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
- 12:00 DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama
- 12:20-13:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 14;00-15:00 Lunch (Kura Sushi near Kinkaku-ji)
- 15:00-15:30 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:50-15:10 Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- 18:00 Hotel (viewing Hanamikoji Street from the car)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Higashiyama at 12:00, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 12:20, Kinkaku-ji at 15:00, Tenryu-ji Temple, Bamboo Grove Path at 15:50 and Hotel (viewing Hanamikoji Street from the car) at 18:00.
What Is a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, and Arashiyama
The tour started at 12:00, beginning at Fushimi Inari Taisha, where the guests visited the Omokaru-ishi (heavy-light stone) and the Negari-no-Matsu pine. They very much enjoyed passing underneath the roots of the pine. Since the Ninomaru Palace at Nijo Castle is closed every Tuesday in July and August, we did not enter Nijo Castle. Instead, the driver took us to a conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, where everyone, together with the driver, kindly treated us to a meal. After that, we visited Kinkakuji, passed through Tenryuji, and went to the Bamboo Grove Path. On the way back, they bought souvenirs for their family at a specialty chopstick shop. As we had some time, we walked to the Togetsukyo Bridge, but everyone became tired, so the driver came to pick us up, which was a great help. The chopsticks had names engraved on them, and although the guests had requested the engraving in Japanese, it came out in English, which was a slight disappointment. Even so, they were happy to take them home. At Hanamikoji they were delighted to encounter maiko and geiko. The tour was scheduled to end in Gion, but due to the extreme heat, the guests returned directly to the hotel, ending the tour.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
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.