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
- 9:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
- 9:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Arrival
- 10:20 Kiyomizu-dera Temple Departure
- 10;40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Arrival
- 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Departure
- 12:10 Tenryu-ji Temple・Sagano Bamboo Grove Arrival
- 12:40 Tenryu-ji Temple・Sagano Bamboo Grove Departure
- Lunch
- 13:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple Arrival
- 14:40 Kinkaku-ji Temple Departure
- 15:00 Hotel Kyoto Sanjo
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Hotel Kyoto Sanjo at 9:00, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Arrival at 9:20, Kiyomizu-dera Temple Departure at 10:20, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Departure at 11:30, Tenryu-ji Temple・Sagano Bamboo Grove Arrival at 12:10, Tenryu-ji Temple・Sagano Bamboo Grove Departure at 12:40, Kinkaku-ji Temple Arrival at 13:50, Kinkaku-ji Temple Departure at 14:40 and Hotel Kyoto Sanjo at 15:00.
Title: What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji
The private one-day tour of Kyoto began at Kiyomizu-dera Temple. It started raining heavily along the way. However, the guests were amazed to hear that the main hall was donated by Tokugawa Iemitsu in 1633, and that 234 people once jumped from the famous Kiyomizu stage, of whom about 200 survived.
The second stop was Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. I explained how to purify one's hands and mouth at the water pavilion before praying. I then guided the group to the front of the main hall and explained the proper etiquette: two bows, two claps, stating one's wish, and a final bow. After passing through the Senbon Torii (thousands of vermilion gates), we reached the "Okunoin." To the far right there is a stone called the "Omokaru-ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. The idea is that if the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish will come true, and the guests found this fascinating and tried it eagerly. The rain began to ease a little.
The third stop was Tenryu-ji Temple, the Sagano Bamboo Grove, and Arashiyama Park. The rain stopped and it turned into an enjoyable hike.
The final stop was Kinkaku-ji Temple. The guests were especially moved by the golden shimmer of the Golden Pavilion. They also purchased many items at the souvenir shops.
It was a wonderful group who got along very well.
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.