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
- 10:00 Meet @Dhawa Yura Kyoto
- 11:00 Tenryu-ji Temple
- Bamboo Grove
- Togetsukyo Bridge
- 14:20 Ninna-ji Temple
- 15:30 Nishiki Market
- 16:00 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Meeting at @Dhawa Yura Kyoto at 10:00, the group explored Kyoto until the tour ended at 16:00. The day ran to 6 hours from start to finish.
The itinerary covered Tenryu-ji Temple at 11:00, Ninna-ji Temple at 14:20 and Nishiki Market at 15:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sanjo Keihan to Uzumasa Tenjingawa by subway (260JPY); Randen Tenjingawa to Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) by train (250JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Omuro Ninna-ji by train (250JPY); Omuro Ninna-ji／Kyoto City Bus to Shijo Karasuma (Subway Shijo Station)／Kyoto City Bus by bus (230JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 990JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour of Arashiyama and Nishiki Market Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visitors from Europe. We walked at a relaxed pace, so we ended up spending quite a lot of time in Arashiyama, but I believe the stroll from the Tenryu-ji temple garden to the bamboo grove, and then from Arashiyama Park to the Togetsukyo Bridge, was leisurely and enjoyable without much crowding. They had eaten a hearty breakfast and said they did not need lunch, but we sat down for a while at Arashiyama Station and took a break with something cold to eat. Since we did not have much time, at Ninna-ji we entered only the Omuro cherry blossom area. The blossoms had already begun to fall considerably, but the guests were delighted to view the cherry blossoms up close. After that, we took a bus to Nishiki Market. Once we had walked through it, the tour concluded, and we parted just before Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine. The guests planned to walk back to their hotel, but just in case I also gave them directions by train.
Note regarding admission to Ninna-ji: When I did a preliminary visit last week, I was told that guides also had to pay admission during the flower festival period. I confirmed by phone as well, just to be sure, and was again told that guides had to pay, so I was prepared to pay, but in the end it was free. The response differed depending on the staff member, which was a bit confusing.
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 | Sanjo Keihan～Uzumasa Tenjingawa | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Randen Tenjingawa～Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) | 250JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Omuro Ninna-ji | 250JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Omuro Ninna-ji／Kyoto City Bus～Shijo Karasuma (Subway Shijo Station)／Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 990JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Kyoto tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at @Dhawa Yura Kyoto at 10:00, and the tour finished at at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 6 hours in total, from 10:00 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Tenryu-ji Temple, Ninna-ji Temple and Nishiki Market.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 990JPY 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?
Mickey 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’m Miyuki Konishi. It’s my great pleasure to guide visitors from other countries and welcome you to Japan. I would be happy if you make great memories in Japan with my support. Precious memories become our life treasures. So, I’d love to help you make them.
I love Japanese culture, history, customs and so on. I know a lot about Kyoto and Nara. Additionally, I have a certificate as an English speaking guide for Himeji Castle and as a kimono instructor.
I’ll do my best to make your trip wonderful. Let’s enjoy exploring Japan together!
May 17, 2026
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Fun, Flexible, Friendly and Informative
Mickey was great. We put together an itinerary together and was flexible on making changes to accommodate our needs. She speaks English and is very informative. She has a fun personality and we would highly recommend her. We hope to show her around South Florida one day.
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kept the tour at our pace.. We highly recommend her.