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
- 9:52 Meet on the train at Horyuji Station (Start of Tour)
- 10:03 JR Nara (taxi)
- 10:20-40 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park
- 10:40- Todaiji Temple
- 10:40-50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate)
- (walk 5 minutes)
- 11:00-30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall
- (walk 5 minutes)
- 11:40 Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower
- (walk 5 minutes)
- 11:50-12:20 Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall
- 12:20-50 lunch at Emado-chaya
- (walk 10 minutes)
- 13:00 at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:
- former katana sword manufacturer's
- (walk 10 minutes)
- 13:20-50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine
- (walk 20 minutes)
- 14:40-50 Nakatanido (mochi pounding)
- (walk 15 minutes)
- 15:10 JR Nara
- 15:23 (End of Tour) On the train at JR Horyuji Station
Tour Itinerary in Detail
The tour started at 9:52 at on the train at Horyuji Station (Start of Tour) and ended at 15:23. The day ran to 5 hours and 31 minutes from start to finish.
Over the course of the day the route took in JR Nara (taxi) at 10:03, 40 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park at 10:20, Todaiji Temple at 10:40, 50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate) at 10:40, 30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall at 11:00, Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower at 11:40, Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall at 11:50, 50 lunch at Emado-chaya at 12:20, at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill: at 13:00, 50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine at 13:20, 50 Nakatanido (mochi pounding) at 14:40 and JR Nara at 15:10.
Travel between the sites was by public transport: Horyuji to Nara by train (240JPY); Nara to Horyuji by train (240JPY). Across 2 sections the fare came to 480JPY per person.
Title: What Is a Private Nara Day Tour Like for Guests Ending Their Japan Trip? A Licensed Guide's Report
The guests were a group of visitors from North America, on the final leg of their long trip through Japan and quite tired. Before we met in the morning, they had taken the wrong train at Osaka Station, which left them even more worn out. One member of the group had a somewhat impatient, restless tendency and a bit of a distinctive personality. Even so, toward the end of the day I received some big questions, such as "How do Japanese people feel about the United States regarding World War II, including the atomic bombings?" I explained the myth that Kyoto and Nara were spared bombing "because the Americans understood the value of the ancient capitals," and I also introduced the fact—revealed through declassified U.S. federal government documents—that Kyoto had in fact been one of the candidate targets for the atomic bomb after Hiroshima and Nagasaki. At the group's request, since they were very tired, the tour ended early. It left me with a slight feeling of unfinished business. Many guests place Nara at the very end of their trip, but to understand Japanese history, culture, and religion, I would love for them to visit Nara at the very beginning instead.
Click here for more details: Nara Customized Private Tour in 1 Day with Licensed Guide
Transportation cost per person
| No. | Transportation | Route | Fare |
| Section 1 | Train | Horyuji～Nara | 240JPY |
| Section 2 | Train | Nara～Horyuji | 240JPY |
| Total | 480JPY | ||
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does this Nara tour start and finish?
The guide met the guests at on the train at Horyuji Station (Start of Tour) at 9:52, and the tour finished at (End of Tour) On the train at JR Horyuji Station at 15:23.
How long does the tour last?
About 5 hours and 31 minutes in total, from 9:52 to 15:23.
Which places does this itinerary cover?
This tour visited JR Nara (taxi), 40 Ukigumo-enchi in Nara Deer Park, Todaiji Temple, 50 Todaiji's Nandaimon (South Great Gate), 30 Todaiji's Great Buddha Hall, Todaiji's Shoro Bell Tower, Todaiji's Nigatsudo Hall, 50 lunch at Emado-chaya, at the foot of Wakakusayama Hill:, 50 Kasuga-taisha Shrine, 50 Nakatanido (mochi pounding) and JR Nara.
How much did transport cost on this tour?
Public transport came to 480JPY per person across 2 sections. Transport fares are paid by the guests and are not included in the guiding fee.
Is the guide licensed, and what language is the tour in?
Junichi is a government-licensed national guide-interpreter of Japan and guided this tour in English. Japan Guide Agency (JGA Inc.) works with more than 1,000 licensed guides across all 47 prefectures. Not affiliated with the Japan Guide Association.
Can the itinerary be changed for my own trip?
Yes. This report describes one private tour as it actually ran. Every Nara itinerary is built around the guests, so the places, the pace and the starting point can all be changed before the tour.
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.