Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Nanzen-ji — Guide Kuni
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
- 8:00 Meet at Hyatt Regency Kyoto
- 8:40 Fushimi Inari
- 10:15 Nijo Castle (travel by taxi)
- 11:45 Ginkaku-ji (travel by taxi)
- 12:40 Lunch near Ginkaku-ji
- 13:50 Nanzen-ji
- 14:30 End at Nanzen-ji
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 8:00, when the guide met the guests at Hyatt Regency Kyoto, and finished at 14:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch near Ginkaku-ji at 12:40.
From there the group visited Fushimi Inari at 8:40, Nijo Castle (travel by taxi) at 10:15, Ginkaku-ji (travel by taxi) at 11:45 and Nanzen-ji at 13:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shichijo to Fushimi Inari (180JPY); Inari to Kyoto by train (150JPY); Kyoto to Nijojo-mae by subway (230JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 560JPY per person.
What Does a Private Kyoto Day Tour Look Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Africa. As requested in advance, I guided them to Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Ginkaku-ji, and Nanzen-ji. The plan also included Sanjusangen-do, but as the guests were tired at Nanzen-ji, the tour ended there. Since they were fond of gardens, they were able to see four different types of gardens. They took quite a lot of photos and videos. As they enjoyed coffee, I took them to a popular coffee shop for breakfast where they could relax. I also suggested and made a reservation at a restaurant for dinner.
A notable stop on the tour was Fushimi Inari. Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Kyoto's most famous Shinto shrines, dedicated to Inari, the deity of rice and prosperity. It is renowned for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that form winding paths up the sacred Mount Inari. Visitors can walk through these tunnels of gates, which create a striking and atmospheric experience, and the shrine is also known for its fox statues, regarded as messengers of Inari.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Shichijo～Fushimi Inari | 180JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari～Kyoto | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Kyoto～Nijojo-mae | 230JPY |
| Total | 560JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hyatt Regency Kyoto at 8:00, and the tour finished at Nanzen-ji at 14:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 8:00 to 14:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle (travel by taxi), Ginkaku-ji (travel by taxi) and Nanzen-ji.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 560JPY per person across 3 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?
Kuni 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.
Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
Please call me first name Kuni.
My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
and also lived in London and Paris for work.
Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
I also like history and gourmet food.
I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Looking forward to meeting you !
Kuni
Aug 18, 2026
janetaF288XA
Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide…
Aug 18, 2026
janetaF288XA
Wonderful tour filled with history, insights and great photos!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Kuni. Kuni provided knowledge and insights for our entire tour. He knew the best spots for photography and the history of the sites we visited. He was also very helpful in helping us attempt to recover an item we lost between Tokyo and Kyoto. We highly recommend this tour and Kuni.
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and very friendly and knowledgable. Kuni-san greatly assisted with meeting one of our family member medical needs on the day and was very helpful in supporting us and changing the itinerary and assisting our family member.
I would HIGHLY recommend Kuni-san as a guide and this tour defintely met our needs as a group of 4.
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
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Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
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The communication was very good. It began prior to the trip with emails from our guide,
Kuni. We worked on the best itinerary for our day tour to Kyoto, both Kuni and our driver were
very efficient, organized and personable. My family had a great experience.
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
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We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our guide did a fantastic job helping us navigate the
city and exploring the history of Kyoto