Kyoto in Half a Day: Otagi Nenbutsu-ji & Gio-ji — Guide Hiro
December, 2024
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
- 13:00 Meet up @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station
- 14:12 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 14:57 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 15:42 Gio-ji Temple
- 17:03 Disband @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station at 13:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 17:03. The day ran to 4 hours and 3 minutes from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 14:12, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 14:57 and Gio-ji Temple at 15:42.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama by train (480JPY); Saga Shogakko-mae to Otagidera-mae by bus (230JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 710JPY per person.
What Is a Private Tour of Okusaga in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania, visiting Japan for the first time. It was their fourth day in Kyoto, but until then they had only visited Osaka and Hiroshima, so it was their first time sightseeing in Kyoto. Even so, they requested a tour of Okusaga, and I took them there. They said they wanted to avoid places that were too crowded, so we visited three temples along the old road, and I believe they thoroughly enjoyed the calm atmosphere and the beautiful views. Some of the guests asked many questions, and I was pleased to hear them say that they found it "interesting."
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto～Saga-Arashiyama | 480JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Saga Shogakko-mae～Otagidera-mae | 230JPY |
| Total | 710JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station at 13:00, and the tour finished at @ Doubletree By Hilton Kyoto Station at 17:03.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours and 3 minutes in total, from 13:00 to 17:03.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple and Gio-ji Temple.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 710JPY per person across 2 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?
Hiro 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.
Thanks for joining our tour. I’m Hiro Nakagawa, assigned to be your guide for this tour. I was eligible as a National Licensed Tour Guide in 2017. I have guided many tourists from overseas since then. Japan is a beautiful country with full of various attractions. Please enjoy your time in this country to the fullest. I will help you with that. What are you interested in this country? I will introduce this country’s long history, traditional culture, beautiful seasonal highlights, and delicious food to you. Please let me know your preferences. If it’s other than which I mentioned, I’m preparing it for you as much as possible. Let’s enjoy the trip together!
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Japan Guide Agency guide Hiro did an excellent job in escorting my wife and I for a day tour to Mt. Koya, from the Osaka Cruise Terminal. We enjoyed the sanctity of the Mt. Koya area, the peaceful shrines, and the forests of tall trees. Hiro had all the transportation well designed-out, and was able to get us back to the Osaka cruise terminal at the time I had requested. Very satisfied with his service.
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Enjoyed the sites we were taken. Hiro was very humble person. Under the extreme heat
conditions Hiro was very thoughtful & helpful. Thank you Hiro for today we appreciate your
time. Regards Markovski Family.
Jun 18, 2025
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My wife and I enjoyed not one by TWO full day tours with Hiro, one in Osaka and one in Kyoto. Hiro knows his stuff and passed along a lot of interesting history. In both cases he came prepared with detailed itineraries including public transit times to make sure we hit all the sites we most wanted to see. When rain became a factor in Kyoto, he adjusted our schedule to optimize for the weather – indoors during heaviest rain and outdoors when weather improved. In Kyoto, he warned us away from eating in one tourist area and instead found an amazing noodle shop for lunch, a completely unique experience. In Osaka, when we found one site he had chosen for us closed – the Museum of Housing & Life – he proposed another site that proved to be very nice. We went to the museum on our own the next day and found it fascinating and fun. He also took us to an outstanding okonomikayi place for lunch. Friendly, well-organized and accommodating, we really enjoyed our tours with Hiro.
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SK G
Excellent tour
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May 26, 2025
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Excellent tour
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 6hr Private Walking Tour with Government Licensed Guide
Mr. Hiro provided an excellent experience. Personable and professional, he accommodated all our expectations.
Highly recommended!
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