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
- 9:45. Kyoto Station
- 10:15-11:50 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple
- 12:30-13:15 Nijo Castle
- 13:30-14:20 Lunch
- 14:45-14:15 Nishiki Market
- 14:45-15:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 15:55-16:00 Gion, Zuikogama
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Kyoto Station at 9:45, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Path, Tenryu-ji Temple at 10:15, Nijo Castle at 12:30, Nishiki Market at 14:45, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 14:45 and Gion, Zuikogama at 15:55.
What Does a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Cover? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Nijo Castle, and Fushimi Inari
The guests were a group visiting from North America. They were very calm and gentle, and since one of them had studied Japanese at school for three years, we occasionally spoke in Japanese as we headed to the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. We viewed the hydrangeas at Tenryu-ji Temple, crossed the Togetsukyo Bridge, and made our way to Nijo Castle. After seeing the Ninomaru Palace and its gardens, and since the guests had never been to a Japanese conveyor-belt sushi restaurant, I took them to a sushi restaurant. They were delighted, and after buying souvenirs at Nishiki Market, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha. I guided them to the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Nenoue-no-Matsu pine, they bought souvenirs, and we then headed to Gion. As we were short on time, we simply viewed the area from the car, and I took them to a pottery studio where they already had a reservation, which concluded the tour. They were very pleased and kindly gave the driver and me a souvenir from their home region as a token of thanks.
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.