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 meet at the lobby of Kaya Kyoto Nijo Castle
- (take Kyoto city subway to head for Kintetsu Railway’s Kyoto station)
- 10:30-11:00 Yakushi-ji temple
- 11:30-12:00 Kofuku-ji temple’s National Treasure Museum (including Ashura statue)
- 12:15-13:15 Lunch (Fukujukan Nara Park Store)
- 13:40-14:10 Kasuga Taisha shrine
- 14:10-14:40 Walking through Nara Park (to the direction of Todai-ji temple)
- 14:40-15:10 Todai-ji temple
- (move to Kintetsu Railway’s Nara station)
- 17:00 Back to Kaya Kyoto Nijo Castle
Can You Do a Private Day Trip from Kyoto to Nara? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group visiting from North America.
Based on their wishes, the itinerary was set as follows: Hotel → (subway and Kintetsu line) → Yakushiji Temple → Kofukuji National Treasure Museum → lunch → Kasuga Taisha Shrine → Todaiji Temple → (Kintetsu line and subway) → dispersing at Shijo Karasuma. The tour ran into unexpected situations right from the start. We experienced a delayed departure from the Hotel, trouble with a Pasmo card not passing through the ticket gate, a route change and ticket refund caused by missing the train we had planned to take, and crowded restrooms. Things were hectic up until the transfer toward the Nara area, but the guests placed their trust in the guide, and by the time we arrived at Yakushiji Temple the tour had settled down. The guests expressed admiration for the architecture and Buddhist statues at Yakushiji Temple and the Kofukuji National Treasure Museum. Around Kofukuji Temple, when I arranged some time to interact with the deer, the guests happily photographed the deer with their own smartphones, or had their pictures taken together with the deer. For lunch, I took them to a wagyu restaurant they had requested, where they enjoyed steak-don and sukiyaki-don. We also had some friendly exchanges, such as the guests introducing their pet dog and the guide introducing a pet cat, and I taught them some simple Japanese. At the final stop, Todaiji Temple, everyone seemed overwhelmed by the scale of the Great Buddha. Back in Kyoto, we finally addressed the Pasmo issue at Hankyu Karasuma Station, and after supporting them in taking a taxi to their accommodation at the Shijo Karasuma intersection, the tour came to an end.
Click here for more details: Nara Day Trip from Kyoto: Customized Tour, Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Subway | Marutamachi～Kyoto | 260JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Kyoto～Nishinokyo | 760JPY |
| Section 3 | Train | Nishinokyo～Kintetsu Nara | 300JPY |
| Section 4 | Bus | In front of Todai-ji Great Buddha Hall～Kintetsu Nara | 250JPY |
| Section 5 | Train | Kintetsu Nara～Takeda | 760JPY |
| Section 6 | Subway | Takeda～Shijo | 260JPY |
| Total | 2,590JPY | ||
My name is Masaki Kitagawa, a male in the middle of 50s living in Kyoto with my wife, son and three cats. While working for a local energy company on weekdays, I’ve been a tour guide on weekends since 2019 and enjoy interacting with people coming from different worlds. It is my great pleasure to help you make your excursion time-efficient and pleasant even during the high seasons in Kyoto. Considering your interests, preferences and priorities, I want to design and make your journey fruitful one. I’m thrilled to be contacted from you. Let’s explore Kyoto !
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through…
Jun 3, 2026
Nikki G
Wonderful experience with a great guide!
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Masaki was our guide through Kyoto the day after we arrived. It was a wonderful experience, learning both about the culture and the hidden gems. He shared the details of each temple that he took us to, as well as took us through streets that showed the different styles of the Japanese culture the best part was that he was very communicative prior to and after our tour. He was so on top of everything that he made reservations at a specific restaurant during our tour, based on our interests, so that we do not waste time. It was an area that we would not be able to find on our own, obviously. He also changed some of the areas we were going to tour, based on our sons interest. That was actually the best part for our son, as he was able to experience archery.
The best part is that Masaki is so kind and considerate that there was a typhoon coming through Tokyo during our stay. He knew we were going to be traveling there after Kyoto and he made sure to update us with the train schedules and the storm details. We could not have asked for a better guide through Kyoto. I wish we could utilize his expertise in Tokyo…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!…
May 24, 2026
Pamela_C
Viator review: Private Kyoto Tour with Licensed Guide & Vehicle (Max 15 persons)
Perfect day in Kyoto with the best guide!
Absolutely perfect for getting the most out of a single day in Kyoto. Masaki-san is an excellent tour guide. He communicated well by WhatsApp to set up our plans so we could see everything we wanted. He kindly adjusted our start time after our travel plans were delayed. He figured out the best way to adjust our tour when we spent too long admiring a few places! And he took us to the most amazing local type place for lunch. Overall it was beyond our expectations and we truly are grateful and thankful to Masaki-San for our truly perfect day!
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient…
May 4, 2026
TravelersHigh77
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
Excellent English speaking guide for Kyoto
Masaki was s wonderful and patient guide for our first visit to Kyoto. He explained the significance of the castle and temples we visited, pointing out parts he felt were most interesting. He also went out of his way to help us figure out our bullet train tickets for our return.
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San.…
Nov 29, 2025
vsairamkumar
Kyoto guided tour
Tripadvisor review: Kyoto 6hr Private Tour with Government-Licensed Guide
We had great fun exploring Kyoto with Masaki San. Masaki San helped us plan the itinerary
and customized it for us. We had a good mix of temples and sights and shopping. Kyoto has
amazing history and sights and temples. We will definitely be back to spend more time.