Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour — Guide Mako
January, 2025
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
- 10:00 Meet the guests @hotel Kanra Kyoto
- Around 10:40 Arrive at Kinkaku-ji by taxi, guided tour
- Around 11:45 Arrive at Arashiyama Bamboo Grove by taxi, guided tour
- Around 12:10 Arrive at Tenryu-ji, guided tour
- Around 13:00 Fushimi Inari Shrine, guided tour
- Around 14:00 Arrive at Keihan Gion-Shijo Station
- Around 14:10 Disband in front of Nishiki Market
What Kyoto Sights Can You See in a Private Day Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kinkaku-ji, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari
The guests visited Japan from North America. They were delighted to be able to visit Kinkaku-ji, the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, Tenryu-ji, and Fushimi Inari, all of which they had requested. They mentioned that they had already done so much shopping that their suitcases were full, so they were not going to buy any souvenirs during the tour. Kinkaku-ji was a spot the guests had seen on social media and wanted to visit, and they were very happy with how beautiful it was.
The bamboo grove was a spot the guests wanted to see, and they posted on social media that it was very beautiful. The guests all loved Japanese history, and we had a lively conversation about figures such as Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Yesterday, the area near Fushimi Inari Taisha was very congested, so today we took the train from Arashiyama to head to Fushimi Inari. At Fushimi Inari, the guests enjoyed taking photos. After the tour, they wanted to go to Nishiki Market, so I took them to Nishiki Market. They plan to visit Nijo Castle, Ginkaku-ji, and Heian Shrine tomorrow.
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 | JR Saga-Arashiyama～JR Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Keihan Fushimi-Inari～Keihan Gion-Shijo | 240JPY |
| Total | 480JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.
I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.
I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako,…
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako, was so fantastic. We had told her what we were interested in doing and she planned a perfect day. Her knowledge of the historical sites is extensive and interesting.
She is very friendly and fun. She was also considerate to go at our pace.
Would highly recommend seeing the Castle and the Golden Temple.
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was…
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was such an amazing tour guide, we had the absolute best day with her. We were able to squeeze in so many sights and with the private car it was such a breeze. Highly recommend this customized private tour (and Mako if she is available, definitely request her)!!
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples was fantastic. Saw more in the half day than what
we would have in 2 days. Mako was fantastic letting us know the history behind all the
areas. This made the experience all the better. 100% recommend
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She is knowledgeable and organized, and I felt like in another life we could have been friends. She made us feel so welcome and had a lot of interesting information to share during our tour. She took great pictures on our behalf! We absolutely recommend a tour with Mako.