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
- 8:40 Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour)
- taxi
- 8:50-9:40 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
- walk 10 minutes
- 9:50 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hil
- walk 5 minutes
- 10:10-10:40 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
- walk 5 minutes
- 10:50 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
- walk 5 minutes
- 11:00-40 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
- walk 5 minutes
- 11:50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
- walk 5 minutes
- 12:10-40 Isuien Garden
- 12:40-13:10 Yoshikien Garden + Himurojinnja Shrine
- 13:15-13:45 Lunch: Kasuga Chaya
- walk 10 minutes
- 14:00-16:00 Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town)
- walk for 10 minutes
- 16:30 back at Kintetsu-Nara Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
Over the course of the day the route took in Kintetsu-Nara Station (Start of Tour) at 8:40, Kasuga-taisha Shrine at 8:50, at the foot of Wakakusayama Hil at 9:50, Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall at 10:10, Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower at 10:50, 40 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall at 11:00, Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate) at 11:50, 40 Isuien Garden at 12:10, Yoshikien Garden + Himurojinnja Shrine at 12:40, Nara-machi (Old Quarters of the town) at 14:00 and back at Kintetsu-Nara Station at 16:30.
What Is a Private Nara Walking Tour Like? A Licensed Guide's Report
Through messaging app communication, I learned that the guests would arrive 20 minutes earlier than planned, at 8:40, leaving too much time before Isuien Garden, our first destination, opened at 9:30, so I quickly adjusted the schedule. Thanks to the guests' questions, I was able to explain a great deal about how Shinto and Buddhism have changed over the eras. Starting from the story that Buddha said, "Do not believe in supernatural powers, miracles, magic, or prophecies; believe only what you can accept through your own reason," the conversation expanded to talk of the U.S. president, the causes behind the shooting death of a former Japanese prime minister, the hereditary succession of Japanese politicians, and much more—why things have become so troubling, and how they might be improved. Because of this, the tour ran nearly two hours over, but the weather was wonderful and the day was full of laughter, making it a truly delightful day of guiding.
Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Hello! Thank you for choosing Nara! I bet you’ll love Nara. I specialize in Nara because Nara is the unique place where in one day you can cover the history and religions of Japan from the ancient times to the post war era while enjoying rambling in the UNESCO World Heritage park, having communication with lovely deer, surrounded with the beautiful nature.
I grew up in Nara, went university in Kyoto, enjoyed teaching at high schools and a university in Osaka. The three former capitals of Japan are home to me.
After retiring from teaching I began guiding so that I can meet various people from various corners of the world with a variety of cultures and backgrounds. Each time I guide, I find it hugely rewarding because I learn a lot from my guests sharing the history, culture and all that I know about Nara, Kyoto and Osaka.
I used to be a marathon runner, mountain climber and skier though I am not much of them anymore.
What I especially recommend is to stay in Nara a couple of days and enjoy communicating with friendly deer while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Nara in early morning, temples and shrines at night are well worth experiencing.
May 16, 2026
I3520JTcristinat
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nara with family
Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and…
May 16, 2026
I3520JTcristinat
Tripadvisor review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Nara with family
Excellent tour with Junichi!!! Perfect English speaking guide and highly knowledgeable.
Highly recommend this tour!!!!
May 3, 2026
Maria_J
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable day in Nara
We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi…
May 3, 2026
Maria_J
Viator review: Nara 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Enjoyable day in Nara
We spent 6 hours in Nara with Junichi Taguchi and were impressed by how much we were able to see and learn in that time. Traveling as a group of seven adults, we visited Kasuga Taisha, enjoyed lunch at Mizuya Chaya, and explored Tōdai-ji—including the Great Buddha Hall and surrounding grounds. We also spent time at Yoshikien Garden and Irie Taikichi Memorial Museum of Photography, along with encounters with Nara’s famous bowing deer.
Junichi shared clear, informative context throughout the day, adding depth to each stop without ever feeling overwhelming. His pacing was thoughtful, and he kept our group moving smoothly while still allowing time to take things in.
A well-organized and engaging tour—highly recommend Junichi for anyone visiting Nara.
Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day…
Apr 11, 2026
64sandig
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Osaka DEP. with Licensed Guide
????? Absolutely Outstanding ? Junichi Made Our Nara Day Unforgettable!
We had the pleasure of touring Nara with Junichi today, and he was simply phenomenal from the very first moment! Warm, welcoming, and a true professional, Junichi made us feel instantly at ease. His genuine enthusiasm and excellent English made every part of the day enjoyable and easy to follow.
Junichi’s knowledge is encyclopedic, yet he explains everything in such a clear, engaging, and understandable way. At Kofuku-ji Temple, he brought the history and significance of the site to life with fascinating details. We then enjoyed a relaxing lunch together before heading to Nara Park, where we had the delightful experience of feeding the famous bowing deer ? such a fun and memorable moment!
What really stood out was how flexible and attentive Junichi was. When we felt a bit pressed for time, he smoothly adjusted the itinerary and took us to a wonderful sake tasting facility instead of the next temple. We sampled several excellent sakes and couldn’t resist taking some home with us! From there, he led us to an incredible traditional kitchen knife shop run by an artisan whose family has been crafting blades for 750 years (originally making samurai swords). The craftsmanship was breathtaking, and we ended up purchasing a beautiful knife.
Later, Junichi took us to see an original Japanese merchant’s house, which was a real eye-opener ? the minimalistic lifestyle and beautiful architecture were fascinating.
The entire day was perfectly paced, insightful, and filled with wonderful surprises. Junichi’s caring attitude, deep knowledge, and ability to adapt made this one of the best private tour experiences we’ve ever had. We are so grateful we got to spend the day with him.
If you’re visiting Nara, do yourself a favor and book with Junichi ? you won’t regret it! He’s an absolute gem.
Highly, highly recommended ? 5 stars without hesitation!
Mar 30, 2026
dpadillachavez
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
Great day at Nara!
Best tour on Nara, Junichi…
Mar 30, 2026
dpadillachavez
Tripadvisor review: Nara 8hr Private Tour – Kyoto DEP. with Licensed Guide
Great day at Nara!
Best tour on Nara, Junichi is great during the tour! He definitely knows and shows the best
parts of the city.