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
- ①12:00 Meet at Kyoto Samurai Experience (near Shijo Omiya), then travel on foot
- ②12:15 Lunch at Kissa Tyrol
- ③12:50 Shinsen-en Garden
- ④13:00 Nijo Castle → Travel by taxi
- ⑤14:20 Tofuku-ji Temple
- ⑥16:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- ⑦17:10 Disband at Kyoto Station (We decided to disband a little early because afterward we will board the Shinkansen to travel to Tokyo)
Can You Do a Private Day in Kyoto with a Bullet Train Back to Tokyo? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting Japan from North America. During their stay in Tokyo, they had made an overnight trip to Kyoto beginning the previous day and stayed at a traditional Japanese inn the night before. In the morning they enjoyed a two-hour samurai experience, and I met them at that venue. My role was to accompany them for sightseeing around the city until they boarded a bullet train back to Tokyo at around 18:00 in the evening. They first wanted to have lunch and then stop by Nijo Castle, so we had lunch at a retro-style café. They seemed to really like its classic Kyoto atmosphere. Afterwards we visited Nijo Castle as they had requested, and considering access to Kyoto Station, they enjoyed the green maple leaves at Tofukuji Temple and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine before I saw them off at Kyoto Station, where we parted ways. The weather was fine, and they seemed to have enjoyed a full and satisfying day in Kyoto.
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 | Tofukuji～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari～Kyoto | 150JPY |
| Total | 300JPY | ||
Hello! I am Osamu Kitagawa , National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter(English). Please call me SAM.
I love Japanese culture, history, and visiting historical places, scenic spots, and fashionable spots as well. I can guide you all over Japan as I have ever visited all prefectures in Japan. I have a global experience in international banking business including residing in Hong Kong and Jakarta. So I’m able to have daily conversations in Indonesian language, too. I’m looking forward to seeing you soon!
Certification
Certified Travel Services Manager
Authorized Tour Conductor
Kyoto Expert Certification
Jul 23, 2026
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