Kyoto in One Day: Nijo Castle visit — Guide Shoji
January, 2025
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
- 10:30 Meet up @MONday Apt. Premium Kyoto Station
- 11:45 Arashiyama stroll ( From Hankyu Arashiyama to Togetsukyo Bridge, bamboo grove, and Tenryu-ji Temple visit )
- 13:00 Quick lunch @ standing eatery at Randen Arashiyama Station
- 14:15 Nijo Castle visit
- 15:30 Fushimi Inari visit
- 16;50 Disband @Keihan Kiyomizu-Gojo
Title: What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour from a Hotel Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were a group visiting from North America. The tour was originally scheduled for a different day but was moved up by one day at the guests' request, as the original day's forecast called for rain all day. At the hotel meeting point, one of the guests explained that the group did not mind keeping strictly to time, and we agreed that we would cover as much as possible within a rough timeframe and that they would continue on their own afterward.
As mentioned, we started a bit behind schedule, leaving the hotel around 11:00, about 30 minutes late, and continued at a relaxed pace with several stops to buy and eat food along the way. Taking this into account, I adjusted the original plan and, instead of going from Arashiyama to Kinkaku-ji, we went directly to Nijo Castle (partly to minimize taxi use, since there were five of us including me). After that, we visited Fushimi Inari, with Kiyomizu-dera to follow if time allowed.
This turned out to be the right decision. At the taxi stand near Kiyomizu-Gojo there was only one taxi available, so I told the driver the destination and we parted ways there. Throughout the tour the guests asked many questions and listened attentively to my explanations, and it was a good tour that they enjoyed.
The way we said goodbye at the end was a little unfortunate, since I had intended to accompany them to the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera had there been two taxis available. However, this had been understood and agreed upon with the guests from the start, so I do not think it was any problem at all.
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 | Municipal Subway Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae | 250JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Keihan Sanjo～Fushimi Inari | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Keihan Fushimi Inari～Kiyomizu-Gojo | 150JPY |
| Total | 620JPY | ||
My name is Shoji and I’m a tour guide in Kyoto, an ancient capital of Japan for more than one thousand years until the mid 19th century.
I have been doing this work since 2019 covering not only Kyoto but also its surrounding areas like Nara , Osaka and Shiga.
I am very much interested in Japanese history, culture and traditional arts.
Kyoto and the Kansai region are rich with many heritage sites of historical and cultural features.
I am sure that I can provide the guests with good insight and help them appreciate the charms of our wonderful city.
May 23, 2026
Amber_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great walking tour in Kyoto!
Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto.…
May 23, 2026
Amber_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great walking tour in Kyoto!
Shoji was a great guide around Kyoto. Even in the rain we were able to visit the shrines/temples we wanted to see. We wished we had started earlier as we would have linke to have seen other things off the beaten path. We ended in Gion and were able to walk around the area. Shoji brought a wealth of knowledge about the area and Japanese culture.
Jun 25, 2025
Safari35155142765
Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto…
Jun 25, 2025
Safari35155142765
Peaceful and perfect temple guided tour.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Brilliant private guided tour of Kyoto with Shoji Ogawa. A very knowledgeable and
interesting person who showed me special temples that were quiet and peaceful.
Jun 22, 2025
Global136391
Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
If you’re ever in Kyoto, you…
Jun 22, 2025
Global136391
Shoji Ogawa Made Kyoto Come Alive!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
If you’re ever in Kyoto, you absolutely must take this tour — and if you’re lucky, you’ll have Mr. Shoji Ogawa as your guide. In just six hours, he managed to give us an incredibly rich and insightful experience. He didn’t just show us the historic, architectural, and cultural highlights of Kyoto — he also explained the complexities of modern Japan, including how the unique structure of Japanese society helped the country avoid colonization and achieve remarkable success despite limited natural resources. His knowledge, clarity, and passion made this tour truly unforgettable.
Jun 9, 2025
Amy_R
Wonderful Nara tour
Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
We had such a wonderful…
Jun 9, 2025
Amy_R
Wonderful Nara tour
Viator review: Private Nara Tour with Government Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Kyoto Departure)
We had such a wonderful tour of Nara with our tour guide Shoji. He was very knowledgeable and taught us so much about Japanese history. He was extremely flexible and helped us create the best tour for us. We wouldn’t have had near the positive experience or seen as many locations if we had tried to do the tour on our own. I recommend this tour and guide to anyone wanting to experience Nara.