Kyoto: Villa Sanjo Muromachi Kyoto — Guide Kaji
November, 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
- 8:00 Villa Sanjo Muromachi Kyoto
- By Tozai Subway Line and Keihan Train
- (8:30-9:20) Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 2 By Keihan Train to Demachiyanagi
- By taxi from Demachiyanagi Station to Kinkaku-ji Temple
- (9:50-10:40) Kinkaku-ji Temple
- 3 By taxi to Kyoto Imperial Palace
- (11:00-11:50) Kyoto Imperial Palace
- 4 By Tozai Subway Line to Shijo
- 12:30 Disband at Nishiki Market
Title: What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kinkaku-ji, and the Kyoto Imperial Palace
The guests were visitors from North America. We were blessed with good weather and it was a wonderful trip. We were also fortunate to be able to enter up to the front of the Shishinden at the Kyoto Imperial Palace and to view a special exhibition and gagaku (traditional court music). However, when I asked what their favorite was, both answered Fushimi Inari Taisha, which was a surprise to me.
First, we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha. At the temizuya (purification fountain), I explained how to cleanse the hands and mouth before worshipping. Then I guided them to the front of the main hall and taught them the etiquette of two bows, two claps, making a wish, and one final bow. After passing through the Senbon Torii (thousand torii gates), you arrive at the "Okunoin." To the far right of it 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 fascinated by the idea that if the stone feels lighter than you expected, your wish will come true, and they enthusiastically gave it a try.
The second stop was Kinkaku-ji. They were especially moved by the golden shimmer of Kinkaku-ji.
The last stop was the Kyoto Imperial Palace. There, I shared the story that successive emperors lived there for about 540 years, from 1331 until Emperor Meiji moved to Tokyo in 1869, and the guests seemed very interested in the "Okurumayose," the "Shodaibu-no-ma," the interior of the "Shishinden," the "Seiryoden," as well as the special exhibition and the gagaku performance.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Karasuma Oike～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Sanjo (Kyoto Prefecture)～Fushimi Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Demachiyanagi | 300JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Imadegawa～Shijo (Kyoto Municipal) | 260JPY |
| Total | 1,020JPY | ||
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.