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 Park Hyatt Kyoto
- 10:30 Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji)
- 12:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 13:00 Lunch
- 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera
- 15:40 Park Hyatt Kyoto
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Park Hyatt Kyoto at 10:00, Kinkaku-ji (Rokuon-ji) at 10:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 12:10, Kiyomizu-dera at 14:30 and Park Hyatt Kyoto at 15:40.
What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like in the Rain? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Kinkaku-ji
I guided a group visiting from North America on a private day tour of Kyoto. We had originally planned lunch after Kinkaku-ji, but because the forecast called for heavier rain in the afternoon, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha before lunch instead. It was already raining, and with many people carrying umbrellas the site was crowded, so it was difficult to make our way forward, but Fushimi Inari Taisha was the place one of the guests had been most looking forward to.
Afterward, for lunch they tried yakiniku, and the guests enjoyed it very much, along with some beer. They also mentioned that they wanted to recommend this restaurant to a colleague who is planning to visit Kyoto in the future.
We then went to Kiyomizu-dera. Because the rain had become quite heavy, there were fewer people than usual, and we were able to take good photos with the stage in the background. During our conversation, I learned that the guests had loved Japanese animation since childhood and had wanted to experience the Japanese culture behind it. Even in the rain, they captured many different scenes in their photos.
At the end, they gave the driver and me some chocolate from North America. They were shy and truly lovely guests.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello! My name is Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.
I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.
Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very…
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very friendly, personable and was very insightful! We had a wonderful morning exploring Kyoto and seeing some of the great historical castles, palaces, shrines and temples. Umi also showed us around the famous Nishiki markets, and shared with us some great hidden local restaurants! Would definitely recommend booking this tour, and would definitely recommend Umi as a tour guide!
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi. We appreciated her thoughtful help in planning the tour and she was extremely flexible and responsible to our questions and interests. She was a pleasure to work with and be with and we were grateful that she introduced us to Kyoto most graciously.
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide…
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide for a half day private tour around Kyoto. She worked with us in
advance on the itinerary to match our interests and was very informative and gracious
during the tour itself. I highly recommend her!
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She worked with us on a customized plan that included adapting for a member of our family that uses a wheelchair. The sites she recommended were perfect and gave us a nice touch of Kyoto. We particularly loved the final temple and the experience we had there. The lunch spot we ended up choosing was an excellent Japanese meal. She was extremely knowledgable about the sites, Kyoto in general, Japan’s history, and more. You could tell she loves what she does.