Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day — Guide Kazu
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. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Tour Itinerary
- 7:30 Meet at hotel 8:10 Fushimi Inari (Due to JR delay, waited over 20 minutes at JR Inari Station) 10:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove 11:15 Lunch (Sushi restaurant near JR Nijo Station) 12:15 Kinkaku-ji 13:20 Nijo Castle 14:30 Guide to the subway station nearest the hotel and end the tour
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Nijo Castle
The guests were visitors from North America. Since we were close in interests, there was a lot of conversation about family topics. The guests asked many questions throughout the day. After touring Fushimi Inari, the JR line was delayed due to a signal inspection, and we had to wait more than 20 minutes at Inari Station. As a result, the tour ended nearly an hour later than planned. Although it was warmer compared to August, the sunlight felt gentle and there was a light breeze, so we could tour without sweating too much. The forecast says it will be hot again this coming weekend. For lunch we had conveyor-belt sushi, which was a first-time experience for the guests, and they enjoyed taking photos. Since Kinkaku-ji was visited around lunchtime, there were fewer tourists and it was easy to take pictures. At Nijo Castle, the guests were impressed by the "nightingale floors." The photo was taken at Kinkaku-ji.
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Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Sanjo Keihan～Fushimi Inari | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Nijo | 200JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Nijo～Enmachi | 150JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike | 230JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Nishioji-Oike～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 8 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,710JPY | ||
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.