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 Gather at W Osaka
  • 9:30 Arashiyama Bamboo Grove walk
  • 10:30 Kinkaku-ji Temple
  • 11:30 Nijo Castle
  • 12:50 Lunch at Ukiya Pontocho Main Store
  • 1:45 Gion Tatsumibashi Bridge
  • 2:15 Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine
  • 4:10 Disband at W Osaka

Tour Itinerary in Detail

This private tour of Osaka began at 8:00, when the guide met the guests at W Osaka, and finished at 4:10. It included lunch at Ukiya Pontocho Main Store at 12:50.

From there the group visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove walk at 9:30, Kinkaku-ji Temple at 10:30, Nijo Castle at 11:30, Gion Tatsumibashi Bridge at 1:45 and Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine at 2:15.

What Is a Private One-Day Kyoto Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report

Today's private tour was for guests visiting from North America. The weather was fine, and since we traveled by car at the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, we were able to start our walk from the Okochi Sanso side, where there were few people, which the guests greatly enjoyed. At both Kinkaku-ji and Nijo Castle, despite the presence of school excursion groups, we happened to visit at times when there were few visitors, so we could tour at a relaxed pace, which was wonderful. Since the guests had only this one day in Kyoto, our schedule was tight, but we made a short stop at Gion Tatsumi Bridge, which had not originally been on the itinerary, so they could take in the atmosphere. Fushimi Inari Taisha was as crowded as ever, but I believe the guests were very satisfied.

Thank you very much for choosing JGA experience, and please allow me to briefly introduce myself. I’m Kaeko Tanigawa, your tour guide, and I have been showing tourists from abroad around mainly in Kyoto, Nara and Osaka areas. Every year I’ve guided my guests through those areas for over 80 times. I always try to do my best to help my guests explore and enjoy our unique and attractive locations, and I’ve been lucky enough to receive so many 5-star reviews from the guests I hosted. I’d like to help make your visit to Japan one of the most wonderful memories in your life. I’m really looking forward to seeing you soon. Thank you very much.

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