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.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 Hotel Kyoto
- 10:30-12:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 12:30-13:10 Nijo Castle
- 13:30-14:00 Lunch
- 14:20-15:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 15:20-16:00 Nishiki Market
- Tour ends
- 1
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Hotel Kyoto at 10:00, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 10:30, Nijo Castle at 12:30, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 14:20 and Nishiki Market at 15:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo Keihan to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Fushimi Inari to Sanjo Keihan by train (240JPY); Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) to Nijojo-mae by train (220JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 700JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, and Kinkaku-ji
Body: The guests were a very pleasant group from Oceania. After exiting Fushimi Inari Station, they purchased a kitchen knife at a cutlery shop and had their name engraved on it. This took a little time, but afterward I guided them around Fushimi Inari, where we visited the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) and the "Neagari no Matsu" pine. On the way back, we picked up the knife and headed to Nijo Castle, where I also guided them through the gardens and explained the relationship between the shogun and the emperor. We took a taxi to a Hama Sushi near Kinkaku-ji for lunch, and we enjoyed a little game together, which livened things up. At one point I accidentally left my backpack in the taxi and panicked, but the driver came back with it, so all was well. Since I had been holding the knife, I was very relieved. I then guided them through Kinkaku-ji, and we took a taxi to Nishiki Market, where we spent about 30 minutes looking around before we ran out of time, so they went on to Gion on their own. They were wonderful guests, and I truly enjoyed accompanying them myself.
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 | Sanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Sanjo Keihan | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 700JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple and Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 700JPY 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?
Harumi 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.
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
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We had an amazing tour with Harumi in Kyoto. From the moment she was paired as our guide, she contacted us to personalize the daytrip. She shared great suggestions and ideas for the tour.
During the tour, she shared so much information about Japan, the history, culture, and meanings. So informative and thoughtful.
We had an amazing time with her and would highly highly recommend.
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Our tour was definitely customized and our guide Harumi was excellent! Leading up to our excursion she involved us in selecting options of things to do. She communicated clearly about meeting point and tips to bring so we would be prepared for the possibility of rain. Harumi was very knowledgeable on the places we visited and we learned a great deal about Japanese customs and traditions. The beginning of our tour we spent time exploring Kitano – cho foreign district. At the Shrine, Harumi shared key information about the gods and demonstrated how make a wish. We had the opportunity to eat lunch at a sushi bar where you order a selection of Japanese foods and experience eating with chopsticks! Motomachi Shopping district was a great place to spend the afternoon after our tour. What a wonderful experience!
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Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I booked a private tour and car to visit places on the outskirts of Kyoto. Our tour guide, Harumi Sagayama, not only provided a wealth of knowledge about our stops but also about the culture, history and politics of Kyoto. She was also critical on helping us narrow down the choices available to us. Our driver, Suzuki san, provided an impeccably clean, safe and comfortable ride as well. Absolutely delightful all around.
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We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kouzo San were very nice and constantly checked how we were doing.
Our party had one member using a mobility scooter and they made sure she was taken care of and was comfortable all the time. She even played a traditional Japanese game with us in the car before we got dropped off and this completed a most memorable and enjoyable time with them.