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
- 14:20 Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata
- 15:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Nonomiya Shrine, Togetsukyo Bridge
- 17:30 Fushimi Inari
- 18:40 Kyoto Station
Title: What's a Private Day Tour of Arashiyama and Fushimi Inari in Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America on a trip to Japan. I picked them up at a kimono rental shop and we headed to Arashiyama. On the train, we were able to have a pleasant conversation, even including other passengers.
In Arashiyama, they found the bamboo grove beautiful and took many photos. At Nonomiya Shrine, they listened carefully to explanations about the proper manners for visiting a shrine. At Tenryu-ji, we only saw the entrance and did not go inside. They enjoyed the scenery around Togetsukyo Bridge and looked at souvenir shops on the way to the station.
At Fushimi Inari as well, they walked only through the entrance of the Senbon Torii, and seemed more interested in architectural structures such as the main gate. They drew an omikuji fortune, so I translated it for them. It had already gotten dark, so we headed to Kyoto Station, where I explained the platforms for their train the next day.
The guests were staying at a hotel near Kyoto Station, but we parted ways at Kyoto Station.
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 | Gojo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kyoto | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Inari～Kyoto | 150JPY |
| Total | 850JPY | ||
I would like to show you Japanese old temples, shrines and castles. Kansai area that covers Kyoto, Nara and Osaka has a long history. Each sites has a old interesting story. Let me tell you about it. And I will show you unique local landscapes.
Japan is proud of its culture. I have learned tea ceremony, Japanese archery, calligraphy and Japanese dancing. I will tell you some parts of them.
I love nature. Japan is also a country of beauiful nature. Since I love bird watching and growing plants, I would like to see flowers, trees and birds with mountains and rivers.
I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been working as a tour guide for many years. I enjoy guiding my guests in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka. I am waiting for you!
Apr 5, 2026
Climber41386953072
Perfect personalized Tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It was a great private Tour with a kind…
Apr 5, 2026
Climber41386953072
Perfect personalized Tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
It was a great private Tour with a kind and very informed guide.
She texted us many weeks beforehand to ask our personal preferences and interests so that she could make a personalized tour for us.
We can strongly recommend her for everyone how wants to see and live a bit of Kyoto!
May 13, 2025
G1042AProbertg
Fantastic Way to See Kyoto with a Local!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hiromi was such a…
May 13, 2025
G1042AProbertg
Fantastic Way to See Kyoto with a Local!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Hiromi was such a kind and caring guide. She perfectly prepared the itinerary to fit our
wishes and needs. She came very prepared with a lot of information about the local history
and culture. A fantastic way to hit Kyoto’s hot spots in one go!
Apr 18, 2025
Emma C
Wonderful day with Hiromi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Hiromi!…
Apr 18, 2025
Emma C
Wonderful day with Hiromi
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful day with Hiromi! We were in email contact ahead of our trip and Hiromi
created an itinerary to match our interests. We had a wonderful time and it was like being
with a friend for the day. So grateful for Hiromi’s caring nature and attention to detail.