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 M's EST Kyoto Station
- 10:10 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 11:50 Arashiyama
- 13:00 Lunch in Arashiyama
- 14:40 Kawaramachi (Takashimaya)
- 15:00 End at Shijo Kawaramachi
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 9:00, when the guide met the guests at M's EST Kyoto Station, and finished at 15:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish. It included lunch in Arashiyama at 13:00.
From there the group visited Kinkaku-ji Temple at 10:10, Arashiyama at 11:50 and Kawaramachi (Takashimaya) at 14:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kujo (Kyoto Prefecture) to Kitaoji by subway (290JPY); Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus to Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY); Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus to Kitano-Hakubaicho／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY); Kitano-Hakubaicho to Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) by train (250JPY); Arashiyama (Hankyu Line) to Kyoto-Kawaramachi by train (240JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,240JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Rainy-Day Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a visitor from Oceania. Although a visit to the Arashiyama Monkey Park had originally been requested, we canceled it due to the poor weather. After lunch, the guest wanted to do some shopping in the city, so I guided them briefly around a department store in Kawaramachi before ending the tour. We took quite a lot of time for photography, so we were able to sightsee at a relaxed pace. Despite the unfortunate rain, I was glad that we could still see the cherry blossoms. The guest planned to explore Kyoto on their own for the following two days, and since they had various questions, I was happy to share plenty of information, which they greatly appreciated.
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 | Kujo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Kitaoji | 290JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station)／Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi／Kyoto City Bus～Kitano-Hakubaicho／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kitano-Hakubaicho～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Arashiyama (Hankyu Line)～Kyoto-Kawaramachi | 240JPY |
| Total | 1,240JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at M's EST Kyoto Station at 9:00, and the tour finished at Shijo Kawaramachi at 15:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 9:00 to 15:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kinkaku-ji Temple, Arashiyama and Kawaramachi (Takashimaya).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,240JPY per person across 5 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!