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
- 7:00 Meet at Fushimi Inari
- 8:40 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 9:30 Higashiyama Area
- 10:15 Gion
- 11:15 Lunch (Ramen)
- 12:20 Nanzen-ji Temple
- 13:10 Tour Ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 7:00 at Fushimi Inari and ended at 13:10. The day ran to 6 hours and 10 minutes from start to finish. It included lunch (Ramen) at 11:15.
Over the course of the day the route took in Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 8:40, Higashiyama Area at 9:30, Gion at 10:15 and Nanzen-ji Temple at 12:20.
What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nanzen-ji
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. They were bright and friendly, and it was easy to communicate with them. We met at Fushimi Inari at 7:00. Although it was a Saturday, there were few people at Fushimi Inari early in the morning. Since the guests preferred not to use crowded trains or buses, we took taxis from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera, and after lunch, from the lunch spot to Nanzen-ji. We walked from Kiyomizu-dera to the ramen restaurant for lunch. Because it was a Saturday, Nanzen-ji had about twice as many visitors as usual. We were blessed with fine weather throughout the tour. The photo was taken at Fushimi Inari.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.