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

  • 1.8:00 Meet @Dhawa Yura Kyoto
  • 2. 8:15 @Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • 3. 10:00 @Arashiyama (Tenryu-ji Temple / Bamboo Grove)
  • 4. 13:00 @Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 5. 14:00 Disband @Teramachi Shinkyogoku Shopping Street

What Is a Private Kyoto and Nara Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

The guests were visiting Japan and consulted me on how to plan their time in Kyoto and Nara, including the itinerary for the tour day. I gave them some materials I had on hand and also explained the public transportation options. During the tour they seemed to be enjoying themselves very much, though one of the guests was a little disappointed that the autumn leaves were not as vividly red as those shown in various books and pamphlets. They had been tired by the crowds in Tokyo, so I wanted to take them to places that were as uncrowded as possible, but since detailed research had already been done, we decided to visit only the places on the list they had prepared. As they were fine with a late lunch, I guided them to a tonkatsu restaurant in the Shijo area, where we parted ways.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1TrainSanjo~Fushimi Inari220JPY
Section 2TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
Section 3TrainRanden Arashiyama~Kitano-Hakubaicho250JPY
Section 4BusKitano-Hakubaicho~Kinkakuji-michi230JPY
Section 5BusKinkakuji-michi~Shijo-Kawaramachi230JPY
Total1,170JPY

Hi! My name is YUKA. I’ve got the government license in 2018 and joined a half year traning to do the guide. But a half year later I started my carreer, Covid came. I should have given up guiding. During the Covid, I’ve read many books and made my own materials to explain Japanese culture, history, etc. I love guiding because the guests expand my horizon all the time and let me know their own country and culture, etc. It is really important for us all to know each other and respect each other to make this world peace. Thank you for coming to Japan! Let’s enjoy Japan together!

Sep 29, 2026
duncans746
Yuka was great
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