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
- 8:30 Meet at Kyoto Station 8:45 Board JR train to Nara 9:40 Arrive at Nara Station 10:00 Nara Park 10:20 Todai-ji Temple 11:20 Lunch (tonkatsu) 12:25 Kasuga Taisha Shrine
- 13:45 Kofuku-ji Temple Treasure Museum 14:20 Naramachi Koshi-no-Ie (Lattice House) 14:50 Nara Crafts Museum 15:37 Board JR train to Kyoto 16:23 Arrive at Kyoto Station
- 16:28 Guide to the Kyoto Station ticket gate and tour ends
What Can You See on a Private Nara Tour? A Licensed Guide's Report on Naramachi and Nara Park
The guest visited Japan from Europe, touring several cities including Tokyo, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka. Having heard in advance about an interest in antique masks, I searched online for places in Nara where they could be purchased. I also inquired with the Nara city office and found that they were available at the Nara Crafts Museum, so after visiting the Naramachi Lattice House, I guided the guest to the museum. However, perhaps because the prices were higher than expected, nothing was purchased. Today was again as warm as early summer. The cherry blossom buds are almost ready to swell. For now, plum blossoms are still the main attraction. Since the guest's native language was French, there were some moments when conversation was a little difficult, but we were able to complete the tour without any problems. Many Japanese tourists were also visiting, giving a sense of the travel season. The photo was taken at Nara Park.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Kyoto～Nara | 720JPY |
| Section 2 | Free Pass | JR Nara Station～JR Nara Station | 600JPY |
| Section 3 | 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.