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

  • 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
  • 9:40 Sanjo Keihan Station
  • 10:10 Randen Arashiyama Station
  • 10:20 Tenryu-ji Temple (Lecture Hall, Abbot's Quarters, Garden)
  • 11:20 Bamboo Grove
  • 11:50 Lunch
  • 12:50 Saga-Arashiyama Station
  • 13:15 Inari Station
  • 13:20 Fushimi Inari
  • 14:15 Fushimi Inari Station
  • 14:25 Kiyomizu-Gojo Station
  • 14:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
  • 15:30 Tour Ends

Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera

The guests were visitors from North America, and they were both very friendly and kind. As it was the middle day of a three-day weekend, everywhere was quite crowded, but we were able to proceed as planned. In Arashiyama, I guided them around Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove. They were deeply impressed by the powerful cloud dragon painting, as well as the beauty of the garden and the bamboo grove. After lunch, we took the train to Fushimi Inari. They were delighted to capture beautiful photos with the lovely contrast between the blue sky and the torii gates. A major ceremonial festival was being held, so they were able to see a scene different from usual, which was wonderful. Some of the guests purchased a charm and a fox figurine. They had already bought many souvenirs, and mentioned with a laugh that they would need to buy a suitcase just for souvenirs. After that, we headed to Kiyomizu-dera. We took a taxi from Kiyomizu-Gojo, but they were surprised by how many people there were on the approach after getting out of the taxi. We were able to buy tickets without waiting, but the main hall and the stage were also crowded, and they seemed to become a little tired. Since they planned to return to their hotel after visiting Kiyomizu-dera, I hailed a taxi after walking down Matsubara-dori and saw them off. They told me they had a wonderful time and gave me a handwritten card.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1SubwaySanjo Keihan~Uzumasa Tenjingawa260JPY
Section 2TrainRanden Tenjingawa~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)250JPY
Section 3TrainSaga-Arashiyama~Inari240JPY
Section 4TrainFushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo240JPY
Total990JPY

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…

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…