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;00 ASAI Kyoto Shijo
- 10:30-11:50 Nijo Castle
- 12:30-13:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 14:00-14:20 Nishiki Market
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Nijo Castle at 10:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 12:30 and Nishiki Market at 14:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Gojo (Kyoto Municipal) to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Sanjo Keihan by subway (220JPY); Sanjo Keihan to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Fushimi Inari to Gion-Shijo by train (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 920JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari, and Nishiki Market
The guests were a group visiting from Europe, and it was a very enjoyable tour. At Nijo Castle, they listened attentively to my explanations, and I also introduced the garden. As it was a hot day, we took a short break at a rest area, where we spent some time cooling down, introducing Japanese games, and chatting. We then traveled to Fushimi Inari Taisha by subway and train, and along the way I introduced Japanese foods and other topics. Near the exit of Fushimi Inari Taisha, they enjoyed sake, Kobe beef, and wagyu before we headed to the shrine, where I introduced the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Nenoue-no-Matsu pine. Since it was already 1:30, we then made our way straight toward Gion-Shijo and Nishiki Market. The skewers of Kobe beef and wagyu seemed expensive from a Japanese perspective, but I was reassured to see the guests enjoying them and finding them delicious. While explaining Shijo Street, I guided them to the entrance of Nishiki Market, where the tour concluded.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Gojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Sanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo | 240JPY |
| Total | 920JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 920JPY per person across 4 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
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
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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.