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
- 10:00 Hotel meet-up
- Tozai Line Karasuma Oike→Keage
- 10:30 Nanzenji Temple
- Tozai Line Keage→Sanjo Keihan Sanjo Keihan→Gion Shijo
- 12:00 Gion・Yasaka Shrine
- 13:15 Lunch＠Korai Gallery Cafe
- 14:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- Keihan Gion Shijo→Fushimi Inari
- 15:45 Fushimi Inari
- 16:30 End at JR Fushimi Inari
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 10:00, when the guide met the guests at Hotel meet-up, and finished at 16:30. The day ran to 6 hours and 30 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch＠Korai Gallery Cafe at 13:15.
From there the group visited Nanzenji Temple at 10:30, Gion・Yasaka Shrine at 12:00, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 14:30 and Fushimi Inari at 15:45.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Karasuma Oike to Keage by train (220JPY); Keage to Gion Shijo by train (390JPY); Gion Shijo to Fushimi Inari by train (220JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 830JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion
The guests were a group visiting Japan for the first time from Oceania. I had initially suggested Nijo Castle, but since they had visited it the previous day, we changed the plan to Fushimi Inari Shrine instead. Prior communication was handled through a travel agency, and I was informed in advance that a specific restaurant should be used, so we dined there, and it turned out to be a very nice place (Korai Gallery Cafe near Yasaka Shrine). While waiting at the restaurant, we made origami together. Kiyomizu-dera and Gion were crowded, so we ran slightly over time, but since it was their last day in Kyoto, I took them to Fushimi Inari Shrine at the end. After the tour, the travel agency reported that the guests had been very satisfied.
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 | Karasuma Oike～Keage | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Keage～Gion Shijo | 390JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Gion Shijo～Fushimi Inari | 220JPY |
| Total | 830JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Hotel meet-up at 10:00, and the tour finished at JR Fushimi Inari at 16:30.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours and 30 minutes in total, from 10:00 to 16:30.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Nanzenji Temple, Gion・Yasaka Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Fushimi Inari.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 830JPY per person across 3 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?
Makiko 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, I’m Makiko originally from Kobe.
I have graduated from high school and University in the U.S., and working as an English Tour Guide in Japan since in my 20s.
I want my guests to experience the beauty of Japan in Kansai region.
Also, I’m a Sado, tea ceremony instructor , so ask me anything about tea ceremony, and other traditional Japanese culture.
Especially, I would like to take you where you can find peace in your mind through my tour, my recommended places in Kyoto are Fushimi Inari and Nanzenji Temple.
I’m very much looking forward to meeting you!
Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We only had a few…
Mar 21, 2025
J
Jet815326
Maximized our short visit to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We only had a few hours to see Kyoto so we needed a local expert to maximize our visit.
Makiko did a fabulous job. She arranged a wheelchair at the station and then took us to Toji
Temple and Niko Castle
Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught…
Dec 29, 2024
Y8716YMkathyb
Highly recommend this tour!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was a fantastic guide and really taught us a lot about Kyoto and Japanese culture.
Our driver was wonderful as well and having the driver made it possible for us to maximize
our time with Makiko. I would highly recommend this!!
Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding…
Nov 14, 2024
TrailBlazer145790
Kyoto Introduction
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Makiko was very knowledgeable about Kyoto’s shrines and temples, guiding us to notable example of each- Fushimi Inari shrine and the Sanjusangen-do Hall. We had a love walk through the Gion district too.
After a simple and perfectly delicious ramen lunch, we arrived at Yuuhisai Koudoukan, a very old school converted to a cultural center near the Imperial Palace. We enjoyed a limited and juried exhibit of Japanese confections prepared by competing chefs. That was followed by a casual tea ceremony. This final experience was something we’d have never found on our own.
Overall, Makiko is a very able guide, sensitive to our comfort and needs in the moment, effortlessly helping us to navigate the subways as well. We also discovered we had a mutual connection to Olympia WA and the college there. Beautiful introduction to Kyoto.
Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind,…
Oct 18, 2024
Z2198GLjohannah
Wonderful experience
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Both Makiko (our guide) and our driver were incredibly kind, knowledgeable and thoughtful.
It was a wonderful experience which was tailored to our interests and requests. I would very
much recommend. Thank you