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 Machiya Ebisuya
- 9:40 Nijo Castle
- 11:20 Fushimi Inari
- 13:00 Lunch at Gion
- 13:50 Gion
- 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera
- 15:15 Tour ends at Kiyomizu-dera
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at Machiya Ebisuya at 9:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 15:15. The day ran to 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Gion at 13:00.
The itinerary covered Nijo Castle at 9:40, Fushimi Inari at 11:20, Gion at 13:50 and Kiyomizu-dera at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Sanjo (Kyoto) by subway (220JPY); Sanjo (Kyoto) to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Fushimi Inari to Gion-Shijo by train (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 920JPY per person.
What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America. They came to Kyoto after visiting Tokyo and Osaka, and this was the first day of their stay in Kyoto. Since they had not eaten breakfast, we made stops at a convenience store and a food stall along the way, which took some time and made the tour finish a little later than planned. They asked many questions, especially about history, so I explained in detail. For lunch, they enjoyed okonomiyaki in Gion. After lunch, we walked up the slope to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, so by the end they seemed a little tired.
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 | Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo (Kyoto) | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Sanjo (Kyoto)～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo | 240JPY |
| Total | 920JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Machiya Ebisuya at 9:00, and the tour finished at Tour ends at Kiyomizu-dera at 15:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 15:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, Gion and Kiyomizu-dera.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 920JPY per person across 4 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!