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
- 8:55 Meet at hotel 9:00 Board taxi, head to Kyoto Station 9:37 Board JR rapid train bound for Nara 10:21 Arrive at Nara Station 10:40 Nara Park & Todaiji Temple 12:35 Lunch (yakiniku)
- 14:10 Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie, shopping, etc. 15:45 JR Nara Station 16:07 Board rapid train bound for Kyoto 16:53 Arrive at Kyoto Station, guide to taxi stand and end tour
Can You Do a Private Day Trip to Nara from Kyoto? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time from North America. Since meeting at Kyoto Station seemed difficult, I picked them up at their accommodation in the morning and we took a taxi to Kyoto Station. Before the tour, the guests had little prior knowledge of Nara beyond the deer. I introduced them to the classic highlights of Nara Park, Todaiji Temple, Kasuga Taisha Shrine, and the Naramachi district, though we decided to visit Kasuga Taisha only if time allowed. I guided them to the Naramachi Lattice House, and this seemed to be their favorite spot. Since they had already visited many shrines and temples, a place like this felt fresh and new to them. The Naramachi Lattice House will apparently be closed for renovation from October until February of next year. We had planned to do a sake tasting in Naramachi, but unfortunately it was closed for the Obon holiday, which was a shame. The photo was taken at the yakiniku restaurant where we had lunch.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Other | Higashiyama Yasui (guest's accommodation)～Kyoto Station | 0JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Nara | 720JPY |
| Section 3 | Free Pass | JR Nara Station～JR Nara Station | 600JPY |
| Section 4 | Train | Nara～Kyoto | 720JPY |
| Total | 2,040JPY | ||
I was born and grew up in Kyoto and now live near Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. I used to be a schoolteacher of English and welcome a lot of students from foreign countries. I really enjoyed showing them around Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Himeji, and Hiroshima. I have been a professional tour guide for about 8 years. I always try to let my guests learn Japanese traditional and modern culture. Since I was born in Kyoto, I know a lot about its culture and people. I myself enjoyed several sports, such as soccer, judo, and marathon when I was young. I’m much interested in baseball and sumo. My motto as a tour guide is to let my guests learn about our tradition and culture precisely and really enjoy themselves. I strongly hope you will enjoy the tour in Japan with me.
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep…
Jul 24, 2026
Trail65429092687
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Tour
Kazua Sumi is a very accomplished guide.He has deep knowledge about the history and culture of Japan. He is flexible and accommodates changes if you so desire. He is also very empathetic. I had a sprained back and he ensured we took elevators everywhere. You will be lucky if he is assigned as your guide .
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience…
Jul 23, 2026
489caelinp
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Full-Day Private Tour with Licensed Guide
Kyoto Guided Tour
My friend and I had a great experience on the tour. We travelled all around Kyoto with our guide Kazuo Sumi. He is a sweet older gentleman who had a great depth of knowledge about each place we went to. We told him places we wanted to go and he made the itinerary for us. There is no one better to have as your guide!!
Jul 16, 2026
margaretsM7923ON
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour by Car with Licensed Guide
Great way to see Kyoto
Wonderful tour and exceptional guide.
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided…
Jul 9, 2026
Sandra_B
Kazuo was great and…
Viator review: Kyoto Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Kazuo was great and provided some excellent recommendations. There’s a lot of walking so make sure you are prepared.