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 Meet at The Ritz-Carlton Kyoto
- 9:00 Arrive at Fushimi Inari Taisha, guided tour
- Around 9:40 Depart Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 10:00 Arrive at Kodaiji Temple, guided tour
- To Ninenzaka, Sannenzaka, and Kiyomizu-dera approach
- 11:45 Guests' lunch @ Mendokoro Maruto
- 12:10 Depart Kodaiji Temple parking lot
- Around 12:45 Arrive at Ninnaji Temple, guided tour
- Around 13:15 Depart Ninnaji Temple
- Around 13:30 Arrive at Kinkakuji Temple, guided tour
- 14:10 Depart Kinkakuji Temple
- 14:30 Arrive at hotel, greetings, and dismissal
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kodaiji, and Kinkakuji
The guests visited Japan from North America. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they enjoyed taking photos, and afterward we headed straight to Kodaiji. At Kodaiji, they had requested to see a bamboo grove, so they were very pleased. They had learned about the Kodaiji bamboo grove on social media and mentioned that they appreciated it being less crowded than Arashiyama. When I explained the story of Nene, who built the temple for her late husband Hideyoshi, they were deeply moved. They also enjoyed taking photos along Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka and tried matcha beer. Since they wished to buy a kimono, I took them to a souvenir shop near the gate of Kiyomizudera, where they made a purchase. After that, as some of the guests are very fond of ramen, I took them to Mendokoro Maruto near Sannenzaka. It offered three types of miso toppings, and they enjoyed the delicious flavors. They mentioned that although there are many ramen shops in North America, the ones in Japan are still the best. After lunch, we went to Ninnaji. After viewing the palace, we went to see the cherry blossoms. Many had already turned to leaves, but some were still blooming beautifully, which delighted them. They also enjoyed taking photos at Kinkakuji, and we arrived back at the Hotel right at the scheduled ending time.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! I’m Mako. I’m from Nara and live in Kobe city in Japan right now. I used to live in mountainous area in Nara.
Nara is famous for deer. There is no sea in Nara. On the other hands, Kobe is one of famous port cities in Japan and famous for Kobe beef and night views.
My favorite food is Yatsuhashi. It is one of famous sweets in Kyoto city. When I was a University student, I used to be a volunteer guide at Kiyomizu temple in Kyoto. There are many shops which sells yatsuhashi in Kyoto.
I like traveling. I have been to Canada, South Korea, France, Australia and the United States.
I studied English in South Florida University when I was a university student. I stayed for about 1 year. During stay in the U.S, I visited Las Vegas, New York, Boston, Miami, and so on. After that I worked at the travel company in Japan. Then I got the license of tour guide in 2014. I started to work as a tour guide in 2015. I usually visit Kyoto, Nara ,Osaka and Kobe with my guests. I’m very looking forward to meeting you!
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako,…
Apr 29, 2026
K Q
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent Tour. Highly Recommend. Guide Mako was fantastic.
Our guide, Mako, was so fantastic. We had told her what we were interested in doing and she planned a perfect day. Her knowledge of the historical sites is extensive and interesting.
She is very friendly and fun. She was also considerate to go at our pace.
Would highly recommend seeing the Castle and the Golden Temple.
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was…
Apr 14, 2026
A2440DSamandao
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Best Day in Kyoto with Mako
Mako was such an amazing tour guide, we had the absolute best day with her. We were able to squeeze in so many sights and with the private car it was such a breeze. Highly recommend this customized private tour (and Mako if she is available, definitely request her)!!
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples…
Oct 3, 2025
uppervalley1
Must do in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
The private tour of Kyoto and its temples was fantastic. Saw more in the half day than what
we would have in 2 days. Mako was fantastic letting us know the history behind all the
areas. This made the experience all the better. 100% recommend
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She…
Nov 24, 2024
Alison_R
Excellent Kyoto tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely incredible experience with Mako as our guide. She is knowledgeable and organized, and I felt like in another life we could have been friends. She made us feel so welcome and had a lot of interesting information to share during our tour. She took great pictures on our behalf! We absolutely recommend a tour with Mako.