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
- 07:00 Maeda Coffee Kodaiji Store
- 07:30 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 09:00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 10:30 Kodaiji Temple
- 11:00 Hotel (Tour End)
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Maeda Coffee Kodaiji Store at 07:00, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 07:30, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 09:00, Kodaiji Temple at 10:30 and Hotel (Tour End) at 11:00.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Gojozaka by bus (230JPY); Tofukuji to Inari by train (150JPY); Fushimi Inari to Gion-Shijo by train (240JPY); Shijo (Kyoto City) to Higashiyama Yasui by train (230JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 850JPY per person.
Title: What's an Early-Morning Private Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
I guided two friends visiting from North America. Since I had received advance notice that they had an early start and would not be able to have breakfast at their hotel, I recommended a café near the hotel, where we met up.
On the way to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, the Yasaka Pagoda and Sannenzaka were almost empty of people, and the guests both enjoyed taking their time with photography. Kiyomizu-dera was also relatively uncrowded, and we were able to take beautiful photos from the Okunoin with the temple's wooden stage in the background. There was also no wait at the Otowa Waterfall, and since the guests both drank the water of Otowa, I told them, "Your wishes are sure to come true."
Afterward, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. Perhaps because it was the off-season, it was not crowded even after 9:00, so we took photos with the Senbon Torii in the background. At that moment, sunlight streamed onto the plaques at the top of the torii gates, allowing us to capture wonderful photos, which delighted the guests very much. At the inner shrine, they also purchased many amulets as souvenirs.
I guided them to Kodai-ji Temple as an alternative to the bamboo grove in Arashiyama, and it seemed we were able to take photos there that satisfied them as well. Afterward, since they wished to rest at their hotel and then stroll along Teramachi Street in the afternoon, we ended the tour in front of the hotel. It was fortunate that we were able to finish the tour before the heat became too intense.
Click here for more details: Kyoto Early Morning Customized Tour with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Bus | Gojozaka / Kyoto City Bus～Tofukuji | 230JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Tofukuji～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Fushimi Inari～Gion-Shijo | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Shijo (Kyoto City)～Higashiyama Yasui / Kyoto City Bus | 230JPY |
| Total | 850JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Maeda Coffee Kodaiji Store, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kodaiji Temple and Hotel (Tour End).
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 850JPY 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?
Umi 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 Umi. I was born and raised in Kyoto, and I still live here today.
I have always loved traveling. When I visit another country, I enjoy learning about its history, culture, and way of life from local people. Talking with locals helps me understand a place much better than simply visiting famous sights. That’s why I became a tour guide.
Through my tours, I hope to help visitors gain a deeper understanding of Japan. In addition to its beauty and traditions, I am also happy to talk about modern life in Japan. My goal is for my guests to leave Japan with wonderful memories and a deeper appreciation of the country.
I’m looking forward to meeting you!
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very…
Jun 29, 2026
U3009CHlaurad
Kyoto 4 Hour walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a great tour guide, very friendly, personable and was very insightful! We had a wonderful morning exploring Kyoto and seeing some of the great historical castles, palaces, shrines and temples. Umi also showed us around the famous Nishiki markets, and shared with us some great hidden local restaurants! Would definitely recommend booking this tour, and would definitely recommend Umi as a tour guide!
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi.…
May 9, 2026
Adventurer745194
Lovely intro to Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had a lovely morning guided by Umi. We appreciated her thoughtful help in planning the tour and she was extremely flexible and responsible to our questions and interests. She was a pleasure to work with and be with and we were grateful that she introduced us to Kyoto most graciously.
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide…
Apr 30, 2026
jonathangG3501FZ
4 hour private tour in Kyoto
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Umi was a lovely tour guide for a half day private tour around Kyoto. She worked with us in
advance on the itinerary to match our interests and was very informative and gracious
during the tour itself. I highly recommend her!
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She…
Apr 27, 2026
Jennifer_S
Wonderful, thoughtful guide
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Umi was absolutely wonderful. She worked with us on a customized plan that included adapting for a member of our family that uses a wheelchair. The sites she recommended were perfect and gave us a nice touch of Kyoto. We particularly loved the final temple and the experience we had there. The lunch spot we ended up choosing was an excellent Japanese meal. She was extremely knowledgable about the sites, Kyoto in general, Japan’s history, and more. You could tell she loves what she does.