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. Hotel Kyoto
- 10:00-10:40. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:10-11:50 Nijo Castle
- 12:10-13:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 13:20-14:00 Lunch
- 14:30-15:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple
- 15:30 Hotel Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Kyoto at 9:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 10:00, Nijo Castle at 11:10, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 12:10, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple at 14:30 and Hotel Kyoto at 15:30.
What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama
The guests were a group visiting from North America. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, I introduced the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Neagari-no-Matsu pine, then we moved on to Nijo Castle, where there seemed to be fewer visitors than usual, perhaps due to the heavy rain. Following the driver's advice, we visited Kinkakuji before lunch, and then had lunch at a ramen restaurant. The guests told me the food was very delicious. We walked through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove path, passed by Tenryuji Temple, and headed to the parking area, where I let the guests decide whether to go to Nishiki Market or return to the Hotel. In the end, they chose to return to the Hotel, and the tour concluded there. At Tenryuji Temple, many flowers were in full bloom, looking wonderfully beautiful even in the rain. The wisteria was beginning to bloom as well, and since the guests grow wisteria at home, the conversation became quite lively.
The guests were pleasant and well-mannered, and it was a very enjoyable tour.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.