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
- 10:00 Meet @ Hotel Annex
- 10:30-11:20 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:00-12:40 @ Kiyomizu-dera
- 12:40-13:10 @ Higashiyama Area
- 13:20-14:15 @ Gion
- 14:25-15:05 Lunch @ Kamukura Gion Shijo Station Branch
- 15:45-16:05 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 16:35 Dismissal @ Hotel Annex
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, Gion, and Arashiyama
The guests were a group from North America who had arrived in Japan in December. They had traveled through Tokyo, Osaka, and Nara, and had come to Kyoto two days earlier. Some of the guests were fluent in English, while others were a little less comfortable with it. Even so, the guests had a strong interest in Japanese culture and religion and asked many questions. One of the guests in particular had a deep interest in religion.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests performed the two-bows, two-claps style of worship, and enthusiastically tried experiences such as the Omokaru-ishi stone and the Negai-no-matsu pine. At Kiyomizu-dera, they asked about the meaning of the hand gestures of the Amida Buddha, and they were delighted when I explained the concept of the nine grades of rebirth. On the approach to Kiyomizu-dera, the guests stopped at souvenir shops and did some shopping.
In Gion, we strolled from around Tatsumi Bridge and took a route walking to the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater. Since the guests wanted to have ramen for lunch, after exploring Gion we stopped at a ramen restaurant near Gion-Shijo Station for lunch.
After that, we headed to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove for a stroll, but by the time we finished it was already past the tour end time of 16:00. I informed the guests that an extension fee for the taxi would apply, and with their consent, I took them by taxi back to the Hotel, where we parted ways.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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.