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
- 9:50 Meet at the hotel.
- 9:55–10:15 Withdraw money at the convenience store.
- 10:30 Take the JR to Fushimi Inari.
- 10:45–11:30 Fushimi Inari
- 11:40 Take the Keihan to Shichijo
- 12:00–12:40 Sanjusangendo
- 12:50–13:50 Lunch at Hyatt Regency Higashiyama
- 13:50–15:00 Take a taxi to Kiyomizu-michi, then Kiyomizu-dera via Yasaka Pagoda.
- 15:10–15:30 Donguri Republic
- 15:40–16:20 Yasaka Shrine, Gion
- 16:20 Disband
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion
We were able to meet up early. At a convenience store, the guests were unable to withdraw Japanese yen from their card, and even after asking the staff, the cause could not be determined, so in the end they decided to exchange the dollars they had on hand. At Fushimi Inari, the guests took photos at the thousands of torii gates and other spots, and I explained how to worship at the shrine so they could pay their respects. After I explained the "omokaru ishi" (wishing stone), they tried it themselves and seemed to enjoy it. The guests took many photos of the Japanese garden at Sanjusangendo. At Kiyomizu-dera, one of the guests had trouble with their knee, so they waited while I guided the others, who enjoyed experiences such as pouring water over the Kannon statue. One of the guests found the route from the main hall to the Koyasu Pagoda and Otowa Waterfall to be a pleasant walk. The younger member of the group also seemed to like the scenery of Kiyomizu-dera and took many photos. On the way to Gion, we stopped by a character goods shop so the younger guest could take photos with Totoro. After the tour ended in Gion, since the guests were returning to their accommodation, I hailed a taxi, told the driver the name of the hotel, and said goodbye to them 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 | JR Kyoto Station～Inari Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Shichijo | 230JPY |
| Total | 380JPY | ||
Nice to meet you.
My name is Hiroki Muramoto, please call me Hiro.
Hiro in Japanese means large or big. Although I’m neither large nor big, you can call me Hiro. How are you doing ?
I lived in a city nearby Kobe city. Do you know Kobe ? Kobe is famous for Kobe beef and pearl. If you have not yet had Kobe beef, you should taste the authentic Kobe beef. It is very satisfying taste. But I have recently moved to a city in Kyoto prefecture, so I can be in Kyoto city in about one hour. By the way, I am a family of four. I have a son and a daughter. My son now works in Tokyo. I sometimes go to Tokyo to see him. Tokyo is a huge city, but too crowded, so it seems not to suit me. I seem to be better suited to a small city than a big one. Where do you live in ? How many families do you have ? If you like, please tell me about them. I worked in the quality assurance department of a pharmaceutical company and visited the factories of foreign affiliated companies, so I became interested in foreign cultures and obtained a qualification as an interpreter guide in 2015.
I have been a guide for about eight years. During that time, I have guided in Kyoto, Osaka, Kobe, Nara, Kochi and so on, although I could do little guiding work between 2020 and 2022 due to COVID-19. However, since last year, my guiding work has been back! So, I am happy to be able to meet different people again. My hobby is travelling, but sadly, I am not in a position to travel abroad easily at the moment due to the very weak yen, and I hope to travel abroad again when the situation eases a bit more.
How many countries have you been to so far ? Which countries have you liked so far? Another hobby is watching sports – baseball and football. Do you like the baseball ? Do you know Otani, Japanese baseball player ? He has joined Dodgers in Los Angeles this year. I look forward to another successful year for Otani.
By the way, what interests you in Japan? Food, history, scenery ? As far as tourist attractions are concerned, famous places are too crowded. If you like, I also would like to show you some less crowded places. Are you interested in experiencing something ? If you want to experience something, I can suggest an experience plan for you. If so, please contact me as early as possible. As for food, what kind of food do you like? There are many kinds of delicious food. Of course, you can get good food in fine restaurants, but you can also get good food in downtown restaurants. If you like alcohol, why don’t you try Japanese sake? It can range from light and fragrant to rich in flavor, so you’re sure to find a Japanese sake you like.
My motto is “Be content with life.” However, I find myself complaining all the time. If you like, please tell me your motto. I want to treat all guests who visit Japan with the spirit of “Treasure every encounter” and guide them so that they can enjoy themselves and have good memories of Japan.
You only live once (YOLO). So, I also want to enjoy it with you.
I look forward to meeting you.
Best regard.
Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
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Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He…
Nov 27, 2024
Julianne_A
Book it
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This was a wonderful experience with our guide Hiro. He adapted the tour to our preferences
and helped us cover a lot of ground in one day. Would recommend!