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
- 9:00 Meet at Kyoto Station
- 10:00 Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 10:50 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple
- 11:35. Gio-ji Temple
- 12:10 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 12:30 Short break
- 13:55 Nijo Castle
- 15:15 Drop off at hotel and end tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:00 at Kyoto Station and ended at 15:15. The day ran to 6 hours and 15 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 10:00, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple at 10:50, Gio-ji Temple at 11:35, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 12:10, Short break at 12:30 and Nijo Castle at 13:55.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Nonomiya by bus (230JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Randen Tenjingawa by train (250JPY); Randen Tenjingawa to Nijojo-mae by subway (260JPY); Nijojo-mae to Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) by subway (220JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,200JPY per person.
What's a Rainy-Day Private Tour of Kyoto's Arashiyama and Nijo Castle Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests visited Japan from North America, though they were originally from Europe. One of the guests had visited Kyoto for sightseeing about ten years ago, but this was their first time seeing Otagi Nenbutsu-ji, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji, and Gio-ji. The group was very well-behaved and there were no problems at all throughout the tour. Unfortunately it rained, so walking with umbrellas was the norm. Since we had already walked quite a bit in the rain by the time we reached Gio-ji, we took a taxi from Gio-ji to the Arashiyama bamboo grove. Even so, we got fairly wet by the time we arrived at the Arashiyama bamboo grove. After a short break, we proceeded to Nijo Castle. At Nijo Castle, the guests enjoyed the "nightingale floors." The photos were taken in the garden of Nijo Castle.
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 | Train | Kyoto～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Bus | Nonomiya / Kyoto Bus～Otagidera-mae / Kyoto Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Randen Tenjingawa | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Randen Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,200JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Kyoto Station at 9:00, and the tour finished at hotel and end tour at 15:15.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 15 minutes in total, from 9:00 to 15:15.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Temple, Gio-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Short break and Nijo Castle.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,200JPY per person across 5 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?
Kazu 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.
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.