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 Meet at Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto
  • 9/45 Arashiyama Monkey Park
  • 11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk
  • 11:50 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 13:20 Lunch at Togenkyo
  • 14:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • 15:30 Disband at Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto

Tour Itinerary in Detail

The tour started at 9:00 at Hotel Resol Trinity Kyoto and ended at 15:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch at Togenkyo at 13:20.

Over the course of the day the route took in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Walk at 11:00, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:50 and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 14:30.

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

Today's guests were a group visiting from North America. They listened attentively to my explanations about Japanese culture and history. Perhaps because of the occasional rain today, most places were less crowded, and they were very pleased to be able to take many photos in the bamboo grove. At the Arashiyama Monkey Park, although there were fewer people, there were more monkeys than in summer, which delighted them greatly. Kinkaku-ji was also relatively empty, perhaps because it was around lunchtime, and they were impressed by its beauty. They were so pleased with the ramen restaurant I took them to for lunch that they even had a second bowl! At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they were able to take many photos at the Senbon Torii, and I believe they enjoyed it very much.

Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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