Kyoto in One Day: Hotel Kyoto & Nijo Castle — Guide Kaji
January, 2026
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
- 9:30 Hotel Kyoto
- 10:10-11:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha
- 11:50-13:00 Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Park
- 13:00-13:25 Lunch
- 14:10-5:10 Nijo Castle
- 15:30 Kyoto City Hall Station, Dismissal
Tour Itinerary in Detail
From there the group visited Hotel Kyoto at 9:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha at 10:10, Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Park at 11:50, Nijo Castle at 14:10 and Kyoto City Hall Station, Dismissal at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo (Kyoto) to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Inari to Saga-Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Randen Tenjingawa by train (250JPY); Uzumasa Tenjingawa to Nijojo-mae by train (260JPY); Nijojo-mae to Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae by train (220JPY). Across 5 sections the fare came to 1,210JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and Nijo Castle
The guests were a group visiting from North America together with relatives from Japan, forming one group. Since everyone had different personalities, I was a little concerned at first, but they gradually grew comfortable and, blessed with fine weather, it turned into an enjoyable trip.
First, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha. At the purification fountain (temizuya), I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before worship. Then I guided them to the main hall and explained the manner of two bows, two claps, stating a wish, and one final bow. After passing through the Senbon Torii (thousands of vermilion gates), we arrived at the Oku-no-in. To the right at the back there is a stone called the "Omokaru Ishi." First, you make a wish in front of the lantern. Then you lift the round stone placed on top of the lantern. They were intrigued by the idea that if the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish will come true, and they eagerly took on the challenge.
Second, we went to Tenryu-ji Temple, the Sagano Bamboo Grove, and Arashiyama Park. They were moved by the Sogenchi Garden, the historic main hall, and the view of the lush green bamboo grove, and they took photographs. They also seemed very interested in the story behind the name of the Togetsukyo Bridge.
Finally, we visited Nijo Castle. The Ninomaru Palace consists of five buildings. When I explained that the first and second buildings were for imperial envoys, the third for the outer feudal lords (tozama daimyo), the fourth for the hereditary feudal lords (fudai daimyo), and the fifth for the shogun, with 33 rooms and space for 800 tatami mats, they seemed very surprised. They were also interested in the nightingale floors (uguisubari), the wall paintings of the Kano school, and the large nail covers, and asked questions about them. In the Ninomaru Garden, they seemed intrigued by the large pond and the story of how the stones shaped like turtles and cranes symbolize longevity. They were moved by the wonderful view of the entire Nijo Castle from atop the stone walls of the Honmaru ruins, and they took photographs.
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 (Kyoto)～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Inari～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Randen Tenjingawa | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Uzumasa Tenjingawa～Nijojo-mae | 260JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Nijojo-mae～Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae | 220JPY |
| Total | 1,210JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Tenryu-ji Temple, Sagano Bamboo Grove, Arashiyama Park, Nijo Castle and Kyoto City Hall Station, Dismissal.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,210JPY 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?
Kaji 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.
I have been an English teacher since 1979. In 2024, I obtained the national qualification of Certified Guide Interpreter.
Currently, after retiring, I teach English as a part-time lecturer at a Hyogo Prefectural High School.
My hobbies are tennis, table tennis, traveling, studying English, and Japanese history.
I play tennis and table tennis twice a week. I love traveling because I can see beautiful scenery and learn about Japanese history.
I chose Kyoto and Nara prefectures as my guiding locations. Both were once the capitals of Japan.
Kyoto was the residence of emperors from 794 to 1868 and was a stage for Japanese history.
It has beautiful scenery, Japanese history, magnificent buildings and gardens, and delicious food.
I would like to share the charms of Japan with foreign tourists as much as possible.
I live in Amagasaki City, which is adjacent to Osaka. Kyoto is a little far from my home,
but I would like to leave home early in the morning and enjoy traveling with my guests.
Thank you for your consideration.
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent…
Mar 30, 2026
MrJames_L
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Great tour with Kaji
We had an excellent tour today in Kyoto at a number of different stops. We went to monkey park, bamboo Grove, tenryuji temple, Arashayama park and the Golden Temple. It was a packed schedule but our guide made sure we got everywhere and transited smoothly. He was also very helpful with our young kids and a food allergy. This was our third tour with JGA and we highly recommend them for Kyoto.
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle…
Jul 3, 2025
Radit T
Worthwhile private tour on our first full day in Kyoto!
Tripadvisor review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
We had a wonderful day with Kaji and our driver seeing many sights during our first time in Kyoto!
To start, Japan Guide Agency (operator) went above and beyond to help us even have the tour on our requested day. Despite all of their regular rental vehicles being unavailable, they were able to secure a driver and minivan for the 5 of us and Kaji, our guide. Excellent communication and responsiveness by email as we worked through to resolve the challenge and confirmed the planned itinerary.
Kaji arrived at our hotel ahead of schedule to be ready for our pickup. From there, he led us with interesting facts and helpful tips to Tenryu-ji Temple, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Park, Nijo Castle, and a delicious casual udon lunch as requested at Tokutoku Fushimi Takeda. Lastly, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha and for a bonus, quickly saw To-ji Temple before getting dropped back off at our hotel.
Overall, time and money well spent. We covered so much ground on this tour and it was a worthwhile experience with help from Kaji and our driver. Definitely recommend!
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great…
Jun 7, 2025
Lisa_H
Great tour guide and driver
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Overall a great experience. The team is extremely professional and knowledgeable of the Kyoto area. Having a driver was great in the heat and on getting around to the various stopping points efficiently. Our guide was also very helpful and knowledgeable of each place we visited and knew of appropriate spots for pictures, info etc.
Great experience overall.