Kyoto in One Day: Sanjusangendo visit — 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
- 7:00 Hotel Meet(@Hotel Kyoto)
- 7:00-7:55 Travel (Subway: Karasuma Oike→Sanjo Keihan, Keihan Train; Keihan Sanjo→Kiyomizu Gojo)
- 7:55-9:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple visit (including Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Koshindo)
- 9:15-9:30 Travel (City Bus; Kiyomizu-michi→Higashiyama Shichijo)
- 9:30-10:10 Sanjusangendo visit
- 10:10-10:30 Travel (Keihan Train; Keihan Shichijo→Fushimi Inari)
- 10:30-11:20 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine visit
- 11:20-12:00 Travel (Keihan Train; Fushimi Inari Taisha→Keihan Sanjo, Subway; Sanjo Keihan→Nijojo-mae)
- 12:00-13:00 Nijo Castle visit
- 13:00 Tour ends after visiting Nijo Castle. After the tour ends, we accompanied you to the reserved restaurant (Hanasaki; Nishiki branch).
What Does a Private Early-Morning Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle
The guests were visitors from North America, and this was their first trip to Japan. They had planned a trip to Japan five years earlier, but it was canceled due to COVID, so this time they were finally able to realize their first visit to Japan. I took the guests to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sanjusangendo, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, and Nijo Castle.
It was an early-morning tour starting at 7:00, and at Kiyomizu-dera there were not yet many crowds, so we were able to proceed smoothly.
It was perfect weather for a tour, but at the final stop, Nijo Castle, we were caught in the rain. Fortunately, I had brought an umbrella, so I was able to lend it to one of the guests. Some of the guests said Nijo Castle was their favorite, while others said Sanjusangendo was the best.
The guests also requested a recommendation for a Japanese restaurant after the tour, so I made a reservation in advance at a restaurant and took them there after the tour.
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 Oike～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sanjo Keihan～Kiyomizu Gojo | 180JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kiyomizu-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Higashiyama Shichijo／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Keihan Shichijo／Princess Line～Fushimi Inari | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Sanjo Keihan | 240JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Sanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,270JPY | ||
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.