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
- 19:30. Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit
- 11:00-11:50 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:10-12:40 Toji Temple
- 13:00-14:00 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 14:20-15:10 Lunch
- 15:40-16:15 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 16:30-16:50 Gion
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit at 19:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 11:00, Toji Temple at 12:10, Kyoto Imperial Palace at 13:00, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 15:40 and Gion at 16:30.
What's a Private Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, To-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were visiting from North America. They had many questions, which made it a very enjoyable tour. The driver was also an English speaker, which was a great help. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, the guests mentioned they were hungry, so they had sandwiches and rice balls from a convenience store before praying at the shrine. I took them to the "omokaru-ishi" stones and the Nenoue-no-matsu pine, and then we headed to To-ji Temple. They seemed deeply moved by the Dainichi Nyorai statue in the Kondo hall. At the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the guests listened attentively to the explanations, and before heading to Kiyomizu-dera we had lunch at a Kura Sushi near Nijo Castle. Having heard that they had eaten sushi at Tsukiji the day before, I worried they might be disappointed by the difference, but instead they thoroughly enjoyed it and were amazed at how inexpensive it was. At Kiyomizu-dera, one of the guests went in to explore while the other stayed behind with the driver. Having an English-speaking driver was truly a great help.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Hello, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.