Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car — Guide Yoshi
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
- AM 08:30 Tour starts from the hotel
- Travel to Kiyomizu-dera, passing through Gion along the way
- AM 09:00- 11:00 Visit Kiyomizu-dera, from Sannenzaka to Yasaka Pagoda
- Travel to Fushimi Inari
- AM 11:30- PM 12:30 Visit Fushimi Inari
- Travel to Nijo Castle
- PM 13:00- 14:10 Visit Nijo Castle
- Travel to the hotel, passing by the Imperial Palace Garden
- PM 14:30 Tour ends
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Fushimi Inari
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. This was reportedly their third trip to Japan, and during a previous visit one of the group had been infected with COVID-19 and had to spend about five days in isolation. I had been informed in advance that walking was difficult for one of the guests, but as long as we kept a slow pace and avoided stairs and inclines as much as possible, there were no problems visiting either Kiyomizu-dera or Fushimi Inari. We were dropped off by car at the end of Chawanzaka and picked up in front of Kodai-ji, and the guests also enjoyed shopping along the approach road on the way. At Fushimi Inari, the parking lot was closed due to a special event, so we visited from a nearby parking area instead, but the guests still enjoyed it.
A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari Taisha. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most iconic shrines, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto deity of rice, prosperity, and business, the shrine has been a place of worship for centuries and attracts visitors from all over the world. The gates are donated by individuals and businesses, each inscribed with the donor's name and the date, creating a striking tunnel of color that winds through the forested hillside.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello , My name is Hideharu Yoshino . Just call me” Yoshi” .
I have been involved with many foreign Business partners through my business life for 38 years ,
Based on my work experience , I would like to try my best to make you comfortale and Happy fruitful times during your stay in Japan .
Not only giving you basic tourist information about famous sightseeing spot , also I would enjoy to give you the back ground inofrmation in my word.
” Once in a lifetime encounter ” Let’s enjoy with me Miracle time to be picked up from 6 billion in somewhere Japan!
Aug 15, 2026
Jacquelinaj18
Introduction to Tokyo…all questions answered
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Thank you, Yoshi. A…
Aug 15, 2026
Jacquelinaj18
Introduction to Tokyo…all questions answered
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Thank you, Yoshi. A great introduction to understanding Tokyo — not only the trains (my biggest scare factor!) but the culture, the history, and the grounding we needed to navigate this amazing city with confidence.
My only regret… not asking more questions!
Seriously, book this tour on your second day after jetlag. It will help you navigate Tokyo so much more confidently and make the whole trip feel easier and richer.
Jul 25, 2026
Ann W
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my…
Jul 25, 2026
Ann W
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Incredible tour, one of the highlights of my trip!
Booking a private tour with Hideharu (Yoshi) Yoshino was easily one of the absolute highlights of my trip.
Yoshi-san customized the day perfectly to my interests, accommodating a last-minute hotel change and timing our morning perfectly so we could see the spectacular Gion Matsuri parade without the heavy crowds.
We explored Ginkaku-ji, Nanzen-ji, and the traditional streets of Gion at a wonderful, relaxed pace.
The tour was fascinating and packed with interesting details that allowed me to truly understand Kyoto’s rich history.
Highly recommended!
Jul 18, 2026
Geert73
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
We, a…
Jul 18, 2026
Geert73
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
A Well-Organized and Informative Tour of Kanazawa
We, a family of 5, had a very enjoyable 6-hour private tour of Kanazawa with Hideharu Yoshino from Japan Guide Agency.
Communication before the tour was excellent and made it very easy to plan the day. Yoshi’s English was excellent, which made communication throughout the tour very smooth. He provided very clear and interesting explanations, giving us a better understanding of the history and culture of the places we visited.
During the tour we explored Kanazawa Castle, Kenrokuen Garden, and the Geisha and Samurai districts.
It was a well-organized and informative tour. Highly recommended.
Jul 15, 2026
G5010ZVmelodys
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
Our…
Jul 15, 2026
G5010ZVmelodys
Tripadvisor review: Kanazawa Local Food & Tea Culture Tour with Licensed Guide
Number one guide for personalised touring of Kanazawa
Our tea and culture day in Kanazawa with our guide Hideharu Yoshino was amazing! Yoshi is very fluent in English and a great companion to walk around with as he knows so much about the history and culture of Kanazawa and Japan. He also knew the best place to grab lunch and helped us pick what was good local fish, curry or tea to try. Plus he made sure we felt comfortable and never out of place wherever we went. I would recommend him for anyone who likes to know more about what they are seeing or what they can do in the area. Yoshi is great!