Kyoto in One Day: Kiyomizu-dera Temple & Gion — Guide Kaz
December, 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.
Tour Itinerary
- 13:55 Meet @ Hotel Kyoto Station
- 14:30-15:10 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden
- 16:25-17:10 @ Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 17:40-18:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 18:40-19:45 Gion
- 19:55 Disband @ Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 13:55, when the guide met the guests at @ Hotel Kyoto Station, and finished at 19:55. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden at 14:30, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 16:25, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 17:40 and Gion at 18:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto Station to Saga-Arashiyama Station by train (240JPY); Arashiyama Station to Randen Tenjingawa Station by train (250JPY); Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station to Higashiyama Station by subway (260JPY); Niomon-mae to Kiyomizu-michi by bus (230JPY); Umamachi to Tofukuji by bus (230JPY); Tofukuji Station to Fushimi Inari Station by train (170JPY); Fushimi Inari Station to Gion-Shijo Station by train (220JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,600JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Sightseeing Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guest was a visitor from Oceania. They had visited Tokyo several times before, but this was their first time in Kyoto. The tour focused mainly on the destinations the guest had requested in advance.
First, thinking it was essential to reach the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove before dark, we headed toward the Arashiyama area. On the way through the bamboo grove, the autumn foliage at Tenryu-ji Temple was a burning, brilliant red, and since the guest seemed interested, we decided to view the Sogenchi Garden.
Next, we headed to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, choosing a route that passed along Yasaka Street and through the sunset-lit five-story pagoda of Hokan-ji Temple. We arrived at Kiyomizu-dera at the perfect moment as the sun was setting. Although there were a great many tourists, the guest was deeply moved by the sight of the autumn leaves illuminated by the setting sun.
At Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, we walked around in near-total darkness, but there were few tourists, so we could stroll at a leisurely pace, and the guest experienced the Omokaru-ishi stones and the Nenoue-no-Matsu pine tree.
In Gion, we came across a large tour group using a loudspeaker, which made things a bit difficult at times, but we managed to make a full circuit of Gion without any trouble.
At the guest's request, I saw them to the bus stop at Shijo Kawaramachi, guided them to the bus bound for Kyoto Station, and then we parted ways.
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 Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Arashiyama Station～Randen Tenjingawa Station | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Uzumasa Tenjingawa Station～Higashiyama Station | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Niomon-mae～Kiyomizu-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Umamachi～Tofukuji | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Tofukuji Station～Fushimi Inari Station | 170JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Fushimi Inari Station～Gion-Shijo Station | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,600JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Hotel Kyoto Station at 13:55, and the tour finished at @ Shijo Kawaramachi Bus Stop at 19:55.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 13:55 to 19:55.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove + Tenryu-ji Sogenchi Garden, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,600JPY per person across 7 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?
Kaz 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.
Hi, thank you very much for choosing the JGA tour!
My name is Kazuhiro Yoshida, please call me “Kaz”.
I am an English-speaking National Licensed Tour Guide in Japan, and have been guiding mainly in Kyoto and other Kansai areas since April 2023. I have guided over 1,000 tours in total so far, and I am on my way to becoming one of the best English-speaking tour guides in Japan.
I have a great passion to show people from all over the world, the deep histories and cultures of Japan, the country I truly love.
I am focused to take you out on a tour that will become one of the best highlights of your entire trip.
I am glad to have an opportunity to be your guide, and I hope that we can explore many hidden gems of Japan together!
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and…
May 19, 2026
498stephenq
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
An enjoyable visit
Really enjoyed our visit with Kaz. Friendly, informative, and a pleasure to be with.
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic…
Apr 11, 2026
V5131MFjodieh
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kyoto morning tour with Kaz
Kaz (Kazuhiro) guided my family in historic Kyoto. He was flexible when we decided to modify our itinerary on the morning due to rain forecast the next day. Kaz’s English was great which meant he kept my teenage sons engaged with stories about shoguns and samurai battles. We visited the Fushimi Inari Shrine, and the Golden and Silver pavilions. The highlight of the tour with Kaz was being shown around beautiful gardens to see cherry blossoms still blooming and views of the city. We highly recommend going on a tour with him.
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of…
Oct 14, 2025
Scenic61154406959
Great Historical Perspective
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Yoshida was excellent, he had a great knowledge of of the historical aspects of the sites we visit, provided us great guidance on appropriate behavior at each site. He was energetic throughout the tour. More important he was more of a companion which made the experience even more enjoyable.
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour…
Sep 29, 2025
Jea L
Excellent Tour of Kyoto with Kaz
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Kaz was an excellent tour guide! He spent 6 hours showing us around Kyoto including Fushimi Inari Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-Ji Temple and the bamboo forest. He was very knowledgeable, spoke English well (lived in the US for 3 years), and took lots of photos for us. We are so glad we booked this tour.