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 Meeting @ Westin Miyako Kyoto
- 8:50-9:30 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 10:20-11:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:50-12:20 @ Kiyomizu-dera
- 12:25-12:55 @ Higashiyama Area, Hokan-ji
- 13:00-14:10 @ Gion
- 14:10 Dismissal @ In front of Wagashi Shop Ninigi Kyoto Gion Main Store
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 8:00, when the guide met the guests at @ Westin Miyako Kyoto, and finished at 14:10. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish.
From there the group visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 8:50, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:20, Kiyomizu-dera at 11:50, Higashiyama Area, Hokan-ji at 12:25 and Gion at 13:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Keage Station to Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station by subway (260JPY); Randen Tenjingawa Station to Arashiyama Station by train (250JPY); Saga-Arashiyama Station to Inari Station by train (240JPY); Inari Station to Tofukuji Station by train (150JPY); Tofukuji to Kiyomizu-michi by bus (230JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,130JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like on a National Holiday? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America. It was their first trip to Japan, and they came to Kyoto after staying in Tokyo for about three days. They planned to stay in Kyoto for a total of about five days. Since the tour day happened to fall on the Coming-of-Age Day national holiday, they mentioned that the day felt somehow special.
At the guests' last-minute request, we moved the tour up by one hour. Perhaps because of the earlier start, the Arashiyama bamboo grove was less crowded than expected, and we were able to stroll comfortably. On the other hand, Fushimi Inari Taisha was extremely crowded. Perhaps because many people were visiting in connection with the Coming-of-Age celebrations, there seemed to be many young Japanese worshippers. There was also a long line at the fortune-slip (omikuji) area.
Kiyomizu-dera was also very crowded, and there was a long line at Otowa Waterfall as well. While strolling around the Higashiyama area, the guests each purchased and enjoyed a skewer of grilled beef. I was surprised that a wagyu skewer cost ¥1,000, while a Kobe beef skewer cost ¥4,000.
While walking through Gion, we passed by several formally dressed geiko and maiko, which delighted the guests greatly. After exploring Gion, they said they wanted to go to a cafe, so I guided them to the front of a Japanese sweets shop in the Gion Higashi area and we parted ways there. The two hours of extension fees were paid by the guests in cash.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Keage Station～Uzumasa-Tenjingawa Station | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa Station～Arashiyama Station | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama Station～Inari Station | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Inari Station～Tofukuji Station | 150JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Tofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi | 230JPY |
| Total | 1,130JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Westin Miyako Kyoto at 8:00, and the tour finished at @ In front of Wagashi Shop Ninigi Kyoto Gion Main Store at 14:10.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 10 minutes in total, from 8:00 to 14:10.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kiyomizu-dera, Higashiyama Area, Hokan-ji and Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,130JPY per person across 5 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?
Kaz 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, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.