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
- 10:00-10:40. Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 11:10-12:00 Nijo Castle
- 12:40-13:20 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 14:00-15:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 15:00-14:00 Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka
- Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Hotel Kyoto at 9:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 10:00, Nijo Castle at 11:10, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 12:40, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 14:00 and Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka at 15:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Gion-Shijo to Fushimi Inari by train (240JPY); Fushimi Inari to Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) by train (240JPY); Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) to Nijojo-mae by subway (230JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 710JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji, and Kiyomizu-dera
The guests were a group visiting from Oceania. They were a pleasant and warm group. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, they purchased amulets and paper charms, and I introduced the Omokaru-ishi stone and the Nenoue-no-matsu pine, where we took photos. We made our way through the crowds, boarded a train, and went to Nijo Castle, where they listened to the explanations. I also gave a brief explanation of the garden designed by Kobori Enshu, then we took a taxi toward Kinkaku-ji. Since they wanted to eat gyoza for lunch, I took them to a gyoza restaurant. About ten groups were waiting, so we headed to Kinkaku-ji first and had soft-serve ice cream in place of lunch. At Kinkaku-ji, I gave explanations and we tried coin tossing. We then took a taxi to the base of Kiyomizu-dera and walked up the slope for about 15 minutes. One of the guests seemed a bit carsick and low on energy, but after experiencing the womb passage (Tainai-meguri), striking the temple bell, and hearing the explanation of the stage, they felt better. I introduced Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, and then concluded the tour. I had intended to guide them to Yasaka Shrine as well, but since we were already more than 30 minutes over time, we ended there.
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 | Gion-Shijo～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture) | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Nijojo-mae / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 710JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Hotel Kyoto, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Nijo Castle, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Sannenzaka, Ninenzaka.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 710JPY per person across 3 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?
Harumi 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, my name is Harumi, and I am a National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in Japan. I have been actively involved in volunteer activities for many years, sharing my passion for Japanese culture and history. As a kimono dressing instructor, I can provide hands-on kimono experiences and guide tours. Additionally, I have extensive knowledge of sumo wrestling, making my tours ideal for those interested in this fascinating sport. I am also well-versed in Important Preservation Districts for Groups of Traditional Buildings (Jūdenken) and can introduce historical townscapes dating back to the Edo period. If you are interested, I would be happy to show you around the sake brewing process in the Nada region.
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour…
Jul 11, 2026
Rahul_P
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Private Tour
Highly recommended if looking for a comfortable tour of kyoto. Our guide and driver were amazing. The guide was very knowledgeable and explained everything with great details as we toured around.
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is…
Jul 7, 2026
782MarkS782
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kyoto
This was amazing – truly memory making. Harumi is an incredible guide – she personalised our tour according to our interests, we laughed, we learned and she created memories – Thank you (one of the best).
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide…
Jun 25, 2026
JenCBear
Tripadvisor review: Himeji Half-Day Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Great visit with a great guide Harumi
Harumi was a fantastic guide – very friendly and very knowledgeable. Even weeks before the tour, her communication was outstanding, asking me what we would be interested in seeing, ages and interests of the members in our party, and laying out a thoughtful and perfect itinerary for our day. Her knowledge made our visit to Himeji Castle way more interesting and engaging than if we had just gone by ourselves. We would definitely book again!
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide.…
Jun 21, 2026
Andrew_M
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Amazing guided experience
Harumi is an amazing guide. Knows everything about the sites she takes you to. She is excellent with kids and even brought them oregami and treats. The heat was a bit oppressive and we were so glad we paid for the driver with a large and clean air conditioned van. Harumi, the guide, was a true professional. She devised a very good itinerary and was also flexible when the kids were hungry, etc. Would highly recommend.