Kyoto: Kiyomizu-dera & Nijo — Guide Umi
June, 2026
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
- 8:30 Depart from Hotel
- 9:00-9:50 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 10:20-11:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:30-12:30 Lunch
- 13:00-14:10 Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace)
- 14:30 Arrive at Hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 9:00, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 10:20 and Nijo Castle (Ninomaru Palace) at 13:00.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, and Nijo Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided a group visiting from North America. They were a very lively and close-knit group, and although we had originally planned to spend about 40 minutes at Kiyomizu-dera, they enjoyed taking photos at various spots and leisurely taking in the scenery, so we ended up staying for about an hour. Afterward, I guided them to Fushimi Inari Taisha, but as they did not perform worship for personal reasons, I explained the method and meaning of worship while they watched me actually perform it. For lunch, we visited a Japanese restaurant. I had been informed in advance that they could not eat crustaceans, but they told me they could not order a set menu even if it merely included shrimp tempura, and that removing the item and eating the rest was also not acceptable. As a result, they had udon and oyakodon, which contained no crustaceans at all, but it seemed the food was not quite to their taste. At Nijo Castle, they were greatly impressed by the beauty of the sliding-door paintings. When we parted, they told me they were very satisfied, but personally, I felt that selecting restaurants able to accommodate such dietary needs remains a difficult challenge.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.
I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.
Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very…
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very friendly, personable and was very insightful! We had a wonderful morning exploring Kyoto and seeing some of the great historical castles, palaces, shrines and temples. Umi also showed us around the famous Nishiki markets, and shared with us some great hidden local restaurants! Would definitely recommend booking this tour, and would definitely recommend Umi as a tour guide!
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi. We appreciated her thoughtful help in planning the tour and she was extremely flexible and responsible to our questions and interests. She was a pleasure to work with and be with and we were grateful that she introduced us to Kyoto most graciously.
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide…
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide for a half day private tour around Kyoto. She worked with us in
advance on the itinerary to match our interests and was very informative and gracious
during the tour itself. I highly recommend her!
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She worked with us on a customized plan that included adapting for a member of our family that uses a wheelchair. The sites she recommended were perfect and gave us a nice touch of Kyoto. We particularly loved the final temple and the experience we had there. The lunch spot we ended up choosing was an excellent Japanese meal. She was extremely knowledgable about the sites, Kyoto in general, Japan’s history, and more. You could tell she loves what she does.