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 up @Hotel The M's Kyoto
- 10:20 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:35 @Sannenzaka
- 11:45@Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 13:10@Yasaka Shrine
- 13:20@Hanamikoji
- 13:45@Gion Shirakawa
- 14:00 Disband @Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at @Hotel The M's Kyoto 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 Shrine at 10:20, Sannenzaka at 11:35, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 11:45, Yasaka Shrine at 13:10, Hanamikoji at 13:20 and Gion Shirakawa at 13:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Inari to Tofukuji by train (150JPY); Tofukuji／Kyoto City Bus to Gojozaka／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 530JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion — A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. Their requests were Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kiyomizu-dera, so I guided them to those two places first. Afterwards, I asked whether they would like to visit Sanjusangendo or Gion, and they chose Gion. I guided them in order along Sannenzaka, Nene-no-Michi, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji, and Gion Shirakawa on foot. After the tour ended, since they were returning to their Hotel, I saw them off at the bus stop where the JR Kyoto-bound bus departs from Shijo Kawaramachi, and we parted ways. Although there was light rain, the guests were very satisfied with the tour.
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 | Inari～Tofukuji | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Tofukuji／Kyoto City Bus～Gojozaka／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 530JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @Hotel The M's Kyoto at 10:00, and the tour finished at @Shijo Kawaramachi 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 Shrine, Sannenzaka, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Yasaka Shrine, Hanamikoji and Gion Shirakawa.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 530JPY per person across 3 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?
Shoko 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.
I am an experienced guide, who live in Osaka. I have been a Government-Licensed Guide in English since 2018. I have already guided a lot of tourists overseas in Kansai Area, that is, in the vicinity of my prefecture, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. I am especially good at guiding in Kansai Area with sufficient knowledge of history, culture and transportation. I have guided people ranging from a small group of one or two to a group of 20-50 people in a big bus, that is, a coach. I like delicious food, because Osaka is a city of Kuidaorre, which means that people in Osaka love to eat and never spend too much money on food. Therefore, as an Osakan, I will do my best to explore restaurants which serve most delicious foods in wherever I take to my guests.
Mar 31, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Perfectly customized tour
Shoko San did an amazing job planning a…
Mar 31, 2026
Michael A
Tripadvisor review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Perfectly customized tour
Shoko San did an amazing job planning a customized tour of more quiet places for Osaka.
We visited a couple of temples and a beautiful Japanese garden. Shoko was very
knowledgeable and accommodating for us. Highly recommended.
Mar 29, 2026
judyl582
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shoko was great
Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she…
Mar 29, 2026
judyl582
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shoko was great
Shoko was an excellent guide. From the moment she was assigned to our tour (month prior) to the day of, her communication was clear and proactive. She tailored our day based on our interests and got us where we needed to be quickly and efficiently. She was also VERY knowledgable of the history of the sites we visited.
Oct 8, 2025
441gayh
World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was…
Oct 8, 2025
441gayh
World Heritage Kyoto places with the best guide
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely perfect! SHOKO was the best person to take this tour with. She knew the history of the places we visited – we went to 4 of the world heritage listed places, by train, bus, tram, taxi – just a wonderful day and we will carry many happy memories. Thank you Shoko, you are a beautiful person.
Oct 3, 2025
Judi H
Introduction to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
She…
Oct 3, 2025
Judi H
Introduction to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour with Shoko.
She was the same age as we were and we all had a lot of fun.
She had a lovely sense of humour and was very fit so we all worked hard to keep up and enjoy every moment.
She had been in touch with us prior to our arrival in Kyoto,and knew what we wanted to see, and she assisted us with the public transport as it was our first day to see this city.
We had a wonderful tour of Fushimi Inari Shrine where she helped us to make our way through the crowds and took some great photos.
She was up beat and enthusiastic, and could answer all of our many questions.
After taking us to three wonderful shrines and finding us a very cute little place to eat, she stayed with us until she was satisfied we could find our way home.
Shoko was a lovely guide and we left feeling like old friends.