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
- 12:00 Kyoto Station
- 12:30 Nishiki Market
- 13:30 Teramachi Street
- 14:15 Gion
- 15:30 Kiyomizu-zaka
- 16:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 17:50 Kyoto Station
- 18:00 Tour ends at Kyoto Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Kyoto Station at 12:00, Nishiki Market at 12:30, Teramachi Street at 13:30, Gion at 14:15, Kiyomizu-zaka at 15:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 16:30 and Kyoto Station at 17:50.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) by subway (220JPY); Kiyomizu-Gojo to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Inari to Kyoto by train (150JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 610JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The tour was originally scheduled to start at 14:00, but since the guests were going to arrive in Kyoto earlier than expected, we suddenly moved the start time two hours earlier. I had left home quite early, so I was able to accommodate the request, but it was rather challenging. When guiding a group, interests are often not the same among everyone, so I found it difficult to grasp everyone's needs. It was a very hot day, and as a result we ended up walking quite a long distance. In addition, with the earlier start time and a same-day request (Kiyomizuzaka had not originally been included in the route), I felt I should have been more creative in how I structured the route and arranged breaks along the way. I believe the guests were generally satisfied, but for the reasons above, personally it was a tour with many points to reflect on.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Kyoto～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kiyomizu-Gojo～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Inari～Kyoto | 150JPY |
| Total | 610JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kyoto Station, Nishiki Market, Teramachi Street, Gion, Kiyomizu-zaka, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Kyoto Station.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 610JPY per person across 3 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Reiko is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Kyoto itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Guide Experience:
National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (English). I am a certified Tea Ceremony Master (Chamei holder) and well-versed in the world of Kimono. As a resident of the historic Arashiyama district in Kyoto, I offer the most current and authentic insights into Japan’s cultural landscapes.
Self-Introduction:
Hello! My name is Reiko. I am honored to be your guide.
My guiding philosophy is rooted in “Omotenashi”—the Japanese art of selfless hospitality. Beyond showing you the famous sights, I specialize in sharing the profound beauty of traditions, from the mindful rituals of the Tea Ceremony to the intricate aesthetics of Kimono.
Living in the heart of Arashiyama, I am uniquely positioned to guide you through both hidden gems and iconic landmarks with ease. Whether we explore by foot, train, or private car, I take great pride in my meticulous preparation to ensure a seamless, deeply personal journey.
Let’s discover the true spirit of Japan together and create memories that will last a lifetime!