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
- 8:15 Meet at Kyoto Station Central Gate 9:27 Take JR to Saga-Arashiyama 10:05 Kyoto Bus from Nonomiya-jinja-mae 10:20 Adashino Nenbutsu-ji 11:00 Sagano Walking
- 11:30 Bamboo Grove 11:50 Short break (lunch) 12:30 Kinkaku-ji 13:40 Gion 14:20 Tour ends
What Is a Private Kyoto Tour of Sagano and Adashino Nenbutsu-ji Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Oceania, coming to Japan for the first time. Since they had requested off-the-beaten-path destinations, we visited Adashino Nenbutsu-ji in Sagano. The moment we got off the bus, they were so impressed by how quiet and peaceful the place was that they asked whether we were still within Kyoto City. As expected, there were relatively few tourists, though I have the impression that the number of international visitors is gradually increasing. Some of the many stone Buddha statues are dressed in colorful bibs; according to a temple staff member, these are placed at random by those who wish to make an offering. The guests also did some shopping in Sagano. They mentioned that the scent of incense was calming. They grow bamboo in their own garden at home. They also remarked that Kyoto has many stairs. We visited Kinkaku-ji and Gion before parting ways. The photo was taken in the bamboo grove within Adashino Nenbutsu-ji.
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-jinja-mae～Toriimoto | 1,100JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Adashino Nenbutsu-ji～Randen Arashiyama | 0JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Randen Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi | 0JPY |
| Section 6 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike | 0JPY |
| Section 7 | Subway | Nishioji-Oike～Higashiyama | 0JPY |
| Section 8 | Bus | Higashiyama-Sanjo～Gion | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,590JPY | ||
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.