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
- 7:00 meet at Hotel Sannomiya
- 8:45 Gion, Pontocho
- 10:00 Nijojo Castle
- 11:45 Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka
- 1:00 Fushimi Inari Shrine
- 2:30 Porta
- 4:15 See off at the hotel
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Gion, Pontocho at 8:45, Nijojo Castle at 10:00, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka at 11:45, Fushimi Inari Shrine at 1:00, Porta at 2:30 and See off at the hotel at 4:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Sannomiya to Kyoto Kawaramachi (830JPY); Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae to Nijojo-mae by subway (220JPY); Nijojo-mae to Sanjo Keihan by subway (220JPY); Sanjo Keihan to Gion (230JPY); Kiyomizu-michi to Keihan Shichijo (230JPY); Keihan Shichijo to Fushimi Inari (180JPY); Inari to Kyoto (150JPY); Kyoto to Shin-Kobe (2,870JPY); Shin-Kobe to Sannomiya (210JPY). Across 9 sections the fare came to 5,140JPY per person.
What Is a Private Kyoto Day Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report on Fushimi Inari and Kyoto Station
This time the guest was visiting Japan for the first time. Their interest seemed to lie less in Japanese culture or history and more in the exotic streetscapes and atmosphere of Kyoto.
On the way back from Fushimi Inari, we got off at Kyoto Station, where the guest enjoyed the view from the rooftop for a while. After that, I guided them to the underground shopping arcade Porta, and we returned by Shinkansen.
Ps: I have separately attached the receipt for the outbound Shinkansen fare (for two people, including the guest). Half of the amount, 2,870 yen, is the guide's transportation cost. Thank you very much.
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 | Other | Sannomiya～Kyoto Kawaramachi | 830JPY |
| Section 2 | Subway | Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae～Nijojo-mae | 220JPY |
| Section 3 | Subway | Nijojo-mae～Sanjo Keihan | 220JPY |
| Section 4 | Other | Sanjo Keihan～Gion | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Other | Kiyomizu-michi～Keihan Shichijo | 230JPY |
| Section 6 | Other | Keihan Shichijo～Fushimi Inari | 180JPY |
| Section 7 | Other | Inari～Kyoto | 150JPY |
| Section 8 | Other | Kyoto～Shin-Kobe | 2,870JPY |
| Section 9 | Other | Shin-Kobe～Sannomiya | 210JPY |
| Total | 5,140JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Gion, Pontocho, Nijojo Castle, Yasaka Pagoda, Ninenzaka, Fushimi Inari Shrine, Porta and See off at the hotel.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 5,140JPY per person across 9 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?
Shogo 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.
Welcome to Japan! I’m Shogo K. National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter in English. “Shogo?” Looks a little bit hard to pronounce. So if you are interested in Samurai, you can call me “Shogun”. Rather hen-pecked in my family, though. 🙂 I’ve been here as a guide ever since 2018.
Here’s a little information about myself. I was born and grew up in Himeji, world-famous for its Castle. I used to live in USA for two years in my 20s. Ever since I got married, I’ve been living in Kobe with my family. So I’m very much familiar with Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, and Himeji all in western Japan.
One of my hobbies has long been going trekking over high mountains like the Japan Alps in central Japan, soaking in local hot springs, and enjoying local dishes & sake. I’ve also enjoyed exploring overseas like the US, the UK, Mongolia, Mexico, and New Zealand. It was really great fun. Through explorations, I think I’ve learned to see what the tourists need and how they want to be treated while staying in Japan!
I’d like to show you whole-heartedly the beautiful and historic spots of Japan, including again Kyoto, Osaka, Nara, Himeji, Kobe, spiritual Koyasan, and more.
It’s always my great pleasure showing you across the country, and helping you feel and explore the very places Japanese. I hope you will have an ENJOYABLE and MEMORABLE trip.
I’ll see you over time. Thank you. And have happy travels. 🙂
Sep 13, 2025
Albert_Ok_99
Nice trip back in time and respit from hastle of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This…
Sep 13, 2025
Albert_Ok_99
Nice trip back in time and respit from hastle of Tokyo
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
This is my first rip to Kyoto and I had many doubts of booking the trip and hitting bulls eye. I chose this one and I have nothing but positive feelings. Shogo, the guide, was clockwork prompt and agile. From fishing us out of ants pile of Kyoto Shinkensen station to guiding us through the day he was spot on helpful. If you have a chance get Shogo Kiminami as you guide.
The trip is on foot so wear comfy shoes and bring plenty of sunscreen and water. If you bring small kids, beware that they will lose interedt pretty quickly. The trip is custom so you can change it on the fly as long as you stay within allotted time. For us it was mainly exploring Kyoto with brief stops at Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle.
After staying in Tokyo it was a nice trip back in time. I highly recommend this trip.
Sep 10, 2025
Indy C
Kyoto walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was Shogo Kiminami and he…
Sep 10, 2025
Indy C
Kyoto walking Tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Our tour guide was Shogo Kiminami and he was an amazing certified tour guide Shogo is very organized as he was in touch with us weeks before the tour and on the day off he brought city maps; plus he bought train tickets in advance and he paced out the trip at our speed. We moved from one attraction to the other effortlessly plus Shogo knowledge is immense. We spent all day and ended up having dinner together before we parted ways. Shogo is the reason we had such a good time. If in Kyoto / Kobe or Osaka book his services and I am sure you will have an amazing time. Arigato Guzaimas Shogo from all three of us.
Aug 29, 2025
Fran_W
Shoggo is knowledgeable…
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shoggo is knowledgeable and tailored the adventure to our…
Aug 29, 2025
Fran_W
Shoggo is knowledgeable…
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Shoggo is knowledgeable and tailored the adventure to our interests. Highly recommend!
He knew just how to take the perfect photos too.
Jul 25, 2025
annahS7857DZ
My deepest gratitude to Shogo
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience
I would like to express my…
Jul 25, 2025
annahS7857DZ
My deepest gratitude to Shogo
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Shogo you for his excellent organization of the trip “Kyoto 6hr Private Guided Tour & Kimono Experience” and taking care of me during the trip! I am still under the lasting impression from the insights, as provided by Shogo about the history, architecture and culture of Japan, Kyoto in particular. The kimono experience was just grateful and unforgettably charming. The interesting conversations as well as extremely enjoyable personal encounters supplemented very well this positive picture!
Again, many thanks to Shogo for welcoming me so warmly!