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.
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.
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi…
Sep 29, 2026
H1282JBkarinas
Customizable tour with Harumi-san
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
We had an amazing tour with Harumi in Kyoto. From the moment she was paired as our guide, she contacted us to personalize the daytrip. She shared great suggestions and ideas for the tour.
During the tour, she shared so much information about Japan, the history, culture, and meanings. So informative and thoughtful.
We had an amazing time with her and would highly highly recommend.
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our…
Sep 28, 2026
Coastal07335209891
Kobe Delight with Harumi
Tripadvisor review: Kobe Customized Half-Day Tour with Licensed Local Guide
Our tour was definitely customized and our guide Harumi was excellent! Leading up to our excursion she involved us in selecting options of things to do. She communicated clearly about meeting point and tips to bring so we would be prepared for the possibility of rain. Harumi was very knowledgeable on the places we visited and we learned a great deal about Japanese customs and traditions. The beginning of our tour we spent time exploring Kitano – cho foreign district. At the Shrine, Harumi shared key information about the gods and demonstrated how make a wish. We had the opportunity to eat lunch at a sushi bar where you order a selection of Japanese foods and experience eating with chopsticks! Motomachi Shopping district was a great place to spend the afternoon after our tour. What a wonderful experience!
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I…
Sep 27, 2026
kakeelma
Learning is fun with Harumi san!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
My husband and I booked a private tour and car to visit places on the outskirts of Kyoto. Our tour guide, Harumi Sagayama, not only provided a wealth of knowledge about our stops but also about the culture, history and politics of Kyoto. She was also critical on helping us narrow down the choices available to us. Our driver, Suzuki san, provided an impeccably clean, safe and comfortable ride as well. Absolutely delightful all around.
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide…
Sep 23, 2026
Cosmopolitan580857
We had a great time! Kyoto is a beautiful city.
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Harumi and Kouzo San were very nice and constantly checked how we were doing.
Our party had one member using a mobility scooter and they made sure she was taken care of and was comfortable all the time. She even played a traditional Japanese game with us in the car before we got dropped off and this completed a most memorable and enjoyable time with them.