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 ASAI Kyoto Shijo
- 9;00ー11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:30-12:30 Nijo Castle
- 12:40-13:30 Lunch
- 13:40-15:00 Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited ASAI Kyoto Shijo at 9:00, Nijo Castle at 11:30 and Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 13:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Gojo (Kyoto Municipal) to Kyoto by train (220JPY); Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Fushimi Inari to Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) by train (240JPY); Sanjo Keihan to Nijojo-mae by train (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) by train (220JPY); Sanjo Keihan to Gion-Shijo by train (180JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,230JPY per person.
What Is a Private Full-Day Walking Tour of Kyoto's Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group of two visiting from North America. They were energetic and comfortable walking quite fast, which was a great help. There was a delay in the transfer where the guide could not get out quickly and kept them waiting, but we proceeded according to the itinerary. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, we visited the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Nenoue-no-Matsu pine, enjoyed some inari, and I took them to a knife shop. They also purchased tea and a teapot. After sampling some Japanese sake, we traveled by train to Nijo Castle. Since we had spent time at Fushimi Inari Taisha, I gave a shorter explanation there. We then took the train again toward Gion and walked up to Hokan-ji Temple, Ninen-zaka, and Sannen-zaka, guiding them to Kiyomizu-dera, and ended the tour where the approach path exits. They were very kind guests, and it was a real pleasure to guide them.
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 | Train | Gojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Sanjo Keihan～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) | 220JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Sanjo Keihan～Gion-Shijo | 180JPY |
| Total | 1,230JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited ASAI Kyoto Shijo, Nijo Castle and Higashiyama district, Kiyomizu-dera Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,230JPY per person across 6 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?
Harumi 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.
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
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Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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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
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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.