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
- 10:00 Meet @ Kyoto Station Central Gate
- 10:10-10:55 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:15-12:15 @ Gion
- 12:15-13:15 @ Kennin-ji Temple
- 13:20-14:00 @ Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ishibei-koji
- 14:00 Disband @ Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at @ Kyoto Station Central Gate and ended at 14:00. The day ran to 4 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:10, Gion at 11:15, Kennin-ji Temple at 12:15 and Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ishibei-koji at 13:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Fushimi Inari to Gion-Shijo by train (240JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 390JPY per person.
When Guests from Europe Visit Kyoto: A Licensed Guide's Private Day Tour Report on Fushimi Inari, Gion, and Higashiyama
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were based in Nara, and today they came to Kyoto by train from Nara and planned to return to Nara by train as well. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests all offered prayers at the main hall. There was a very long line for the Omokaru-ishi stones because of school-trip students, so we skipped it and instead had them experience the Neagari-no-Matsu (the "rising roots" pine).
In Gion, while I was giving an explanation in front of an okiya (a geisha house), three young girls who appeared to be trainees (shikomi) came out and were bowing to a senior geiko, and being able to witness this gave me a fresh opportunity to talk about the shikomi. We walked south down Hanamikoji and entered Kennin-ji temple directly. The scenery of Kennin-ji's garden seemed to match the typical image of Japan that the guests had imagined, and they took many photos of the dry landscape (karesansui) garden.
After that, we walked east up Yasaka-dori, passing the Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, and Ishibei-koji, and continued on foot to the Higashiyama-Yasui bus stop, where I gave directions for the bus to central Kyoto before we parted ways.
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～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo | 240JPY |
| Total | 390JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Kyoto Station Central Gate at 10:00, and the tour finished at @ Higashiyama Yasui Bus Stop at 14:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 4 hours in total, from 10:00 to 14:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Gion, Kennin-ji Temple and Ninenzaka, Yasaka Pagoda, Ishibei-koji.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 390JPY 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?
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.