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

  • 1. 8:30 Meet up @Hotel Kyoto
  • 2. 8:50 @Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • 3. 10:45 @Arashiyama (Bamboo Grove・Tenryu-ji Temple)
  • 4. 11:45 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 5. 12:30 Lunch @Gontaro
  • 6. 14:10 @Gion Shirakawa
  • 7. 14:30 Disband @Hotel Kyoto

What Is a Private Kyoto Tour Like with a Licensed Guide? A Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama

The guests were an elderly group visiting Kyoto, and a wheelchair was arranged since long distances were difficult. The guests were very pleased and sat comfortably and happily at both Fushimi Inari Taisha and Kinkaku-ji. The wheelchair looked a little tight for one of the guests, but when I explained "It's Japanese size," they responded with a cheerful joke — "If I stay in Japan and keep eating Japanese food, my body will fit it just right!" — enjoying even the tightness. Unfortunately, wheelchairs could not be used in Arashiyama, so we walked slowly, and one of the guests playfully pretended to be disappointed, saying how nice it would be to have the wheelchair. Lunch was also very well received, and the guests ate quite a lot, telling me, "Thank you for bringing us to such a wonderful place."

Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

Sep 29, 2026
duncans746
Yuka was great
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