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 Meet @ Hotel Granvia Kyoto
- 10:25-11:40 @ Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 12:40-13:30 @ Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 13:35-14:20 Short break @ Cafe NISHIKWA
- 15:00-16:10 @ Kinkaku-ji
- 17:00 Disband @ Hotel Granvia Kyoto
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from North America, on their first trip to Japan, who came to Kyoto after staying in Tokyo. Since we had not decided on specific destinations in advance, we planned the route after meeting and then started the tour. The guests were quite devout, bowing when passing through the torii gates and lighting candles to pray at the inner shrine. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they bought a torii-shaped ema as a souvenir. After strolling through the Arashiyama bamboo grove, they said they would like a coffee break, so we rested at a cafe along Nagatsuji Street. After visiting Kinkaku-ji, they purchased a framed metal engraving decoration priced at around ¥16,500 and several handkerchiefs at a souvenir shop. I had intended to show them the bus from Kinkaku-ji to Kyoto Station and then part ways, but as they seemed a little uneasy, I boarded the bus with them, saw them off at Kyoto Station, and then said goodbye. The weather was very nice, and the guests seemed delighted.
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～Inari Station | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari Station～Saga-Arashiyama Station | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama Station～Enmachi | 190JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Nishinokyo Station Enmachi～Kinkakuji-michi | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi～Kyoto Station | 230JPY |
| Total | 1,040JPY | ||
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.