so welcome and had a lot of interesting information to share during our tour. She took great pictures on our behalf! We absolutely recommend a tour with Mako.