Kyoto in One Day: Fushimi Inari Taisha & Nijo Castle — Guide Kaz
September, 2024
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
- 10:00 Meet @ The Thousand Kyoto
- 10:20-11:10 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:55-12:45 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 13:15-14:05 @ Gion
- 14:05-14:40 Lunch @ Ramen Kamukura Gion Branch
- 15:20-16:20 @ Nijo Castle
- 16:30 Dismissal @ Bus Stop in Front of Nijo Castle
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @ The Thousand Kyoto at 10:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch @ Ramen Kamukura Gion Branch at 14:05.
The itinerary covered Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 10:20, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 11:55, Gion at 13:15 and Nijo Castle at 15:20.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto Station to Inari Station by train (150JPY); Fushimi Inari Station to Tofukuji Station by train (170JPY); Tofukuji to Kiyomizu-michi by bus (230JPY); Shijo Keihan to Nijojo-mae by bus (230JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 780JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Kiyomizu-dera and Nijo Castle
The guests were visitors from Europe. They were both very interested in Japanese history and culture, and at times I was asked many enthusiastic questions.
One of the guests had recently injured a foot, so the tour was conducted with care for that. I tried to use escalators and elevators as much as possible, and since I was concerned about the slope up to Kiyomizu-dera, I recommended using a taxi, though in the end they chose to walk.
The guests wanted a light lunch, so we stopped at a ramen restaurant in the Gion area.
After strolling through Nijo Castle, I guided them to the bus stop in front of Nijo Castle for the bus heading to Kyoto Station, and we parted ways there.
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 Station～Inari Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari Station～Tofukuji Station | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Tofukuji～Kiyomizu-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Shijo Keihan～Nijojo-mae | 230JPY |
| Total | 780JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ The Thousand Kyoto at 10:00, and the tour finished at @ Bus Stop in Front of Nijo Castle at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion and Nijo Castle.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 780JPY per person across 4 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?
Kaz 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.
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.