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.

Tour Itinerary

  • 10:40 to 11:30 Fushimi Inari Taisha
  • 12:10 to 12:40 Sagano Bamboo Grove Walk
  • 12:40 to 13:10 Lunch at Arashiyama
  • 13:15 to 13:30 Togetsukyo Bridge Area Walk
  • 13:45 to 14:45 Arashiyama Monkey Park

Tour Itinerary in Detail

Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:40, Sagano Bamboo Grove Walk at 12:10, Togetsukyo Bridge Area Walk at 13:15 and Arashiyama Monkey Park at 13:45.

Travel between the sites was by public transport: Umamachi by bus (230JPY); Tofukuji to Inari by train (150JPY); Inari to Saga-Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Shijo-Omiya by train (250JPY); Shijo-Omiya to Umamachi by bus (230JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,100JPY per person.

What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Beyond

Today's guests were a group of friends visiting from North America. The original plan was to visit Nishiki Market, but since they had gone there the previous day, I recommended visiting the Sagano Bamboo Grove followed by the Monkey Park instead, and we decided to go there. However, the uphill path at the Monkey Park seemed to be a bit demanding for the guests today. We had planned to visit Kinkaku-ji afterward, but they no longer seemed to have the energy to continue the tour. After finishing at the Monkey Park, we went directly to the Hotel. I regret that I should have recommended Okochi Sanso Villa instead.

Transportation cost per person

No.TransportationRouteFare
Section 1BusUmamachi / Kyoto City Bus~Tofukuji230JPY
Section 2TrainTofukuji~Inari150JPY
Section 3TrainInari~Saga-Arashiyama240JPY
Section 4TrainArashiyama (Keifuku Line)~Shijo-Omiya250JPY
Section 5BusShijo-Omiya~Umamachi / Kyoto City Bus230JPY
Total1,100JPY

Frequently Asked Questions

Which places does this itinerary cover?

This tour visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, Sagano Bamboo Grove Walk, Togetsukyo Bridge Area Walk and Arashiyama Monkey Park.

How much did transport cost on this tour?

Public transport came to 1,100JPY 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?

Haru 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.

Personal data
Born in : May 1st, 1957
Hobby : Visiting scenic places,
historic spots, Japanese
gardens and old townscape
Former career : Worked for electric
company and engaged in
international sales for
about 40 years.
Travel history in the former career :
Visited about 20 countries about 200 times

Career as guide interpreter
Acquisition of guide license : 2016
Career of guide : 8 years
Genre of my specialty :
Japanese historic structures such as
temple, shrine, castle and garden.
Area of guide : Kyoto, Nara, Osaka &
Himeji

Let’s enjoy Japan with me !!

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