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
- 10:00 Hotel
- 10:30-11:30 Fushimi Inari
- 11:45-12:30 (Sushi lunch)
- 13:00-14:00 Kinkaku-ji
- 14:30-15:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 16:00 Arrive at hotel
- Hotel: Hyatt Place Kyoto (in front of Marutamachi Station South Exit)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari at 10:30, (Sushi lunch) at 11:45, Kinkaku-ji at 13:00 and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 14:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Marutamachi to Kyoto by subway (220JPY); Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station to Keihan Sanjo Station by train (220JPY); Sanjo-Keihan Station to Nishioji-Oike Station by subway (260JPY); Nishioji-Oike to Kinkaku Jimichi by bus (230JPY); Kinkaku Jimichi to Enmachi by bus (230JPY); Enmachi to Saga-Arashiyama by train (190JPY); Saga-Arashiyama to Nijo by train (200JPY); Nijo to Marutamachi by subway (220JPY). Across 9 sections the fare came to 1,920JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and Arashiyama
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. We followed the classic route of Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkaku-ji, and the Arashiyama bamboo grove.
Since the guests wanted to have sushi for lunch, I chose a sushi restaurant near Sanjo Station. The prices are reasonable and the taste and portions are quite good, so once again the guests were pleased.
At Fushimi Inari, we stopped by the sacred rice field that we visit at the end if there is time. The rice was growing lush and green, and I explained that in November there is a harvest festival where the rice is cut and used to make sacred sake, which impressed the guests.
In Arashiyama, after passing through the bamboo grove and turning right in front of Okochi Sanso, we headed down to a large pond where many lotus flowers were still in bloom, which was truly wonderful.
Since we had a little time left at Saga-Arashiyama Station at the end, I guided the guests to the steam locomotive display beside the Torokko station, and they were very delighted with this as well. (See photo.)
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 | Marutamachi～Kyoto | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Keihan Fushimi-Inari Station～Keihan Sanjo Station | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Sanjo-Keihan Station～Nishioji-Oike Station | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Nishioji-Oike～Kinkaku Jimichi | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Kinkaku Jimichi～Enmachi | 230JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Enmachi～Saga-Arashiyama | 190JPY |
| Section 8 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Nijo | 200JPY |
| Section 9 | Subway | Nijo～Marutamachi | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,920JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari, (Sushi lunch), Kinkaku-ji and Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,920JPY per person across 9 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?
Ichiro 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.
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.