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
- 09:00 (8:40)Tempozan Port Terminal exact meeting spot is later
- 10:00 Fushimiinari Torii gate tunnel
- 11:50 Bamboo Path
- 12:10 Tenryuji garden (500) by walking
- Arashiyama by walking
- Lunch（Shin-Togetsu）
- 15:00 Ippodo by taxi Matcha break
- 15:40 Teramachi Shopping Arcade
- 16:00 End of the tour
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 09:00 at Tempozan Port Terminal exact meeting spot is later and ended at 16:00. The day ran to 7 hours from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in Fushimiinari Torii gate tunnel at 10:00, Bamboo Path at 11:50, Tenryuji garden (500) by walking at 12:10, Ippodo by taxi Matcha break at 15:00 and Teramachi Shopping Arcade at 15:40.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Osaka to Kyoto by train (580JPY); Kyoto to Inari by train (150JPY); Inari to Saga-Arashiyama by train (240JPY); Arashiyama (Keifuku Line) to Shijo-Omiya by train (250JPY). Across 4 sections the fare came to 1,220JPY per person.
Title: What's a Private Kyoto Day Tour from Osaka Port Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
This private Kyoto tour started from Osaka Port with guests visiting from North America. The guests wanted to see Fushimi Inari, Arashiyama, and a local Kyoto watch brand called Kueo. Unfortunately, the shop was closed on Tuesday, so we only took a photo in front of it, but the guests showed me a Kueo watch they had already bought in Tokyo, saying they loved the design. Since one of the guests wanted to buy a support belt for a sore back, we went to a discount store near Osaka Station but could not find one, then found the desired support belt at a drugstore in front of Fushimi Inari Station, which was a relief. As we had time to spare, I asked whether there was anywhere else they would like to go, but they said they preferred to keep things as they were, since walking was a bit difficult for them. They also mentioned they would head back on their own and were happy to finish early, so with the extra time, I suggested the foot bath deep inside Arashiyama Station on the Randen line. They wanted to go, so we relaxed at the foot bath together for a while. Instead of taking a taxi directly to our next stop, Ippodo, we took the local Randen line to Shijo-Omiya and continued to Ippodo from there. Ippodo was not very crowded today, so we were seated with almost no wait, and the guests ordered koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea). At the end, the guests planned to enjoy some shopping at their own pace and take a taxi to Kyoto Station, so we walked together to the Kueo shop in Teramachi, which was closed for the day, and wrapped up the tour there.
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～Kyoto | 580JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Inari | 150JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Inari～Saga-Arashiyama | 240JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Arashiyama (Keifuku Line)～Shijo-Omiya | 250JPY |
| Total | 1,220JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Osaka tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at Tempozan Port Terminal exact meeting spot is later at 09:00, and the tour finished at of the tour at 16:00.
How long does the tour last?
About 7 hours in total, from 09:00 to 16:00.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited Fushimiinari Torii gate tunnel, Bamboo Path, Tenryuji garden (500) by walking, Ippodo by taxi Matcha break and Teramachi Shopping Arcade.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 1,220JPY 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?
Kazz 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.
I’m Ryoichi Kazuma and my nickname is “Kazz”. I live in Kyotanabe city next to Kyoto city. I want guests to enjoy Kyoto by seeing and experiencing not only from outside but also from inside. I offer various information from daily matters to traditional cultures. Most destinations in Kyoto are located on the eastern side or the western side. As I want to guide guests to as many destinations as possible, I make an efficient itinerary and recommend a taxi use to save time. Additionally, I take pictures at various spots and finally share the link to my storage. By doing so, guests can download their favorite pictures from my storage. Please enjoy Kyoto night and day!
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly…
Sep 25, 2026
Marvin_F
Kazz is an outstanding…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Kazz is an outstanding experiencedand friendly tour guide. He took us to many interesting places during the six hours as well as off the tourist path to more interesting places. He thoroughly explained everything from a current and historical perspective. Outstanding tour.
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing…
Sep 21, 2026
Laura_K
Day in Kyoto with Kazz
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazz was an amazing guide! He was super knowledgeable and gave us really interesting info throughout all the stops. He’s also an amazing photographer!
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a…
Aug 27, 2026
M6034YWthomasm
Worth it
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
The day went by so quickly, a true pleasure . Exceeded my expectations in knowledge and support of our questions.
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed…
Aug 10, 2026
Sez042
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Awesome experience
Tour guide Kazz was great. Very informative and showed us around which was great