Kyoto: Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine & Gion — Guide Mickey
September, 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.
Tour Itinerary
- 10:00 Meet at the hotel
- (Karasuma Line・JR)
- 10:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- (Keihan・Taxi)
- 12:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Sannenzaka・Ninenzaka
- 14:30 Gion (Hanamikoji・Gion Shirakawa)
- Lunch
- (Taxi)
- 16:30 Disband at the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at hotel, and finished at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 10:40, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 12:30 and Gion (Hanamikoji・Gion Shirakawa) at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) to Kyoto by train (220JPY); Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-Gojo by train (240JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 610JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera
Body: The guests were visitors from North America, and they were both very calm and friendly. All the prior arrangements were made through an agency, and the request was to shorten the tour from 8 hours to 5 hours. Since it was the first sunny and hot day in a while, and since one of the guests was using a cane (though there was no problem with walking), we walked slowly and took several breaks along the way while consulting with the guests, so the tour ended up lasting six and a half hours.
Although it was hot, the weather was fine, and the guests were pleased to take good photos at Fushimi Inari and Kiyomizu-dera. At Fushimi Inari, no one was lined up for the Omokaru-ishi stones, so the guests were able to enjoy them at a leisurely pace.
One of the guests said they liked plants, and looked closely at the flowers and trees at Kiyomizu-dera. They also told me a lot about the flowers they grow at home.
I think they were tired from all the walking, but they kindly told me they had a wonderful time.
A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Shrine. Fushimi Inari is one of Kyoto's most famous shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity associated with rice, prosperity, and business. It is best known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through the tunnels of gates and explore smaller shrines and fox statues along the way, as the fox is regarded as the messenger of Inari.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo | 240JPY |
| Total | 610JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at hotel at 10:00, and the tour finished at hotel at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Gion (Hanamikoji・Gion Shirakawa).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 610JPY per person across 3 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?
Mickey 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! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!
May 17, 2026
Barry_L
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
Mickey was great. We put together an…
May 17, 2026
Barry_L
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
Mickey was great. We put together an itinerary together and was flexible on making changes to accommodate our needs. She speaks English and is very informative. She has a fun personality and we would highly recommend her. We hope to show her around South Florida one day.
Apr 29, 2026
Dream20497216370
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience in Kobe
We had a great time with Micky, our…
Apr 29, 2026
Dream20497216370
Tripadvisor review: Kobe 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great experience in Kobe
We had a great time with Micky, our guide while visiting Kobe. She was very informative of
the history of the city, helpful and accommodating to our needs. We didn’t feel rushed and
kept the tour at our pace.. We highly recommend her.