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
- 15:00 Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi
- 15:30-15:30. Nijo castle
- 16:10-18:10. Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 18:30-19:00. Gion
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi at 15:00, Nijo castle at 15:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 16:10 and Gion at 18:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Sanjo Keihan by subway (220JPY); Sanjo Keihan to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Fushimi Inari to Gion-Shijo by train (240JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 920JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari
The guests were part of a group visiting from Europe. Although the group was originally expected to include more people, in the morning we visited the Arashiyama bamboo grove and Iwatayama Monkey Park in Arashiyama, and afterward the group continued as a smaller party. It was a very hot day, so we went to Nijo Castle, viewed the Ninomaru Palace, and toured the gardens. Since one of the guests wished to smoke, we bought some drinks at a souvenir shop and cooled down by trying some Japanese games before heading to Fushimi Inari Taisha. By then it was already evening, with fewer people around and a breeze picking up, which made it much more comfortable and easier to guide than during the midday heat. After that we headed to Gion, where we saw Hanamikoji Street and a museum. As one of the guests wanted to buy a suitcase, I recommended Avanti, and we concluded the tour there.
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 | Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Sanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo | 240JPY |
| Total | 920JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Resol Kyoto Shijo Muromachi, Nijo castle, Fushimi Inari Taisha and Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 920JPY per person across 4 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?
Harumi 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.
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.