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 Depart from Hotel Kyoto Gion Excellent
- Kimono Forest (stop for photos)
- 9:30 Bamboo Grove: 30-minute rickshaw tour
- 10:30 Arrive at Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 11:10 Depart from Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 12:00 Arrive at Kifune Shrine
- 12:40 Depart from Kifune Shrine
- ~13:30 Lunch
- 14:20 Arrive at Higashiyama Ward
- 14:45 Disperse at Higashiyama Ward (Yasaka Pagoda)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Bamboo Grove: 30-minute rickshaw tour at 9:30, Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 10:30, Kifune Shrine at 12:00, Higashiyama Ward at 14:20 and Disperse at Higashiyama Ward (Yasaka Pagoda) at 14:45.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Kifune Shrine
We were very fortunate with the weather. It was a beautiful day and the scenery was truly stunning. We first visited the Kimono Forest in Arashiyama. The guests took many photos, saying it was very Instagram-worthy.
Next, they experienced a rickshaw ride around the bamboo grove.
Then we visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple. The guests seemed deeply impressed by the stone statues of rakan, each with different expressions. They were very interested in the story that the head priest and sculptor Kocho Nishimura created them and that many volunteers took part.
Next we went to Kifune Shrine. As it enshrines the deity of water, the guests were interested in the story of the horse stone statue that is said to be the origin of ema votive plaques. They also drew omikuji fortunes and asked me to translate all of them, showing great interest.
We finally parted ways at Nene no Michi, but when I offered, as a bonus, to show them the photogenic spot in front of the Yasaka Pagoda, they were thrilled, saying this was exactly the place they had wanted to see. We took photos and said our goodbyes.
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.