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. Kobe Port Terminal
- 10:16 Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Nozomi No. 10
- 10:43 Kyoto Station
- 11:00 Board car
- 11:30-12;00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
- 12:30-13:00 Lunch (Kura Sushi Minami Inter)
- 13:30-15:00 Kiyomizu-dera Temple
- 15:00-15:30 Gion
- 15:33-15:40 Takashimaya Super Mario photo
- 16:00 Kyoto Station
- 16:46 Shinkansen Nozomi No. 41
- 17:14 Arrive at Shin-Kobe Station
- 17:30 Taxi stand
- Tour ends
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Kobe Port Terminal at 9:30, Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Nozomi No. 10 at 10:16, Kyoto Station at 10:43, Board car at 11:00, 12;00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 11:30, Kiyomizu-dera Temple at 13:30, Gion at 15:00, Takashimaya Super Mario photo at 15:33, Kyoto Station at 16:00, Shinkansen Nozomi No. 41 at 16:46, Shin-Kobe Station at 17:14 and Taxi stand at 17:30.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Port Terminal to Sannomiya by train (210JPY); Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal) to Shin-Kobe Station by subway (210JPY); Shin-Kobe Station to Kyoto Station (5,740JPY). Across 3 sections the fare came to 6,160JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari, Kiyomizu-dera, and Gion
The guests were a group from North America. There was some concern about whether everyone could manage the walking, but they kept up without falling behind. We visited Fushimi Inari Taisha, where they experienced the Omokaru-ishi stone and the "value-rising pine," and listened attentively to my explanations about how to worship. Around lunchtime, when I asked what the group would like to eat, the answer was sushi, so I took them to a Kura Sushi near the interchange. We were seated right away, and they enjoyed the games at Kura Sushi before we headed to Kiyomizu-dera. We were able to enter the parking lot relatively smoothly and had plenty of time, so the guests enjoyed not only worshipping but also shopping, which pleased them. We then headed to Gion, walked along Hanamikoji, did some shopping on Shijo Street, and thanks to the driver's kindness took photos at the Super Mario display in Takashimaya before heading to Kyoto Station. We had about 40 minutes at Kyoto Station and enjoyed a coffee time, then returned to Shin-Kobe Station on the 16:46 Shinkansen. The tour concluded at the taxi stand.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Kobe: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Port Terminal～Sannomiya | 210JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Sannomiya (Kobe Municipal)～Shin-Kobe Station/Kobe Municipal Bus | 210JPY |
| Section 3 | Other | Shin-Kobe Station～Kyoto Station | 5,740JPY |
| Total | 6,160JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Kobe Port Terminal, Shin-Kobe Shinkansen Nozomi No. 10, Kyoto Station, Board car, 12;00 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Gion, Takashimaya Super Mario photo, Kyoto Station, Shinkansen Nozomi No. 41, Shin-Kobe Station and Taxi stand.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 6,160JPY 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 Hyogo 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.