Kyoto: Fushimi Inari & Kiyomizu-dera — Guide Kuni
November, 2025
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
- 10:00 Meet at The Westin Miyako Kyoto
- 10:30 Fushimi Inari
- 12:00 Kinkaku-ji
- 13:00 Lunch near Kinkaku-ji
- 14:50 Kiyomizu-dera
- 16:15 End at The Westin Miyako Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 10:00 at Westin Miyako Kyoto and ended at 16:15. The day ran to 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch near Kinkaku-ji at 13:00.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari at 10:30, Kinkaku-ji at 12:00 and Kiyomizu-dera at 14:50.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. Lunch was arranged with attention to their preferences, and since they enjoyed gyoza, I guided them to a casual restaurant near Kinkaku-ji. The food was very well received. The group spent extra time shopping along Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and the tour ran about 15 minutes over the scheduled end time. I explained the timing to the guests during the tour. I apologized to the driver, who kindly understood the situation.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hi I am Kunihiro ARAKAWA, National government licensed tour guide.
Please call me first name Kuni.
My original city is Nagoya, but I lived in Tokyo for 20 years,
and also lived in London and Paris for work.
Now I live in Kyoto city. I moved here because I love Kyoto.
I like taking photos and also sell my own photos on website.
I’d love to take memorable photos for you at great photo spots.
I also like history and gourmet food.
I’d love to introduce some local recommendations.
I’ll ask your request and create your special tour.
Please feel free to let us know your thoughts.
Looking forward to meeting you !
Kuni
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and…
Jul 18, 2026
M2443VKandrewl
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Excellent guide and support
Kuni-san was an excellent guide and very friendly and knowledgable. Kuni-san greatly assisted with meeting one of our family member medical needs on the day and was very helpful in supporting us and changing the itinerary and assisting our family member.
I would HIGHLY recommend Kuni-san as a guide and this tour defintely met our needs as a group of 4.
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
The…
Jun 9, 2026
Gail M
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Kyoto Sights; Private Guide & Driver
The communication was very good. It began prior to the trip with emails from our guide,
Kuni. We worked on the best itinerary for our day tour to Kyoto, both Kuni and our driver were
very efficient, organized and personable. My family had a great experience.
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our…
Jun 5, 2026
Rick_S
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An afternoon in Kyoto
We had a great time exploring Kyoto. Our guide did a fantastic job helping us navigate the
city and exploring the history of Kyoto
May 16, 2026
sydneybA4751LA
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
Kuni was amazing as our private tour…
May 16, 2026
sydneybA4751LA
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
10/10 private tour of Kyoto!
Kuni was amazing as our private tour guide! Before the tour, he reached out to ask about the specific itinerary we wanted to do. He took into consideration all of our thoughts. The tour was amazing. He was very informative and it was very special to see all of the sites. Would recommend highly!