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
- 9:20 Meet at Kyoto Station Shinkansen exit
- 9:35 Fushimi Inari
- 11:00 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 11:40 Short break
- 12:35 Kinkaku-ji
- 14:00 Yasaka Pagoda
- 14:30. Kiyomizu-dera
- 15:00 Travel to Kyoto Station by taxi
- 15:20 See off to Shinkansen entrance and end of tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 9:20, when the guide met the guests at Kyoto Station Shinkansen exit, and finished at 15:20. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Fushimi Inari at 9:35, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 11:00, Short break at 11:40, Kinkaku-ji at 12:35, Yasaka Pagoda at 14:00, Kiyomizu-dera at 14:30 and Travel to Kyoto Station by taxi at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Inari to Saga-Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Randen Arashiyama to Kitano-Hakubaicho by train (250JPY); Kitano-Hakubaicho to Kinkakuji-michi by bus (230JPY); Kinkakuji-michi to Nishioji-Oike by bus (230JPY); Nishioji-Oike to Higashiyama by subway (260JPY); Higashiyama-Sanjo to Kiyomizu-michi by bus (230JPY); Gojozaka to Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (0JPY). Across 8 sections the fare came to 1,590JPY per person.
What Can You See on a 6-Hour Private Kyoto Tour Before a 4 PM Bullet Train? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. They had previously lived in Tokyo for six years and this was their second visit to Kyoto. Since their return bullet train was already booked for 4:00 PM, we only had about 6 hours and 40 minutes, so we walked around at a fairly quick pace. Everyone was very cooperative. In particular, one of the guests was kind enough to buy and cover all the transportation costs in advance, which was very helpful. It was a little cold in the morning, but the weather was nice and the temperature gradually rose, making for a comfortable tour. Just as we finished at Kiyomizu-dera, it started to rain a little, but it had no impact. Since there was not much time left at Kiyomizu-dera, I consulted with the guests and we decided not to go inside, but simply to walk around the surrounding area and take photos. We split into two taxis and returned to Kyoto Station, where the tour ended. The photo was taken at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.
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～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Randen Arashiyama～Kitano-Hakubaicho | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Kitano-Hakubaicho～Kinkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi～Nishioji-Oike | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Nishioji-Oike～Higashiyama | 260JPY |
| Section 7 | Bus | Higashiyama-Sanjo～Kiyomizu-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 8 | Other | Gojozaka～Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit | 0JPY |
| Total | 1,590JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Kyoto Station Shinkansen exit at 9:20, and the tour finished at See off to Shinkansen entrance and end of tour at 15:20.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 9:20 to 15:20.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Short break, Kinkaku-ji, Yasaka Pagoda, Kiyomizu-dera and Travel to Kyoto Station by taxi.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,590JPY per person across 8 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?
Kazu 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.
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.