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
- 12:00 Meet up @ Kyoto Station
- 12:30 Arashiyama
- 14:30 Chion-in, Maruyama Park, Nene no Michi, Ninen-zaka
- 16:30 Fushimi Inari
- 17:45 Disband @ Ramen Koji
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 12:00 at @ Kyoto Station and ended at 17:45. The day ran to 5 hours and 45 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Arashiyama at 12:30, Chion-in, Maruyama Park, Nene no Michi, Ninen-zaka at 14:30 and Fushimi Inari at 16:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Saga-Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Saga-Arashiyama to Nijo by train (200JPY); Nijo to Higashiyama by subway (260JPY); Higashiyama-sanjo to Gion by bus (230JPY); Kiyomizu-michi to Tofukuji by bus (230JPY); Tofukuji to Inari by train (150JPY); Inari to Kyoto by train (150JPY). Across 7 sections the fare came to 1,460JPY per person.
What Can You See on a One-Day Private Kyoto Tour by Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe, traveling by cruise through Taiwan, Korea, and Japan. They had arrived at Osaka Port from Naha this morning and were departing the next morning, so for their one day of stay they chose Kyoto and wanted to try riding the Shinkansen, taking the bullet train to Kyoto. Although there was light rain, we visited the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, then went from Gion along Nene-no-Michi and Ninenzaka, where they enjoyed coffee at a local café and purchased a woodblock print by the owner. Finally we went to Fushimi Inari, returned to Kyoto Station, and I guided them through Ramen Koji before ending the tour. It was a very enjoyable group.
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～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Nijo | 200JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nijo～Higashiyama | 260JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Higashiyama-sanjo～Gion | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kiyomizu-michi～Tofukuji | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Train | Tofukuji～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 7 | Train | Inari～Kyoto | 150JPY |
| Total | 1,460JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @ Kyoto Station at 12:00, and the tour finished at @ Ramen Koji at 17:45.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 45 minutes in total, from 12:00 to 17:45.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Arashiyama, Chion-in, Maruyama Park, Nene no Michi, Ninen-zaka and Fushimi Inari.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,460JPY 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?
Moto 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 Moto, your guide. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon! If you have any questions or suggestion, please feel free to let me know. One of my suggestions would be Monkey Park in Arashiyama, which is not listed, and it’s okay to be included in the tour. This is why I’m mentioning it. Only one condition is you are supposed to be fit enough to walk up the mountain about 20 minutes. Up there, you can feed the monkeys from inside the small hut. Monkeys are free, people have to get in the cage. What’s more, Monkey Park has one of the best views over the ancient capital of Japan.
Oct 5, 2025
David G
Moto was a fantastic guide in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Moto our guide was…
Oct 5, 2025
David G
Moto was a fantastic guide in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Moto our guide was excellent. A professional interpreter, he had excellent English.
Great communication leading up to the tour.
He brought his city to life.
Transportations between experiences was seamless and well organised. Choosing the most appropriate transport at the time.
So glad we met Moto and had the benefit of his experience for our tour.
Highly recommended.
Mar 29, 2025
Helen_C
An excellent day spent in Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
There is so much…
Mar 29, 2025
Helen_C
An excellent day spent in Kyoto
Viator review: Kyoto Full-Day Private Tour (Osaka departure) with Government-Licensed Guide
There is so much to see in Kyoto and didn’t really know where to start. Moto, our guide, helped us to carve out a tour that suited our needs and interests. Moto was kind and respectful and also very knowledgeable about the sites. Also helped us to navigate the public transport system the following day assisting us with our plans. Moto was an absolute gentleman and an excellent guide. We have no hesitation in recommending both the tour and Moto.
Thank you Moto for a fantastic day
Mar 19, 2025
Jennifer_C
We had a wonderful tour…
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour guide who…
Mar 19, 2025
Jennifer_C
We had a wonderful tour…
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour guide who was friendly, knowledgeable, and flexible with our group
of 10 people. He handled our large group really well, was always kind, and answered our
many wuestio.
Mar 15, 2025
Valentina_O
Excellent tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Moto was a fantastic guide! He managed to pack our…
Mar 15, 2025
Valentina_O
Excellent tour!
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Moto was a fantastic guide! He managed to pack our rather optimistic 4 stop itinerary (below) into our tour time and arranged for seamless travel along the way without missing a beat. We chose locations that would be harder for us to see on our own and were very grateful to have arranged the tour. Moto also left us with the most fantastic restaurant recommendation – a local must!
1. #17 – Kurama-Dera temple
(+Hike to and over the mountain from there to Kibune)
2. #16 – Kibune River
3. #13 – Kinkaku-ji
4. #3 – Nijo Castle