Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour — Guide Kazu
February, 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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:30 Meet at hotel 9:20 Take a taxi from Keifuku Arashiyama Station 9:35 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple 10:15 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple 11:00 Gio-ji Temple 11:25 Okochi Sanso Villa 12:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 12:30 Short break (lunch) 13:20 Togetsukyo Bridge 13:50 Tenryu-ji Temple 14:45 Escort to hotel and tour ends
What Is a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Sagano Area Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited Japan from North America. They were an active group, with plans to take part in the Tokyo Marathon and had been training together beforehand. For sightseeing in the Arashiyama and Sagano area, we took a taxi from Randen Arashiyama Station to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. From Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, we walked continuously without a break to Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Okochi Sanso Villa, the Bamboo Grove, and back to Randen Arashiyama Station. After a rest, we went to Togetsukyo Bridge and then visited Tenryu-ji Temple. They had originally hoped to see the Monkey Park but in the end decided not to go. Afterwards, I guided them to their hotel and the tour concluded. The photo was taken at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple.
Click here for more details: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest & Sagano Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Karasuma Oike～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Other | Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Randen Arashiyama | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Randen Arashiyama～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Other | Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Karasuma Oike | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,020JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
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My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
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Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.