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
- 09:00 Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo
- (Shijo – Kyoto (subway) Kyoto – Inari (JR train))
- 09:30 Fushimiinari (0)
- (Inari – Kyoto – SagaArashiyama (JR train))
- 11:10 Gioji by taxi
- Lunch(Sensen)
- Sagano Bamboo Path
- Tenryuji (500+300) by walking
- Arashiyama Togetsukyo by walking
- (Arashiyama – Kitanohakubaicho (Randen train))
- ( Kitanohakubaicho – Kinkakujimichi (bus))
- 14:30 Kinkakuji (500)
- 15:30 Shijo (subway)
- End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo at 09:00, Fushimiinari (0) at 09:30, Gioji by taxi at 11:10, Kinkakuji (500) at 14:30 and Shijo (subway) at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shijo to Kyoto by subway (220JPY); Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Inari to Saga Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Randen Arashiyama to Kitanohakubaicho by train (250JPY); Kitanohakubaicho to Kinkakujimichi by bus (230JPY); Kitaoji to Shijo by subway (260JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 1,350JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour by Public Transport Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania. Since they preferred to avoid using taxis as much as possible, I planned an itinerary that made effective use of public transportation. To make the best use of our time, we used a taxi twice: once from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station to Gioji Temple, and once from Kinkakuji Temple at the end to Kitaoji Station, the nearest subway station. Feeling it would be a shame to visit only crowded spots such as Fushimi Inari and the Sagano Bamboo Grove, I guided them to the relatively quiet Gioji Temple and along peaceful little paths leading to the bamboo grove, which they greatly appreciated.
Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Shijo～Kyoto | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Inari～Saga Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Randen Arashiyama～Kitanohakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kitanohakubaicho～Kinkakujimichi | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Kitaoji～Shijo | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,350JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Ibis Styles Kyoto Shijo, Fushimiinari (0), Gioji by taxi, Kinkakuji (500) and Shijo (subway).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,350JPY per person across 6 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?
Kazz 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 Osaka itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly tour guide. He took us to many interesting places during the six hours as well as off the tourist path to more interesting places. He thoroughly explained everything from a current and historical perspective. Outstanding tour.
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing…
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing guide! He was super knowledgeable and gave us really interesting info throughout all the stops. He’s also an amazing photographer!
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a…
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a true pleasure . Exceeded my expectations in knowledge and support of our questions.
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed us around which was great