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
- 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 (8:40)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 (8:40)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!
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour…
Jul 14, 2026
T6871WWricharde
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kazz gave a great one on one 8 hour custom tour of Kyoto
Ryoich Kazuma (Kazz) was an amazing guide! He picked me up at my hotel and expertly guided me around Kyoto, showing me a custom set of sites. His background revealed interesting facts about the sites and related Japanese culture. He photographed moments for me and later shared all the pictures, allowing me to enjoy the sites rather than focusing on taking all my own pictures. He prepared an itinerary in advance and gave me useful information about how much local currency would be needed as well as estimated admission and transportation costs. Basically have 15000 yen ready and use a Suica card and everything is easy! We had a lovely lunch around midday as well. I highly recommend the tour and can’t say enough good things about Kazz! Love every moment!!
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone…
Jun 5, 2026
mateoe216
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 4hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Would book again
The tour with Kazuma-san was absolutely great. As someone who has never taken a private tour before, I was unsure what to expect. Kazuma-san met us at our hotel, was very friendly and knowledgeable. His English is also good. As me and my mother took more time than planned at the different sites we visited, Kazuma-san was able to provide us with interesting explanations and history facts throughout it all, even smells of local flora, and he took photos for us even after the alloted 4 hours were over and we were on our way back. One highlight for me was a high end porcelain shop near kiyomizudera.
I’d recommend this to anyone who wants to get a feel for Kyoto’s temples and history.
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a…
May 27, 2026
Leah_D
Viator review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Absolutely recommend!
I definitely recommend seeing some of the sights with a guide, we learned so many things we would’ve been clueless about had we done some of the temples and castles on our own. Kazz was a wonderful guide and took pictures of us with his nice camera everywhere we went, so we had a little photo album of our day at the end of it! We had so much fun and are extremely glad we did this. Thank you so much!!
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide…
May 26, 2026
sheilacL3330KS
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Very enthusiastic and knowledgable guide. Much appreciated
Kazz was an excellent guide – very enthusiastic about everything and happy to explain not only the meaning of the ‘golden pavilion’ but also the different properties of bamboo, and the meanings of anything pertinent he noticed in various shops He also took multiple photographs which he sent to us via email .