Kyoto in One Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Nanzen-ji — Guide Kazu
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
- 9:15 Meet in front of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (guest will be late due to bus)
- 9:18 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 10:00 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 11:25 Lunch at a ramen shop near Nijo Castle
- 12:20 Nijo Castle
- 14:00 Nanzen-ji Temple
- 15:00 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at front of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (guest will be late due to bus) at 9:15, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:00. The day ran to 5 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at a ramen shop near Nijo Castle at 11:25.
The itinerary covered Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 9:18, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 10:00, Nijo Castle at 12:20 and Nanzen-ji Temple at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Saga-Arashiyama to Nijo by train (200JPY); Nijo to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Keage by subway (260JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 680JPY per person.
Title: What's a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Nijo Castle, and Nanzen-ji
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. The tour was scheduled to start at 8:00, but the guests suggested meeting at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, so we adjusted the start to 9:00 to match the temple's opening. The guests arrived a little late, and we started the tour in unfortunate rain. Otagi Nenbutsu-ji is becoming increasingly popular, and many international visitors were lined up even before the gate opened. Next, we went to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, though the rain made the footing a concern throughout the tour. For lunch, we stopped at a ramen shop near Nijo Castle, and fortunately the guests were able to get seats. A long line formed outside the shop shortly afterward. They seemed to enjoy the flavor of the ramen, which was a relief. After visiting the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle, the rain stopped and walking became easier. At Nanzen-ji, the sky even cleared and the autumn foliage was magnificent, so the guests took many photos. Since the rain had continued, we discussed and took a taxi from Adashino Nenbutsu-ji to JR Saga-Arashiyama Station. The photo was taken in the garden of the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle.
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 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Nijo | 200JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijo～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Keage | 260JPY |
| Total | 680JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at front of Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple (guest will be late due to bus) at 9:15, and the tour finished at at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 9:15 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Nijo Castle and Nanzen-ji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 680JPY 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?
Kazu 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 was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.