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
- 8:30 Miru Kyoto Gion Departure
- 8:50 Kiyomizu-dera Arrival
- 9:50 Kiyomizu-dera Departure
- 10:20 Tenryu-ji Arrival
- Sagano Bamboo Grove Arashiyama Park
- 11:20 Tenryu-ji Departure
- 11:40 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Arrival
- 12:10 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Departure
- 12:40～13:30 Lunch
- 14:20 Fushimi Inari Arrival
- 15:00 Fushimi Inari Departure
- 15:30 Miru Kyoto Gion Arrival
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Miru Kyoto Gion Departure at 8:30, Kiyomizu-dera Arrival at 8:50, Kiyomizu-dera Departure at 9:50, Tenryu-ji Arrival at 10:20, Tenryu-ji Departure at 11:20, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Arrival at 11:40, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Departure at 12:10, Fushimi Inari Arrival at 14:20, Fushimi Inari Departure at 15:00 and Miru Kyoto Gion Arrival at 15:30.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama, and Fushimi Inari
We began the tour at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The guests seemed interested to learn that the main hall was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633, and that more than 200 people had once jumped from the Kiyomizu stage, of whom over 85% survived. At the Otowa Waterfall, the guests drew water alongside student groups on school trips.
Next we visited Tenryu-ji Temple. The guests were moved by the beautiful views of the Sagano Bamboo Grove, the park, and the scenery along the Oi River as seen from the north gate of Tenryu-ji.
We then went to Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. The guests asked who had begun carving the more than 1,000 rakan statues and when, and seemed interested to hear that they were started by Kocho Nishimura, a head priest who was also a sculptor.
Finally, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. At the purification fountain, I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before worship. I then guided the guests to the front of the main hall and shared the proper etiquette of two bows, two claps, stating one's wish, and a final bow. After that came the highlight, the Senbon Torii. Passing through the Senbon Torii leads to the "Oku-no-in." To the far right there is a stone called the "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the stone lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. The guests were interested in the belief that if the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish will come true, and they eagerly tried the challenge.
On the way to lunch, our car was rear-ended by a vehicle behind us. The guests and I tried to reach the restaurant, but we struggled to find a car that could seat five people. The driver responded quickly, and we were all able to make our way to the lunch venue. There will likely be difficulties ahead, such as car repairs. I hope everything can be restored to the way it was before the accident.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent…
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent tour today in Kyoto at a number of different stops. We went to monkey park, bamboo Grove, tenryuji temple, Arashayama park and the Golden Temple. It was a packed schedule but our guide made sure we got everywhere and transited smoothly. He was also very helpful with our young kids and a food allergy. This was our third tour with JGA and we highly recommend them for Kyoto.
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had a wonderful day with Kaji and our driver seeing many sights during our first time in Kyoto!
To start, Japan Guide Agency (operator) went above and beyond to help us even have the tour on our requested day. Despite all of their regular rental vehicles being unavailable, they were able to secure a driver and minivan for the 5 of us and Kaji, our guide. Excellent communication and responsiveness by email as we worked through to resolve the challenge and confirmed the planned itinerary.
Kaji arrived at our hotel ahead of schedule to be ready for our pickup. From there, he led us with interesting facts and helpful tips to Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Park, Nijo Castle, and a delicious casual udon lunch as requested at Tokutoku Fushimi Takeda. Lastly, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha and for a bonus, quickly saw To-ji Temple before getting dropped back off at our hotel.
Overall, time and money well spent. We covered so much ground on this tour and it was a worthwhile experience with help from Kaji and our driver. Definitely recommend!
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great…
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great experience. The team is extremely professional and knowledgeable of the Kyoto area. Having a driver was great in the heat and on getting around to the various stopping points efficiently. Our guide was also very helpful and knowledgeable of each place we visited and knew of appropriate spots for pictures, info etc.
Great experience overall.