Kyoto: Kasuga Taisha Shrine & Yakushiji Temple — Guide Ichiro
September, 2024
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
- 9:00 Hotel
- 10:00-11:00 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 11:15-11:30 Nara Park
- 11:45-12:30 (Lunch)
- 12:45-13:45 Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall
- 14:00-14:30 Naramachi (Nigiwai no Ie)
- 15:00-16:00 Yakushiji Temple
- 17:00 Arrive at hotel
- *Hotel: Hotel Kyoto Sanjo Premier
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The itinerary covered Kasuga Taisha Shrine at 10:00, Nara Park at 11:15, (Lunch) at 11:45, Todaiji Temple Great Buddha Hall at 12:45, Naramachi (Nigiwai no Ie) at 14:00 and Yakushiji Temple at 15:00.
Title: Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara by Car? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were visiting Japan for the first time and were currently based in North America. [Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.)](https://www.j-g-a.org/) guide led a private day trip by car from a hotel in Kyoto to Nara. The itinerary included Kasuga Taisha Shrine, the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple, the Naramachi district (Nigiwai no Ie), and Yakushiji Temple. Because the five-story pagoda at Kofukuji Temple is currently covered for restoration and can no longer be seen, I have recently been including Yakushiji Temple in the itinerary as an alternative. For lunch I had wanted to take the guests to a chaya restaurant at Yumekaze Hiroba, but since it happened to be closed that day, we changed to an udon restaurant located further back. Fortunately there was a "mini inari sushi set" on the side menu, so I recommended it, and the guests enjoyed it so much that they ordered an extra plate. Overall, I believe it was a thoroughly satisfying day.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
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.