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 Meet at Tempozan Port Terminal 10:30 Fushimi Inari 12:10 Lunch (Sushi) 13:10 Kinkaku-ji 14:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 15:30 From Kyoto Station to Osaka by special rapid train
- 17:10 Tour ends at Osakako Station on the subway
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari
The guests came to Japan from North America. They had visited Japan nearly fifty years ago. Since the guests preferred a relaxed pace, I created an easygoing itinerary, made a point of walking slowly, and used elevators wherever they were available. Between JR Enmachi and Kinkaku-ji, I chose to take a taxi rather than a bus to save time and the guests' energy. At Kinkaku-ji, they were deeply moved by the magnificent scenery. At the Arashiyama bamboo grove, one of the guests became tired, so we turned back just past Ryoan-ji and took a short break at a coffee shop. Although both seemed a little tired, I was delighted when they said at the end of the tour that they had enjoyed it very much. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Osakako～Yodoyabashi | 290JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Yodoyabashi～Fushimi Inari | 480JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Inari～Enmachi | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Enmachi～Saga-Arashiyama | 180JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Osaka | 960JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Umeda (Subway)～Osakako | 290JPY |
| Total | 2,400JPY | ||
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
Kyoto Tour
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
Kyoto Guided Tour
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.