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
- 10:00 Meet at Machiya Sumi Hotaru Oboro (Omiya Gojo)
- 10:40 Kinkaku-ji
- 11:30 Ryoan-ji
- 12:30 Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove / Togetsukyo Bridge)
- 13:15 Lunch
- 14:10 Kurumazaki Shrine
- 15:00 Nijo Castle
- 16:00 End at Karasuma Shijo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at Machiya Sumi Hotaru Oboro (Omiya Gojo) and ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch at 13:15.
Over the course of the day the route took in Kinkaku-ji at 10:40, Ryoan-ji at 11:30, Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove / Togetsukyo Bridge) at 12:30, Kurumazaki Shrine at 14:10 and Nijo Castle at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Tambaguchi to Enmachi by train (180JPY); Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) by bus (230JPY); Kinkakuji-michi by bus (230JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Kurumazaki Shrine by train (250JPY); Kurumazaki Shrine to Randen Tenjingawa by train (250JPY); Uzumasa Tenjingawa to Nijojo-mae by subway (260JPY); Nijojo-mae to Shijo (230JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,630JPY per person.
What's a Private One-Day Tour of Northwest Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe. As their stay in Kyoto was short, I focused the tour on the northwestern part of Kyoto. They walked at a quick pace, so in addition to the three sites originally planned, I also guided them to Nijo Castle and Kurumazaki Shrine, where early-blooming cherry blossoms could be seen. The additions were agreed upon by the guests, and they were very pleased. The weather was cold, so toward the end they appeared a little tired, but since they wanted to do some shopping after the tour, we ended the tour at Shijo-Karasuma. We used a taxi to travel from Ryoanji Temple to Arashiyama.
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 | Tambaguchi～Enmachi | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Nishinokyo Enmachi (JR Enmachi Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Ryoanji-mae / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Kurumazaki Shrine | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Kurumazaki Shrine～Randen Tenjingawa | 250JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Section 7 | Other | Nijojo-mae～Shijo | 230JPY |
| Total | 1,630JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Machiya Sumi Hotaru Oboro (Omiya Gojo) at 10:00, and the tour finished at Karasuma Shijo at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kinkaku-ji, Ryoan-ji, Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove / Togetsukyo Bridge), Kurumazaki Shrine and Nijo Castle.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,630JPY per person across 7 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?
Kuni 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.
Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
Please call me first name Kuni.
My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
and also lived in London and Paris for work.
Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
I also like history and gourmet food.
I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Looking forward to meeting you !
Kuni
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and very friendly and knowledgable. Kuni-san greatly assisted with meeting one of our family member medical needs on the day and was very helpful in supporting us and changing the itinerary and assisting our family member.
I would HIGHLY recommend Kuni-san as a guide and this tour defintely met our needs as a group of 4.
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
The…
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
The communication was very good. It began prior to the trip with emails from our guide,
Kuni. We worked on the best itinerary for our day tour to Kyoto, both Kuni and our driver were
very efficient, organized and personable. My family had a great experience.
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our guide did a fantastic job helping us navigate the
city and exploring the history of Kyoto
May 16, 2026
sydneybA4751LA
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
Kuni was amazing as our private tour…
May 16, 2026
sydneybA4751LA
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
Kuni was amazing as our private tour guide! Before the tour, he reached out to ask about the specific itinerary we wanted to do. He took into consideration all of our thoughts. The tour was amazing. He was very informative and it was very special to see all of the sites. Would recommend highly!