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
- 9:00 Double Tree By Hilton Kyoto Station Meeting
- 9:40~10:30 Uji Bridge – Byodoin Temple in Uji
- 11:00~11:40 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 12:10~12:50 Sanjusangendo
- 13:20~14:00 Move to Sanjo, lunch break
- 14:10~14:40 Takase River ~ Pontocho Street ~ Gion Shirakawa ~ Tatsumi Bridge
- 14:50~15:10 Move to hotel by taxi and disband
Title: Can You Do a Private Kyoto Day Tour Visiting Uji, Fushimi Inari, and Sanjusangendo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America and were looking forward to sightseeing in Kyoto. First, we headed to Byodo-in Temple in Uji. We took the JR line from Kyoto Station, but it was packed with tourists and groups of students on school trips, and the guests seemed particularly interested in the students in their uniforms.
In Uji, I explained about tea, as well as the relationships between the aristocracy of the Heian period, the imperial family, and the samurai class. I described the suffering of common people caused by epidemics and wars, along with the concept of mappo (the age of the decline of Buddhist law), helping them imagine Japanese society at that time, and they were impressed by the long history of Japan. At Fushimi Inari, I explained the Japanese view of religion in relation to Shinto, and they wrote their wishes on gomagi (wooden prayer sticks). At Sanjusangendo, they viewed the 1,001 Buddhist statues and the statues of the 28 guardian deities, and were amazed by the power of Buddhism at that time and by the artistry of these works.
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～Uji | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Uji～Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Shichijo | 170JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shichijo～Sanjo | 170JPY |
| Total | 820JPY | ||
Hello, This is Shige. I was born and brought up in Osaka. I have been enjoying working as a tour guide since 2016 after retired from a manufacturing company in which I worked at the overseas department. So I experienced a lot of business with customers in Europe, Asia, Australia, and USA where my three years of living and working at the subsidiary company with my family was the most amazing experience of my life. Well, Japan has a long history including ancient remains, historic buildings and cultures at each period over 2000 years. I hope you will enjoy exploring Japan in this tour. I look forward to seeing you soon.
Shige.
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a…
May 23, 2026
Sarajean_s
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
A wonderful way to get acquainted with Kyoto
Shige was a wonderful guide. He helped us navigate the public transit system and provided
keen insight into Japanese cultural practices and the role of religion in modern day
Japan.10/10
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent…
May 21, 2026
828vickeyb
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shige is a great tour guide for Kyoto
Shige was an excellent tour guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and patient. He kept our tour
moving, but also make sure we rested when needed and we stayed hydrated.
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion…
Apr 12, 2026
Mariana_M
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Walking Tour with Shige
Shige was an amazing tour guide and companion during our time in Osaka. He explained everything clearly and made the experience both informative and enjoyable. He was very accommodating, always attentive to our needs, and incredibly polite and respectful. His subtle and thoughtful approach made us feel comfortable throughout the entire tour. Highly recommended!
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide…
Jul 4, 2025
Marcus_C
Osaka tour 2025
Viator review: Osaka 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a wonderful tour around Osaka. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and shared lots of interesting information about the places we visited. He was also very friendly and approachable, which made the experience even more enjoyable. The length of the tour was just right for us—especially on such a hot day—and we still managed to find time to take some great photos.