Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Monkey Park — Guide Kazu
March, 2026
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
- 8:30 Hotel Meet
- 9:25 Fushimi Inari
- 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 11:50 Lunch (Sushi)
- 13:20 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 14:00 Monkey Park
- 15:15 Depart Arashiyama
- 16:10 Drop off at Kyoto Station and end tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Hotel Meet at 8:30, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 16:10. The day ran to 7 hours and 40 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch (Sushi) at 11:50.
The itinerary covered Fushimi Inari at 9:25, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:00, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 13:20, Monkey Park at 14:00 and Arashiyama at 15:15.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Group Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. It was the middle of a three-day holiday weekend, so all of the sites we visited were crowded, and there was even heavier traffic than usual, which meant travel took longer. Because of this, I gave the sightseeing explanations inside the bus and we walked as much as possible once on site. The driver was extremely cooperative, which was a great help. The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji. Unfortunately, it was so crowded that we were unable to take a group photo.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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.