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 Kyoto Station
  • 10:40 Kiyomizudera (500)
  • Yasaka-no-to
  • Yaskakosindo
  • Lunch(We didn't have time, so we ate FamilyMart rice balls and such in the car)
  • 13:20 Kinkakuji (500)
  • 14:20 Bamboo path
  • 15:15 Fushimiinari
  • 16:00 End of the tour

Tour Itinerary in Detail

From there the group visited Kyoto Station at 10:00, Kiyomizudera (500) at 10:40, Kinkakuji (500) at 13:20, Bamboo path at 14:20 and Fushimiinari at 15:15.

What Is a Private Day Trip from Tokyo to Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visitors from North America. Their arrival at Kyoto Station was at 10:15, so we got off to a slightly late start. As this was a day trip from Tokyo and they had reserved a 16:30 bullet train for the return, the itinerary became quite tight. Traffic was relatively light and the roads were clear, so getting around was smooth, but since they took their time shopping, there was no longer time to go to a restaurant. With the driver's permission, we stopped at a convenience store early on during the drive from Kiyomizu-dera to Kinkaku-ji, and each of them bought rice balls, sandwiches, fried chicken, and the like, which we ate in the car. We arrived back at Kyoto Station at 16:05, and I had intended to leave time to buy food, but they said they would not buy any meal, so it seemed they planned to have dinner after returning to Tokyo. The schedule was very tight, but I was glad that we managed to visit all the destinations they wished to see without having to rush them too much.

I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!

Jul 14, 2026
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mateoe216
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Would book again
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Absolutely recommend!
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sheilacL3330KS
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Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…