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
- 12:00 Meet at Mimaru Suite Shijo
- Lunch at Shijo Karasuma
- By Kyoto City Subway and bus
- 13:45 Kinkaku-ji
- 15:00 Cherry blossom viewing at Demachiyanagi Kamogawa Delta
- Keihan Demachiyanagi ⇨ Fushimi Inari
- 16:00 Fushimi Inari
- To save time, take a taxi to Gojozaka
- 18:00 End at Kiyomizu-dera
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 12:00, when the guide met the guests at Mimaru Suite Shijo, and finished at 18:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Kinkaku-ji at 13:45, Cherry blossom viewing at Demachiyanagi Kamogawa Delta at 15:00 and Fushimi Inari at 16:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) to Kitaoji by subway (260JPY); Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) by train (230JPY); Kinkakuji-michi by bus (460JPY); Demachiyanagi to Fushimi Inari by train (300JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,250JPY per person.
Title: What Can You See on a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour During Cherry Blossom Season? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group who arrived at Kyoto Station at noon. Since they had not eaten breakfast or lunch, I first took them to a restaurant for lunch. As it was the final weekend of the cherry blossom season and crowds were expected, we traveled on less crowded trains and routes. The bus also ran along the Kamo River, so the guests were able to enjoy the cherry blossoms along the way. I believe they enjoyed every stop, including Kinkaku-ji, the Kamo River Delta, Fushimi Inari, and Kiyomizu-dera. However, because our start was delayed, we used a taxi from Fushimi Inari to Kiyomizu-dera to save time. Due to the congestion, the taxi could not go all the way up, so we were dropped off at the bottom of Gojo-zaka. When we arrived at Kiyomizu-dera, the 6:00 p.m. bell was ringing and the evening illumination was just beginning, bringing the tour to a close.
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 | Subway | Shijo (Kyoto Municipal)～Kitaoji | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kitaoji Bus Terminal (Subway Kitaoji Station) / Kyoto City Bus～Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Section 3 | Bus | Kinkakuji-michi / Kyoto City Bus～Demachiyanagi-ekimae / Kyoto City Bus | 460JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Demachiyanagi～Fushimi Inari | 300JPY |
| Total | 1,250JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Mimaru Suite Shijo at 12:00, and the tour finished at Kiyomizu-dera at 18:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 12:00 to 18:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kinkaku-ji, Cherry blossom viewing at Demachiyanagi Kamogawa Delta and Fushimi Inari.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,250JPY per person across 4 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?
Cherry 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.
Hello! I am Kayoko Sakakibara. Just call me Cherry.
I was born in Osaka and have lived in Kyoto for 30 years. I brought up three sons who are all 20’s.
I like visiting temples, shrines and museums. I also like cooking and reading manga. I have been a guide for many years in the temple called Daitokuji that is the center of Japanese Culture.
As a resident of Kyoto City, I’d like to assist people visiting Kyoto to enjoy good food, Japanese culture, history , small streets, and hidden gems.
If you don’t feel like visiting crowded places, I can show you less crowded but beautiful places.
Mar 23, 2026
Dana_H
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing time in Kyoto with Cherry
We had an amazing time…
Mar 23, 2026
Dana_H
Viator review: Kyoto Early Morning Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Amazing time in Kyoto with Cherry
We had an amazing time with Cherry (Kayoko) in Kyoto. Our group of 10 with ages from 11 to 73 enjoyed the amazing sites of this beautiful city. We experienced things that we would have missed without her expertise- like the bamboo grove at a shrine tucked away, and the Kama river. She was knowledgeable, kind and thoughtful- writing our names in Japanese which thrilled us all as a keepsake, sharing Matcha KitKats and origami foxes with our kids. 10/10 recommend!