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.
Tour Itinerary
- 9:30 Meet @ Hotel
- 9:40 Sanjo Keihan Station
- 10:10 Randen Arashiyama Station
- 10:20 Tenryu-ji Temple (Lecture Hall, Abbot's Quarters, Garden)
- 11:20 Bamboo Grove
- 11:50 Lunch
- 12:50 Saga-Arashiyama Station
- 13:15 Inari Station
- 13:20 Fushimi Inari
- 14:15 Fushimi Inari Station
- 14:25 Kiyomizu-Gojo Station
- 14:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 15:30 Tour Ends

Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were visitors from North America, and they were both very friendly and kind. As it was the middle day of a three-day weekend, everywhere was quite crowded, but we were able to proceed as planned. In Arashiyama, I guided them around Tenryu-ji Temple and the bamboo grove. They were deeply impressed by the powerful cloud dragon painting, as well as the beauty of the garden and the bamboo grove. After lunch, we took the train to Fushimi Inari. They were delighted to capture beautiful photos with the lovely contrast between the blue sky and the torii gates. A major ceremonial festival was being held, so they were able to see a scene different from usual, which was wonderful. Some of the guests purchased a charm and a fox figurine. They had already bought many souvenirs, and mentioned with a laugh that they would need to buy a suitcase just for souvenirs. After that, we headed to Kiyomizu-dera. We took a taxi from Kiyomizu-Gojo, but they were surprised by how many people there were on the approach after getting out of the taxi. We were able to buy tickets without waiting, but the main hall and the stage were also crowded, and they seemed to become a little tired. Since they planned to return to their hotel after visiting Kiyomizu-dera, I hailed a taxi after walking down Matsubara-dori and saw them off. They told me they had a wonderful time and gave me a handwritten card.
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 | Sanjo Keihan~Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa~Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama~Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Fushimi Inari~Kiyomizu-Gojo | 240JPY |
| Total | 990JPY | ||
Hello! I’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!
May 17, 2026
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Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
Mickey was great. We put together an itinerary together and was flexible on making changes to accommodate our needs. She speaks English and is very informative. She has a fun personality and we would highly recommend her. We hope to show her around South Florida one day.
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kept the tour at our pace.. We highly recommend her.
