Kyoto: Arashiyama & Fushimi Inari Shrine — Guide Yuki
October, 2025
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
- 08:00 Hotel lobby meet
- 08:45 Arashiyama
- Bamboo Grove / Okochi Sanso Villa / Tenryu-ji Temple / Togetsukyo Bridge
- 11:00 Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 12:00 Fushimi Inari Shrine
- 13:00 Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
This private tour of Kyoto began at 08:00, when the guide met the guests at Hotel lobby meet, and finished at 13:00. The day ran to 5 hours from start to finish.
From there the group visited Arashiyama at 08:45, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 11:00 and Fushimi Inari Shrine at 12:00.
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Tour with a Licensed Guide Like? A Guide's Report on Arashiyama and Beyond
Because the schedule was tight, I recommended using a taxi in advance.
The tour was joined by guests visiting from Europe. At first one of the guests interpreted as we went along, but partway through another of the guests also joined the conversation using simple English, adding jokes and enjoying the experience.
This is aside from the tour itself, but at the Bamboo Grove Path I found graffiti carved into the bamboo, which made me feel very sad. Because shrines and temples can often be entered for free, poor manners among some foreign tourists stand out, such as eating and drinking within the precincts or sitting on the ground. When people sit on the ground and then use taxi or restaurant seats, it can feel unhygienic and unpleasant. The driver also expressed frustration about passengers who drink and eat in the car and leave trash behind. I strongly felt that improving awareness of good manners will be necessary so that Japan's beautiful sightseeing spots can be protected in the future.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Hello, I’m Yuki.
With a decade of experience as a Tokyo Metropolitan Government volunteer guide, I embody the spirit of omotenashi, Japanese hospitality. I’ve introduced Tokyo from the observatory at the height of 202 meters and guided visitors to popular spots in the city. I have also lived in several foreign countries for studying, working, and staying as an expatriate. Additionally, I guide both individuals and large groups of around forty people, primarily in the Kyoto and Tokyo areas.
I enjoy watching movies and visiting temples and shrines, both in Japan and abroad. Eager to share Japan’s seasonal beauty and culture, I invite you to join me in exploring the excitement of Japan and creating a memorable tour together.
Jul 17, 2026
Daydream320684
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent start for first timers to Tokyo
We had…
Jul 17, 2026
Daydream320684
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Excellent start for first timers to Tokyo
We had Yuki for our guide, and she was lovely and very knowledgeable. Yuki really took on board what we wanted to do for the day, and was flexible during the day when we needed to stop for rest breaks, food, etc. From the start, Yuki made us feel extremely comfortable. I mentioned that we wanted to collect Edo stamps, and Yuki even bought note pads for our children to enable us to do it. I would highly recommend undertaking a tour if this is your first visit to Tokyo, and Yuki as your guide. Thank you Yuki for a great start to our trip!
Jul 17, 2026
811katriens
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We learned a lot on a pleasant tour!
We…
Jul 17, 2026
811katriens
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
We learned a lot on a pleasant tour!
We had a great dat with Yuki-san! We learned a lot and saw plenty of things. Thank you for the guidance!
Jun 7, 2026
N4293NMdiannad
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful Day out in Tokyo
We had a wonderful tour guide Yuki.…
Jun 7, 2026
N4293NMdiannad
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Wonderful Day out in Tokyo
We had a wonderful tour guide Yuki.
Yuki was very knowledgeable and helpful with all our questions and our needs. It was like going out for the day with a friend. Nothing was a problem for her. We couldn’t have done as much without her. We were looked after right to the end. I highly recommend this tour. Thank you Yuki it was an absolute pleasure.
Jun 7, 2026
V2134TIterryp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank You Yuki-san!
Private tours are the way to go! You do…
Jun 7, 2026
V2134TIterryp
Tripadvisor review: Tokyo 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Thank You Yuki-san!
Private tours are the way to go! You do not have to worry about losing your group or not being able to hear the information shared while walking. Our tour guide, Yuki, was fantastic. She created our personalized itinerary and made sure we could fit in the stops we requested. We were able to ask many questions and have great conversations. She went above and beyond accommodating us, from start to finish. This was one of our favorite days in Tokyo by far!