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
- 9:30 Waiting at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate
- 9:45 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate
- 10:00 Drop off luggage at Ryokan Ginkaku
- 10:45 Fushimi Inari
- 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera
- 13:30 End at Kiyomizu-dera
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 9:45, when the guide met the guests at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, and finished at 13:30. The day ran to 3 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Waiting at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate at 9:30, Fushimi Inari at 10:45 and Kiyomizu-dera at 12:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY). Across 1 sections the fare came to 150JPY per person.
Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide? A Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. The point of contact was one of the guests. Although the email indicated we would meet at a ryokan, a message came in via a messaging app just beforehand saying they were currently on a train heading to Kyoto and would be late for the meeting time. Contrary to the prior information, we quickly met at the central ticket gate of JR Kyoto Station instead. Since the group traveled from Osaka on separate trains, we finally met at 9:45. They had gone to the wrong meeting place and were a little flustered when they contacted me, but I reassured them that everything was fine and kept in good communication. After that, I guided them to the ryokan where they were staying so they could leave their luggage, and then we began the tour. Since they had not answered in advance where they wanted to go, I adjusted the plan on the spot and guided them to Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. We took a taxi from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera. The tour time became shorter, but I believe the guests enjoyed it.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Total | 150JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate at 9:45, and the tour finished at Kiyomizu-dera at 13:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 3 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 9:45 to 13:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Waiting at Kyoto Station Central Ticket Gate, Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 150JPY per person across 1 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!