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
- 10:30 Meet at Hotel Kyoto
- 11:00 ~11:45 Nijo Castle
- 12:20~13:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 13:20~14:30 Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, and the Ishin no Michi. At the guest's request, we took a taxi to send them to the hotel, and the tour concluded.
Title: What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were visiting Kyoto from North America, traveling via Tokyo. About one hour before the scheduled start time, they contacted me asking to push the start back by 30 minutes, so we met at the Hotel at 10:30. The guests let me know in advance that today's tour would need to end early, and we set off.
At Nijo Castle, the guests were impressed by the Karamon Gate, the wall paintings of the Ninomaru Palace, the carved transoms, and the depiction of the shogun receiving the daimyo lords in the grand hall. They took many photos in the Ninomaru Garden and the Seiryu-en Garden. At Fushimi Inari, they were moved by the vermilion torii gates and the main shrine, and offered their prayers earnestly.
Afterward, we traveled by taxi to Kiyomizu-dera, walked up to just before the main hall, and they took many photos. They enjoyed strolling along Kiyomizu-zaka slope while buying a few snacks at the shops. They also took many photos at Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka, and the Yasaka Pagoda.
Around 14:15, at the guests' request, I saw them back to the Hotel by taxi, and the tour concluded.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Local Food & Culture Tour in 1 Day, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Karasuma～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Kyoto | 260JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Total | 630JPY | ||
Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a…
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided
keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day
Japan.10/10
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent…
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient. He kept our tour
moving, but also make sure we rested when needed and we stayed hydrated.
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion during our time in Osaka. He explained everything clearly and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. He was very accommodating, always attentive to our needs, and incredibly polite and respectful. His subtle and thoughtful approach made us feel comfortable throughout the entire tour. Highly recommended!
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The length of the tour was just right for us—especially on such a hot day—and we still managed to find time to take some great photos.