Kyoto: Kurama-dera Temple & Nijo Castle — Guide Ken
October, 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
- 9:50 Kurama-dera Temple
- 11:30 Kifune Shrine
- 11:50 Lunch @ Kibune
- 14:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 15:30 Nijo Castle
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Kurama-dera Temple at 9:50, Kifune Shrine at 11:30, Kyoto Imperial Palace at 14:00 and Nijo Castle at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kiyomizu-Gojo to Demachiyanagi by train (300JPY); Demachiyanagi to Kurama by train (470JPY); Kibune by bus (200JPY); Kibuneguchi to Demachiyanagi by train (470JPY); Demachiyanagi to Karasuma-Imadegawa (230JPY); Nijojo-mae to Sanjo Keihan (220JPY); Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) to Kiyomizu-Gojo (180JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 2,070JPY per person.
What's a Private Walking and Hiking Day Tour in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour started as planned, meeting at the hotel lobby at 8:30. We took the Keihan train and the Eizan Electric Railway to Kurama-dera Temple. After visiting Kurama-dera, we hiked across Mount Kurama and came out at the Kibune exit. We had lunch in Kibune, visiting after the riverside dining platform season had ended. After lunch, we returned to Demachiyanagi and took a bus to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace. After the Kyoto Imperial Palace, we moved by taxi to Nijo Castle. After visiting Nijo Castle, we returned by subway and the Keihan train to the station nearest the guest, where the tour ended. We were able to cover all the requested sightseeing spots, and under clear skies, the guests enjoyed the Kurama hike they had hoped for. A notable stop on the tour was Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto built in the early 17th century as the residence of the Tokugawa shoguns. The castle is famous for its Ninomaru Palace, with its elegantly decorated rooms and "nightingale floors" that chirp when walked upon to warn of intruders. Its surrounding gardens and stone walls offer a vivid glimpse into the power and refined aesthetics of the Edo period.
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 | Kiyomizu-Gojo～Demachiyanagi | 300JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Demachiyanagi～Kurama | 470JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kibune / Kyoto Bus～Kibuneguchi / Kyoto Bus | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Kibuneguchi～Demachiyanagi | 470JPY |
| Section 5 | Other | Demachiyanagi～Karasuma-Imadegawa | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Other | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 7 | Other | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Kiyomizu-Gojo | 180JPY |
| Total | 2,070JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kurama-dera Temple, Kifune Shrine, Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,070JPY per person across 7 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?
Ken 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 Ken. I spent my university years in Kyoto and I love the city. My hobbies include tennis, swimming, and windsurfing in the summer. I‘m also practicing the guitar.
Kyoto is a city with over 1000 years of history, and there are so many sights to see that it’s difficult to see everything in one day. My basic tour highlights popular spots that cover the main tourist attractions of Kyoto (Nijo Castle, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kiyomizu Temple, Gion), allowing you to make the most of your time. Of course, it can also be customized to your preferences. I can suggest recommended spots based on your preferences, such as avoiding crowds or finding quiet places. Let’s create a plan together that will create wonderful memories! I look forward to meeting you!
Jun 18, 2026
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Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank you, Ken-san!!
We booked this full-day tour directly with JGA, and…
Jun 18, 2026
fdorerabadia
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 8hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank you, Ken-san!!
We booked this full-day tour directly with JGA, and we’re very glad we did. The day was filled with history, fascinating locations, and unforgettable memories. Our guide, Ken-san, was great — knowledgeable, detail-oriented, and always mindful of our schedule, ensuring we made the most of our time. If you have the opportunity, this tour is absolutely a must-do. Highly recommended.