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 Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo
- (Keihan Railway)
- 9:40-10:10 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- (Taxi)
- 10:30-10:55 Sanjusangendo
- (Keihan Railway)
- 11:20-11:35 Gion Walk
- (Walk)
- 11:40-12:40 Lunch (Kyoto Cuisine Izutsu)
- (Keihan Railway & Subway)
- 13:10-13:40 Nanzenji Temple
- (Subway)
- 14:15-14:50 Kyoto Imperial Palace
- (Taxi)
- 15:00 Disband at the Oike-dori side entrance of Teramachi Kyogoku
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo at 9:00, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 9:40, Sanjusangendo at 10:30, Gion Walk at 11:20, Nanzenji Temple at 13:10 and Kyoto Imperial Palace at 14:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo to Fushimi Inari by train (220JPY); Shichijo to Gion-Shijo by train (170JPY); Gion-Shijo to Sanjo by train (170JPY); Sanjo Keihan to Keage by subway (220JPY); Keage to Imadegawa by subway (260JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,040JPY per person.
What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Sanjusangendo, and Nanzen-ji
The guests were retired visitors from Europe. The itinerary was as follows: Hotel → Fushimi Inari Taisha → Sanjusangendo → a walk through Gion → lunch (Kyoto cuisine) → Nanzen-ji → Kyoto Imperial Palace → Hotel. Among all the sights, Sanjusangendo and the Hojo Garden at Nanzen-ji seemed to leave the deepest impression. At Sanjusangendo, they stood still for a while in front of their favorite among the Twenty-Eight Guardian Deities, and also lingered before the principal image. At the Hojo Garden of Nanzen-ji, they murmured "peaceful!" softly several times and sat on the veranda admiring the garden for more than ten minutes, creating a moment in which the guests and the guide seemed to share a common sense of beauty. For lunch they ordered a shabu-shabu set and thoroughly enjoyed the wagyu beef, saying repeatedly how delicious it was. During our walk and over the meal, we had a lively conversation (drawing on our respective experiences) about the process by which stray cats become house pets and about the almost religious devotion of dedicated cat lovers, and I also had the chance to hear about regional rivalries within their home country. In addition, they praised the efficiency of Japan's railways and the kindness and consideration Japanese people show toward those around them. While riding the subway, we happened to witness a station attendant assisting a passenger using a wheelchair with boarding and alighting, and they were moved by the thoughtful efficiency and kindness of society here. As this was two days before their return home, they spoke of how reluctant they were to see the trip come to an end.
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 | Sanjo～Fushimi Inari | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Shichijo～Gion-Shijo | 170JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Gion-Shijo～Sanjo | 170JPY |
| Section 4 | Subway | Sanjo Keihan～Keage | 220JPY |
| Section 5 | Subway | Keage～Imadegawa | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,040JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Gracery Kyoto Sanjo, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Sanjusangendo, Gion Walk, Nanzenji Temple and Kyoto Imperial Palace.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,040JPY per person across 5 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?
Masaki 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.
My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through…
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through Kyoto the day after we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, learning both about the culture and the hidden gems. He shared the details of each temple that he took us to, as well as took us through streets that showed the different styles of the Japanese culture the best part was that he was very communicative prior to and after our tour. He was so on top of everything that he made reservations at a specific restaurant during our tour, based on our interests, so that we do not waste time. It was an area that we would not be able to find on our own, obviously. He also changed some of the areas we were going to tour, based on our sons interest. That was actually the best part for our son, as he was able to experience archery.
The best part is that Masaki is so kind and considerate that there was a typhoon coming through Tokyo during our stay. He knew we were going to be traveling there after Kyoto and he made sure to update us with the train schedules and the storm details. We could not have asked for a better guide through Kyoto. I wish we could utilize his expertise in Tokyo…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!
Absolutely perfect for getting the most out of a single day in Kyoto. Masaki-san is an excellent tour guide. He communicated well by WhatsApp to set up our plans so we could see everything we wanted. He kindly adjusted our start time after our travel plans were delayed. He figured out the best way to adjust our tour when we spent too long admiring a few places! And he took us to the most amazing local type place for lunch. Overall it was beyond our expectations and we truly are grateful and thankful to Masaki-San for our truly perfect day!
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient…
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient guide for our first visit to Kyoto. He explained the significance of the castle and temples we visited, pointing out parts he felt were most interesting. He also went out of his way to help us figure out our bullet train tickets for our return.
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San. Masaki San helped us plan the itinerary
and customized it for us. We had a good mix of temples and sights and shopping. Kyoto has
amazing history and sights and temples. We will definitely be back to spend more time.