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 Hotel
- 9:15-10:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
- 11:15-12:15 Fushimi Inari
- 12:30-13:00 (Quick Lunch)
- 13:30-14:15 Higashiyama Area
- 14:15-14:45 Gion
- 16:00 Arrive at hotel
- Hotel: Hotel New Hankyu Osaka
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Arashiyama Bamboo Grove at 9:15, Fushimi Inari at 11:15, (Quick Lunch) at 12:30, Higashiyama Area at 13:30 and Gion at 14:15.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Osaka to Saga-Arashiyama by train (990JPY); Saga-Arashiyama to Inari by train (240JPY); Inari to Tofukuji by train (150JPY); Tofukuji to Gojozaka by bus (230JPY); Gion-Shijo to Yodoyabashi by train (430JPY); Yodoyabashi to Umeda by subway (190JPY). Across 6 sections the fare came to 2,230JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Full-Day Private Walking Tour of Kyoto Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from Europe. They were very curious about Japanese culture and asked many questions, which made the day a happy one for me. The route skipped the central part of Kyoto and went from Arashiyama straight to Fushimi Inari, then continued with a walk around the Higashiyama area.
Specifically, we covered a great deal on foot: Koshin-do → Yasaka Pagoda → Ninenzaka (with a coffee shop stop) → Ishibei-koji → Kennin-ji (just passing through the garden) → Marishiten-do → Kyoto Ebisu Shrine → Miyagawa-cho Street → Gion (south and north).
I had the guests walk quite a lot because they took a strong interest in the guardian lion-dogs at the shrines, so I wanted to introduce them to the wild boars at Marishiten-do and the ox at Kyoto Ebisu Shrine.
Overall, the guests were very pleased with the tour.
Click here for more details: Kyoto in 1 Day from Osaka: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Osaka～Saga-Arashiyama | 990JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Saga-Arashiyama～Inari | 240JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Inari～Tofukuji | 150JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | Tofukuji～Gojozaka | 230JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Gion-Shijo～Yodoyabashi | 430JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Yodoyabashi～Umeda | 190JPY |
| Total | 2,230JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, Fushimi Inari, (Quick Lunch), Higashiyama Area and Gion.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 2,230JPY per person across 6 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?
Ichiro 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 Osaka itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
Hello!
I’m Ichiro F. I’m a government-certified English guide. I guide in Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe. Since I started in March 2023, I’ve already led over 130 tours.
(I am 64 years old, live in a city that is the western neighbor of Osaka City, married, and have one daughter who is 30 years old. My favorite pastimes are reading books and going to a gym. )
In September 2019, I retired from an IT company after working there for 37 years, because I turned 60. At that time, I wanted to start something new. I had never lived outside of Japan or used English in my previous job. But, I had been learning English on my own for almost 50 years. I also love reading about Japanese history and culture. That’s why being a guide for English-speaking visitors is perfect for me.
I got my government license in February 2020, but then COVID-19 happened, and Japan closed its borders. I had to wait three years to start working. But, that time was good for preparing. I learned more about Japan and traveled around Kyoto and other places.
I finally started guiding in March 2023 and really enjoy it. Japan, especially Kyoto, has many historical places. Japan has four seasons, and I can experience the changes by walking outside with my clients. The more I guide, the more I know about it. Now, I guide about 15 days a month.
Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, and Kobe each have their own history and places that amaze foreign visitors. I’m confident I can give you the best experience while visiting Japan. Please feel free to ask what I can offer you.